Openreach Raises Prices to Transition Customers from Copper Lines
Openreach, the infrastructure wing of BT Group, is alerting UK businesses about the impending closure of the traditional copper phone network. As of now, approximately 500,000 business lines remain unconverted. This transition is part of a significant shift towards an all-digital, IP-based service utilizing fiber technology.
Upcoming Changes to Legacy Services
To accelerate the migration process, Openreach has announced substantial price increases on legacy communication products. The goal is to eliminate the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by January 31, 2027. The previous deadlines for this transition had been postponed multiple times, but Openreach is now firmly committed to this timeline.
Price Hikes for Legacy Products
Starting on April 1, service providers and businesses still using legacy systems will experience a 20% price increase. This will be followed by a further 40% increase on July 1, and another identical hike on October 1. By November, any businesses that have not transitioned will effectively be paying double the cost they did in the previous year.
Support for Businesses Transitioning to Digital Services
Openreach is introducing incentives for businesses to migrate to SOGEA, which stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. This service provides broadband connectivity without the need for traditional phone services.
- Increased legacy costs are designed to encourage migration.
- SOGEA is available for businesses making the switch.
According to James Lilley, Openreach’s Director of All-IP, it is crucial for businesses to make the switch. “The PSTN analog network is obsolete and increasingly costly to maintain,” he stated. He emphasized the necessity of transitioning to avoid higher fees.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition for Vulnerable Customers
Openreach is also taking steps to assist vulnerable customers, particularly those reliant on telecare services. Over the past year, they have developed a system known as “Prove Telecare,” aimed at facilitating the migration of users with health-related devices to modern digital services.
However, challenges remain for certain segments of the population, especially older individuals who may lack broadband access. In these cases, Openreach has indicated a pre-digital phone line (PDPL) service will be available, providing interim connectivity until a full transition to a digital service is feasible, expected around 2030.
- PDPL service allows continued use of legacy phone lines temporarily.
- Options for digital migration include SOGEA and SOTAP.
Customers are encouraged to proactively engage with their service providers to ensure uninterrupted access to their phone services during this transition period. Openreach is committed to providing support as the industry moves towards a fully digital future.
