Last Updated on December 5, 2025
UK phone lines are going through one of the biggest changes in decades.
BT and Openreach are moving the entire country away from copper-based services and shifting everything to digital lines.
If you rely on a landline for work or home, these changes will affect you. The term stop sell dates refers to the deadlines that limit access to older services before they are fully switched off.
This shift is not far away. You might already be in an area where new copper products are no longer available.
You might also notice that your provider is encouraging you to upgrade. This can feel confusing if you are unsure what is happening or what you are supposed to do next.
The purpose of this guide is to give you clear information without jargon. By the end, you will know why this change is happening, who is affected, and what steps you can take to stay connected.
If you run a business, you will also see how a virtual landline from Air Landline gives you a smooth way to move forward without stress.
What Is Openreach Stop Sell?
Openreach builds and maintains most of the UK’s phone and broadband network.
When they change how the network works, the whole country feels the impact. The stop sell policy is one of the key steps in the move away from copper lines.
A stop sell does not mean an instant switch-off. It means Openreach will not allow providers to offer new copper-based products in specific areas.
These products include standard phone lines, PSTN services, and older broadband that still depends on copper cables.
Here is what happens when a stop sell takes place:
- You cannot order a new copper line.
- You cannot switch from one copper-based product to another.
- You cannot restart a stopped copper service.
- You cannot downgrade to a slower copper product.
If you already have a copper-based service, you can keep using it for now. The stop sell simply blocks new supply. The next step is the full withdrawal date when the service is removed.
The reason behind the stop sell is simple. Fibre is now the long-term network for the UK.
Copper is expensive to maintain, prone to faults, and limited in speed. Fibre is faster, clearer, and more stable.
Once enough fibre coverage exists in a region, Openreach triggers a stop sell for that exchange.
This is why you might hear from your provider even if nothing has changed at your address.
Once an exchange enters stop sell, every customer connected to it is included in the update cycle.
The term stop sell date BT OpenReach is often used in provider updates.
It refers to the date when each exchange begins limiting access to older services. These dates are part of a national timetable that leads to a final switch-off in 2027.
Are BT Getting Rid of Copper Lines?
Yes. BT is phasing out all copper phone lines by the end of 2027. This includes traditional landlines that have been used for decades.
Copper lines carry PSTN and ISDN services. Both systems will be retired because they cannot support modern communication needs.
Older phones rely on these systems. Alarm lines, payment terminals, careline devices, fax machines, and many other products also depend on PSTN.
Once the network is switched off, these products will stop working unless they are upgraded or replaced.
Here is what BT is doing across the UK:
- Upgrading areas to fibre as soon as possible.
- Preventing providers from selling new copper products where fibre is available.
- Preparing to withdraw copper-based services once an area reaches the required coverage level.
People often assume they will be forced into expensive installations. That is not always the case. You do not have to install fibre broadband to stay reachable.
You can move your landline number to a virtual solution like Air Landline and continue taking calls on your mobile without touching the wiring in your property.
It is better to act early so you are not rushed later. Waiting until the switch-off date could leave you without a working landline or facing a long queue for upgrades.
What Is FTTP Priority Exchange Stop Sell?
FTTP stands for Fibre to the Premises. This type of connection brings fibre directly to your home or business.
It does not rely on copper at any stage. FTTP is the best long-term option for digital phone and broadband.
Some exchanges reach a stage where FTTP coverage is high enough for Openreach to label them as priority exchanges. When this happens, a stricter stop sell takes effect.
In priority exchange areas:
- Copper-based products stop being available.
- Providers must offer fibre-based services instead.
- Customers who try to modify their service will be directed to fibre.
This is where the Openreach stop sell exchange list becomes important.
Your area might already be included.
If it appears on that list, you cannot order new copper lines even if you prefer to stay with older technology.
This shift is part of a wider effort to make the UK fully digital. Fibre is more reliable and supports modern communication systems.
It also removes the long-term maintenance problems linked with copper networks.
A priority exchange stop sell does not immediately require action from those who already have copper lines, but it is a sign that the switch-off is close. You will eventually need an alternative.
For many people, relying on a mobile-based solution is easier than arranging a fibre installation.
Air Landline works well in these situations because you can keep a professional landline number and take calls on your mobile without needing broadband.
Will I Be Affected by the Changes?
Most people in the UK will face changes before the 2027 switch-off.
The main question is how soon your local exchange will enter the next phase.
You are likely to be affected if:
- You use a traditional landline at home.
