As said where FTTP is not available at a premises, then it will continue via SOGEA (basically FTTC without the underlying PSTN back to the exchange) and via SOTAP (basically ADSL again without the underlying PSTN element)

The programme has already started - you may have heard of the FTTP Priority Exchange programme - however they aren’t (pro)actively recovering copper as said.

There is lots of info out there both from Openreach and Ofcom which covers the timescales etc. I’ll link to it later when I emerge from meetings.

Exchange based broadband will satisfy most where they don't have an existing broadband service. Those out of reach will either be on the programme for FTTP or an alternative method e.g. 4g or possibly even LEO satellite service

Of course, but what are the plans to offer the greatly increased FTTC cabinet connections that would be required?

Its an interesting angle you are taking on this which I hadn't previously considered about FTTC capacity.

Don't need an FTTC connection to deliver the phone USO. Just a basic broadband service will suffice .

But surely BT aren't going to be providing via ADSL exchange based equipment so expectation would presumably be that they would provide FTTC if that is what is delivered to that area? Which does indeed beg the OPs question as to how many upgrades will be need to street cabs to support the current people that don't have broadband but do have a phone line.

I doubt if many new cabinets will be required. Ofcom reckons 95% of UK households can get over 30Mbps already, with 97% having internet access. Many of those will have lower speed FTTC available or already on VM which is not affected in the same way as Openreach suppliers.

A phone service requires tiny bandwith. Sipgate says:

Most calls require around 64kbps of bandwidth and you can make around 12 calls concurrently using 1mbps of bandwidth and to be able to hold 120 calls at the same time you’d need 10Mbps of bandwidth.

Plus of course mobile phone services are now widespread even if their broadband speeds are negligible.

I do hope someone else has thought of it! Seeing the OMR gradings for my county and the performance of HMG so far leads me to be concerned that the amount of government money available will not be enough to fill the commercial gaps. Therefore either FTTC or wireless broadband (please not satellite!) will be needed. Wireless again problematical. Progress on mast sharing is poor and there are loads of not and poor spots around. Barely 2g in places.

witchunt - where is "a basic broadband service" going to come from if not FTTC or wireless/satellite? VM coverage is non-existent.

All but a handful of exchanges have ADSL equipment capable of supporting a low bandwidth connection for most that don't already have a broadband service. The copper will still be connected to years to come