as I understand it Openreach will allow the Copper Phone Line to stay in such circumstances., (ie. For a vulnerable customer).
https://www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband/retiring-t...
Definitely not.
Openreach have fixed timetable for the PSTN closure.
From September 2023 we'll only provide digital phones across the UK.
PSTN can't be ordered after September 2023 and existing lines will need migrated to VOIP by 2025 when the network is completely switched off.
The provider may allow vulnerable customers to retain their analogue copper phone line beyond the providers own deadline, which can be earlier than Openreach's deadline, but Openreach will not make exceptions.
There's a bit right at the bottom of that page about vulnerable customers that some people read too much in to. It says nothing about Openreach making exceptions. It's the provider who can make exceptions to their own timetable/policy but that exception can't be leaving things as they are.
If you have a good reason not to make the move - there may be special exceptions such as if you're a vulnerable customer or have critical equipment that might not work. If you think this applies to you, you should check with your service provider to check what's the best option for you.
Those options may be a mobile phone, VOIP, a satellite phone, providing a UPS to power the router/VOIP handset, etc, or just a temporary delay to the provider moving the customer to VOIP.
It could be a mix of all of the above. BT are making a handset that does VOIP, contains a SIM for mobile backup and they can also provide a UPS. There was talk of a BT handset with satellite backup rather than a mobile based backup for those with no mobile reception. No idea what came of that.
BT will also allow you to delay the switch to VOIP to give you time to upgrade home alarm systems or care alarm systems that rely on a traditional analogue line.
However it's just a delay as the Openreach equipment is being turned off on the date scheduled.
All of the above is related to PSTN only (exchange powered analogue telephone lines) and has nothing to do with the copper line itself. Copper lines will be around a long time after 2025 for broadband and VOIP for millions who still have no FTTP available.
Edited by j0hn83 (Sun 11-Jun-23 00:41:54)