- You run a business that relies on a landline number.
- You use devices that connect through PSTN such as care alarms or card machines.
- You have copper-dependent broadband.
- You plan to move to a new property and need to set up a landline.
Once your exchange enters stop sell, you cannot order or reconfigure copper-based services. If something fails, your provider may require you to switch to a fibre product.
The term stop sell dates for copper often appears in provider notices. It relates to the exact date your area passes the threshold for limiting copper services. These dates differ from one location to another.
The most important thing to know is that you have time to prepare. You can choose the option that fits your needs instead of being rushed near the deadline.
If you want to keep your landline number without upgrading your home connection, a virtual number gives you a simple path forward.
What Are My Options?
The stop sell policy removes older services from the market, but it does not remove your choices.
You can decide what works best for your situation, whether you’re running a business or managing calls at home.
Here are your options depending on your needs:
- Switch to a fibre-based service through your broadband provider
- Set up VoIP calling using your internet connection
- Move your number to a virtual landline service like Air Landline
- Use a combination of mobile and digital tools to stay reachable
Some of these options require new equipment or installations. Others, like virtual numbers, work with what you already have: your mobile.
Let’s take a closer look at what works best for each group.
Business Owner
If you run a business, even a small one, the landline switch-off can feel like a problem.
Losing your existing number or needing to change the way customers reach you can disrupt your workflow.
That’s why planning ahead matters.
Businesses that rely on landlines for customer service, bookings, or sales calls need to stay reachable.
Missing calls means missing revenue. Waiting until your service is cut off means you’ll be rushed into a fix that may not work for your setup.
One way to stay ahead is to switch to a virtual business number that keeps you in control without needing new hardware. This is where Air Landline comes in.
Air Landline lets you:
- Pick a professional landline number from your local area or any region in the UK
- Answer calls on your mobile, tablet, or computer
- Avoid internet issues because there is no broadband or app needed
- Set business hours so you’re not disturbed outside of work time
- Receive voicemail by email, including full transcription
- Share the number with your team using call routing
For just £9.99 + VAT per month, you get a landline that works anywhere. You can keep your current mobile setup and still appear professional to customers.
It also works with national 0330 numbers, giving you flexibility if you work with clients across the UK.
This option is also ideal if you’ve been using a mobile number for work but want to appear more established.
A mobile number on a business listing can put off customers. A virtual landline gives your business a stronger first impression.
You don’t have to upgrade your broadband. You don’t need new devices. You don’t even have to leave the house.
Just activate your number and start taking calls the same day.
Homeowner
If you’re using a landline at home, your concerns might be different. You may have family who prefers using a traditional phone, or you may need to keep the number you’ve had for years.
You may also rely on that number for receiving calls from schools, doctors, or relatives.
When copper services are removed, that phone socket on the wall may no longer work.
If your internet provider hasn’t upgraded you to a fibre-compatible phone line, you may lose access to incoming and outgoing calls.
You could wait until your provider contacts you, or you could make a decision now that gives you peace of mind.
One solution is to switch to a mobile-based or VoIP service. Another option is to port your landline number to a virtual provider like Air Landline.
With Air Landline:
- You can keep your number even if your provider shuts down your line
- You can receive calls on your mobile without using data
- You can still have voicemail and call forwarding
- You can avoid installation delays or hidden costs
If you’re not ready for a fibre connection, or you want a service that keeps things simple, a virtual landline number gives you the freedom to take calls without worrying about cables or engineer visits.
This is also helpful if you’re moving home and don’t want to lose your number in the process.
List of Locations That Will be Affected
The following areas are part of the official Openreach stop sell exchange list.
If you’re based in one of these towns or cities, your access to new copper-based services is likely already limited or will be soon. Existing lines will remain active for now, but changes are coming.
