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PSTN retirement next steps from Openreach

Openreach is trialling methods to encourage customers to upgrade to full fibre before the PSTN switch off in 2025.

Openreach is planning trials in Salisbury, Wiltshire and Mildenhall, Suffolk, which will introduce restrictions that prevent out-bound telephone calls (with the exception of calls to the emergency services) and limit broadband speeds. This is with the aim to encourage customers still using analogue phone lines, to contact their provider and upgrade to new, digital alternatives.

What does this mean?

The majority of Exa customers relying on the PSTN network have now been moved over to a product called SoGEA, while the full fibre build completes across the UK.

If you are using SoGEA connectivity, this means your bandwidth will not be affected by these measures, however you will no longer be able to use your analogue phone line. We recommend those who require telephone services get in touch with us to discuss VoIP options asap, to avoid the risk of disruption.

For those remaining on the copper network (who aren’t exempt) Openreach will be reducing download speeds to around 2Mbps from April 24, followed by the blocking of out-bound calls, from June 5. The changes will be introduced in batches to better manage customer responses.

If you are unsure about what your connection is, what it means for you and would like to discuss your options with us, please feel free to Contact Us.

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