Openreach stop sell plans

Here at Virtual1, we're fully committed to supporting our Partners with the transition to a full-fibre, all-IP future. That's why we want to ensure that you're up to date on the latest changes our suppliers are constructing as they prepare for this important technological shift.

What's happening?

You're probably already aware that Openreach are planning to build full-fibre to the premises (FTTP) to more than 25 million premises by the end of 2026. In line with the rapidly increasing availability of its full fibre network, Openreach have notified Communication Providers (CPs) of its intent to begin retiring legacy access technologies and services on an exchange-by-exchange basis. In parallel they are withdrawing their legacy Voice infrastructure (PSTN network) which supports their Wholesale Line Rental product (WLR). This will affect the availability of TalkTalk’s Wholesale and Managed Broadband access services at a growing list of targeted exchanges.


There are several types of Stop Sell and Withdrawal that have been announced by Openreach

1. WLR Stop Sell and Withdrawal

WLR and WLR-based broadband products are to be placed under National Stop Sell in September 2023 and fully withdrawn by December 2025.

2. FTTP Priority Exchange Stop Sell and Withdrawal

These are exchanges where all copper-based services are put into Stop Sell where FTTP is available at a premise. Stop Sell is triggered when FTTP coverage has reached 75% of premises in the Exchange area.

3. Full Local Exchange Exit Pilot

Openreach have announced that they would like to fully close 5 local exchanges in 2024. This is a pilot to prepare for their aspiration to start to fully close all local exchanges from 2030 onwards.

4. Full Local Exchange Closure

Openreach have announced that they would like to fully close all local exchanges in the UK during the early 2030’s starting with a further trial of 100 exchanges in 2029/30 and culminating in a complete closure of circa 4,000 exchanges

Overview:

Openreach have announced that they intend to fully close all local exchanges in the UK throughout the early 2030's.

This will involve fully withdrawing MPF at these ~4000 exchanges (WLR will already have been withdrawn nationally by then). Ethernet (EAD) circuits that terminate or traverse these local exchanges will need to be redirected or transferred to a Metro exchange. It is likely that this full exchange closure will take several years and be performed in tranches, starting with a pilot of 100 exchanges in 2030. Full details have yet to be released on the timings of further closures.

Once all of the local exchanges have been closed, this will leave ~1,100 Metro exchanges serving EAD, FTTP and SOGEA.

We'll fully committed to supporting our Partners with the leap to full-fibre. If you have any further queries or would like more information on how we can help with your Stop Sell requirements please get in touch with your Account Manager.