In Wales:
- Llanwnda, Groeslon
- Pentraeth, Pentraeth
- Botwnnog, Botwnnog
- Tynygroes, Colwyn Bay
- Llanpumsaint, Llanpumsaint
- Cemmaes Road, Cemmaes
- Penarth, Penarth
- Abergynolwyn, Twywn
- Gower, Reynoldston
- Newport Chartist, Newport
- Bethesda, Bethesda
- Abercynon, Abercynon
In England:
- Norwood Hill, Horley
- Dawes Green, Reigate
- Friskney, Friskney
- Passfield, Liphook
- Ide Hill, Sevenoaks
- Trowbridge, Trowbridge
- North, Liverpool
- Great Yarmouth, Great Yarmouth
- St Neots, St Neots
- Elstree, Borehamwood
- Tunbridge Wells, Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Chippenham, Chippenham (Wiltshire)
- Felixstowe, Felixstowe
- Forest Hill, Lewisham, Greater London
- Ware, Ware
- Coggeshall, Coggeshall
- Albrighton, Albrighton
- Arkwright, Nottingham
- Aston Common, Swallownest
- Barnsley, Barnsley
- Beeston, Beeston (Broxtowe)
- Blackburn, Blackburn
- Blackpool, Blackpool
- Bolsover, Bolsover
- Broughton, Fulwood
- Didsbury, Greater Manchester
- Dinnington, Dinnington (Rotherham)
- Elland, Elland
- Erdington, Birmingham
- Fulwood, Fulwood
- Holmewood, North Wingfield
- Kegworth, Kegworth
- Keighley, Keighley
- Merstham, Redhill (Surrey)
- New Malden, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London
- Pleasley, Mansfield
- Portsmouth North, Portsmouth
- Priory, Birmingham
- Bayford, Hertford
- Cheriton Fitzpaine, Cheriton Fitzpaine
- Pickmere, Higher Wincham
- Chester Central, Chester
- Kelsall, Kelsall
- Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent
- Workington, Workington
- Ferryhill, Ferryhill
- Keyingham, Thorngumbald
- Adlington, Adlington
- Selsey, Selsey
- Nonington, Aylesham
- Dartford, Bexley, Greater London
- Higham, Higham
- Shotley, Ipswich
- Burwell, Burwell
- Eye, Eye (City of Peterborough)
- Chatteris, Chatteris
- Sawtry, Sawtry
- Dersingham, Dersingham
- Spalding, Spalding
- Queensbury, Bradford
- Rainham, Havering, Greater London
- Rossington, New Rossington
- Rusholme, Greater Manchester
- Shifnal, Shifnal
- South Benfleet, Rayleigh
- Thrybergh, Rotherham
- Tilbury, Tilbury
- Tilton, Tilton on the Hill
- Walsall, Walsall
In Scotland:
- Stronsay, Dishes, Orkney Islands
- Humbie, Humbie
- Dunphail, Forres
- Bentpath, Bentpath
- Carluke, Carluke
- Caldercruix, Plains
- Cambuslang, Cambuslang
- Provanmill, Glasgow
- Springburn, Glasgow
- Winchburgh, Winchburgh
How to Get a Virtual Number in 3 Simple Steps
If you’re affected by the stop sell or just want to avoid the hassle of switching to fibre, a virtual number offers a straightforward solution.
Air Landline makes the process quick and easy. There’s no engineer visit, no app downloads, no contracts.
You can be set up in minutes and start receiving calls on your mobile, just like you would with a traditional landline.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1:
Pick a local or national number from Air Landline’s list of 660+ UK area codes.
You can select a number that matches your business location or one that appeals to a broader audience.
Step 2:
In the next step, you’ll need to enter your personal details, such as your first and last name, and your address.
Step 3:
Start receiving calls instantly and enjoy your 7-day trial.
Customers see a familiar area code, which builds trust across your local area and gives your business the feel of a local landline.
Start your trial today!
Frequently Asked Questions
If your phone connects to a traditional wall socket and runs through PSTN, it will no longer work after the full switch-off.
Some phones can be reused with digital adapters, but many people are choosing to switch to mobile or virtual phone services instead.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment, and some areas experience waiting times, especially closer to the 2027 deadline. That’s why many people are looking for quicker alternatives like virtual landlines.
You get a local or national number, and it works on your mobile or computer. You can set up voicemail, routing, and business hours, ideal for sole traders or teams.
The process is simple: once you’ve signed up, send in your number, a recent bill, and proof of address.
Air Landline handles the transfer, and there’s no disruption in service.
Once the porting is done, your old number will work just like before, on your mobile.
The Takeaway – Getting a Virtual Phone Number
The end of copper phone lines is no longer a rumour. It’s happening now. Stop sell notices are rolling out across the country, and the full switch-off is planned for 2027.
You could wait and risk losing your landline, or you could take action now and avoid the stress.
Air Landline gives you a modern, low-hassle solution that keeps your number and moves your calls to your mobile.
It’s quick to set up, simple to manage, and doesn’t require any new wiring or expensive equipment.
If you want a reliable number for your business or home, this is one of the easiest ways to stay connected.
Try it for 7 days. No contracts. No hidden fees.
Start now and stay ahead of the switch-off.