Openreach hikes copper line prices to accelerate digital migration

Openreach hikes copper line prices to accelerate digital migration is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Openreach will double copper line rental costs in the final three months ahead of the PSTN shutdown in January 2027.
• New incentives, including free connections to digital alternatives, aim to support CPs and end users during the transition.

What happened: Incentivising the shift to digital lines before PSTN switch-off

Openreach has announced a series of price increases for its copper-based products and services to incentivise communications providers (CPs) to migrate customers to digital lines before the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is switched off in January 2027.

From 1 April 2026, rental prices for Openreach’s wholesale line rental (WLR) basic product and its variants will rise by 20 per cent, followed by 40 per cent increases in both July and October, ultimately doubling the current cost. The increases affect four key copper products and are timed to accelerate the final phase of the PSTN switch-off.

In parallel, Openreach is enhancing migration incentives. CPs who move customers to Sogea, a digital line alternative where full fibre is unavailable, can access free or discounted connections. These incentives complement existing schemes, including Equinox pricing, trial offers for full-fibre orders, and promotions for Ethernet access direct lines under 1Gbps.

Additionally, Openreach recently launched Prove Telecare, a service enabling telecare users—often elderly or vulnerable—to transition to digital lines without losing access to critical life-supporting devices.

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Why it’s important

The UK’s transition from copper-based networks to digital infrastructure is a major step in modernising telecoms and ensuring long-term connectivity. By doubling copper line prices, Openreach creates a clear financial incentive for CPs to accelerate migration, helping avoid last-minute bottlenecks ahead of the PSTN shutdown.

The push also supports the adoption of full fibre and Sogea services, which provide faster, more reliable connections for both consumers and businesses. Digital migration is particularly critical for vulnerable users reliant on telecare systems, ensuring safety while modernising the network.

Overall, Openreach’s measures reflect the broader industry drive to complete the UK’s PSTN retirement on schedule, securing a fully digital future for telecoms while balancing commercial incentives with social responsibility.