BT Group announced in 2017 that the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) would be closed down in 2025.
As Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) relies on the PSTN, that means Openreach will no longer offer or support WLR products (that enable own-brand phone service on our network using our copper cables and networking equipment) by the end of 2025, as we move to new digital, internet-based (All IP) services such as FTTP, SOGfast and SOGEA.
We’ll stop selling new WLR across the UK from September 2023. And as we continue our full fibre roll out, we’re also winding down the range of copper-based services we supply.
The following Openreach products will therefore be withdrawn as part of WLR withdrawal:
WLR3 analogue WLR3 ISDN2
WLR3 ISDN30 LLU SMPF
SLU SMPF Narrowband Line Share
Classic
This is an exciting challenge and it’s vital to understand the impact of the digital upgrade on your business.
To help us prepare for the digital upgrade we will stop selling analogue phone lines to new customers in a phased way by September 2023 across the UK which means in some locations where we’re building FTTP, we may stop selling WLR before that time. For more information on stop sells, please follow the link here.
We’re also working closely with communications providers and industry bodies to build an inventory of line connections to determine the impact on end customers and collectively work through any migration challenges. This is where we really need your help and insight – and that’s why we’ve set up working groups to help gather this knowledge. By working together, we can deliver the best outcomes for industry and end customers.
To receive invites to our working group meetings, please follow the link here to register for our Newsletter and Future Events Subscription.
Subscribe to the WLR newsletter and Future Industry Events
To get our newsletter on the WLR withdrawal programme and hear about upcoming events, please sign up here.
Transitioning Copper Services to All IP Working Group – 31 January 2023
Getting ready for the digital upgrade to All IP
Transitioning Copper Services to All IP Working Group – 28 September 2022 – Part One
Transitioning Copper Services to All IP Working Group – 28 September 2022 – Part Two
Recording of Transitioning Copper Services to All IP working group – 22 March 2022
Recording of Transitioning Copper Services to All IP Working Group - 26 July 2022 - Part One
Recording of Transitioning Copper Services to All IP Working Group - 26 July 2022 - Part Two
Please refer to individual product pages for prices
You can find information about using this site, advice on services and help with your account on our help and support pages.
Are you interested in having a say in how the industry meets its customers’ needs? You can find out more about getting involved on our industry forum pages.
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