Openreach Origin

Openreach was established in 2006 following a strategic review by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. The review concluded that BT needed to provide fair and equal access to its local access network for all communications providers. Rather than fully separating BT, Ofcom required the creation of a functionally separate business within BT Group.

Openreach Evolution

Historically, Openreach maintained a copper-based network designed primarily for voice services using the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Broadband services such as ADSL and later FTTC were added on top of this infrastructure. From the 2010s onwards, Openreach began a major transition towards fibre-based connectivity, including: FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) - fibre to street cabinets with copper to premises FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) - full fibre directly to homes and businesses This transition supports higher speeds, improved reliability and the move to all-IP digital voice services.

Openreach Today

Today, Openreach operates the largest access network in the UK and is leading the rollout of full fibre broadband, alongside the planned retirement of the traditional PSTN and copper-based services. As the UK moves towards an all-digital network, Openreach continues to play a central role in modernising national communications infrastructure.

PSTN Network Switch Off In 2027

Openreach and the wider UK telecoms industry are retiring the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and associated copper-based services as part of the move to an all-digital, internet-protocol (IP) based network.

The PSTN and associated wholesale copper services - including traditional analogue phone lines, ISDN2, ISDN30 and other legacy products - are being withdrawn.

These services historically relied on copper wiring connected from exchanges to premises. They will be replaced with digital alternatives such as Full Fibre (FTTP) and IP-based broadband services like SOGEA, SOGFAST and other All-IP products.

Originally planned for December 2025, the final withdrawal of the PSTN network has been rescheduled to 31 January 2027 to give more time for migration, particularly for vulnerable customers and specialist services. By this date, all legacy services that depend on the PSTN must be transitioned off the copper network.

BeFibre - Only Offer Full Fibre

BeFibre is an alternative network to Openreach and their extensive network covers The Midlands, Yorkshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, the North West and parts of South East England. BeFibre