Why Northern Ireland must move from copper to fibre - and why now is the time

By Lauren McGaughey, Acting Director, Openreach NI

Across Northern Ireland, how we live, work and connect is transforming.

From everyday video calls with loved ones to the ways our businesses operate and grow, digital connectivity has become the backbone of modern life. And the truth is simple: the future is full fibre.

At Openreach, we’ve been building the full fibre broadband network that will support Northern Ireland for generations to come. This is one of the largest infrastructure programmes the UK has ever seen, and in Northern Ireland we’re proud to be leading the charge. Earlier this year we reached 90% Full Fibre coverage - the highest in the UK.

But building the future is only one half of the story. The other half is helping people let go of the past.

- Why We Must Move On From the Old Copper Network:

Northern Ireland’s copper network has served us well for decades, but technology has moved on. The copper-based PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is becoming less reliable, more challenging to maintain and increasingly at risk of failure. That is why it will be fully switched off across the UK in 2027.

Some people worry this means losing service. In fact, it’s the opposite. Staying on copper is what puts customers - and essential services - at risk.

Full fibre is more reliable, more resilient to weather, more secure, and able to support the ever-growing demand for faster connections.

- Ballyclare Leads the Way:

In Ballyclare, the majority of residents and businesses have already made the leap to fibre. That local momentum means we can now responsibly close the old exchange - a major milestone in ensuring customers aren’t left relying on a legacy network that will soon be retired.

- Supporting Every Customer, especially the Vulnerable:

We recognise that switching networks can feel daunting, especially for customers who rely on telecare health devices or businesses with critical equipment connected to the old network.

We’ve built new services to make migration safe and seamless: Our new Telecare Migration Service, launched UK-wide in October, ensures no customer with a telecare device is left without protection.

Trained Openreach engineers can test devices before and after migration - and if anything isn’t working, we put everything back until it is.

For businesses, Communication Providers offer alternative options, ensuring things like lift lines, alarms, payment machines and other vital systems stay operational. No one will be left behind.

- A More Connected Future for Northern Ireland

Full fibre opens the door to online NHS services, education tools, secure digital government services, smarter homes and more innovative business models. It provides the platform for Northern Ireland’s economic growth and prepares our communities for the future.

We are proud to be building that future - and to be the trusted partner helping Northern Ireland make the move safely and confidently.