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Openreach Warns 2.8 Million Must Move Off Copper as 2027 PSTN Switch-Off Looms

Legacy Wholesale Line Rental charges will jump in April, July, then October 2026 to accelerate migration.

Overview

  • Openreach says more than half a million of the remaining lines serve business premises that risk higher costs and eventual loss of service.
  • Price rises on legacy WLR products are scheduled as 20% from April 1, then a further 40% from July 1, and another 40% from October 1, effectively doubling 2025 rental rates.
  • The current migration pace is about 46,000 lines per week, which Openreach says must rise to roughly 52,000 per week to meet the January 31, 2027 deadline.
  • Openreach reports technical barriers have been resolved, including protections for vulnerable telecare users through its Prove Telecare work.
  • Customers are being moved to SOGEA where available, with SOTAP or PDPL as interim options and EVAC as a last-resort service for those who do not act.