Catenaa, Friday, November 21, 2025- Openreach will increase prices of four copper-based products in stages over 2026 as the UK prepares to retire the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in January 2027.
The moves aim to accelerate customer migration to digital and fibre services.
Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products will see a 20% increase from April, followed by 40% hikes in July and October, effectively doubling costs in the final three months before the PSTN shutdown.
Openreach is also offering incentives, including free or discounted connections, for communication providers upgrading customers to its SOGEA digital line service where full fibre is not yet available.
The company said around three million lines still require conversion, a rate of roughly 47,000 per week, to meet the 2027 deadline.
Customers remaining on PSTN after the switch-off, including those using Critical National Infrastructure or needing support for vulnerable users, will transition to an emergency voice-only service offering basic PSTN-like functionality.
Openreach executives said the price increases are intended to encourage action, while special offers help make the transition smoother.
Full fibre and digital alternatives provide faster, more reliable, and scalable connectivity for businesses and consumers.
Competitors have challenged Openreach’s offers, claiming pricing undercuts efficient operators and could hinder network competition.
Ofcom rejected an appeal in October, stating commercial pressure alone does not warrant intervention.
