In addition OR are targeting 26m FTTP connections by 2026 so by the time PSTN is completely removed there will be around 21m FTTP connections in place.

I think we need to be more careful with the wording here. The target is to build coverage to 26m, but there is no way on earth there will 26m FTTP connections by 2026.

Some hefty "acceleration" of the rollout will be needed just to make the 26M premises passed figure. At the current rate of 50K prem. passed per week build, its not going to happen until early 2029

Witchunt

Sorry for the lax wording, I was meaning passed not working. But with PSTN withdrawal I believe take-up will be high in areas with only ADSL or restricted VDSL capacity as the ADSL equipment will also be on it's last legs by then. I recognise that you will not be aware of BTW / BTRetail plans for ADSL equipment, but they must be thinking about it's wear-out. (Especially with it's high power consumption / cost ) .

And PSTN cease means non-headend exchanges can be closed. Considerable value in the scrapping of their electrical and electronic contents. Ending of leases also a consideration, though how many would benefit from early termination depends on how smart the regional staff were when they were sold and leased back.

Ten years ago I could have asked my wife about that 😳.

The savings could well outweigh the cost of add-on boxes to FTTC cabs and PCPs to cater for non-broadband households in their coverage.

Interesting thread, thanks all. I was on the point of posting a similar question, but this has answered everything I wanted to know. There are a number of older folks in my village in this situation, and if necessary I want to be able to explain clearly what their options will be.

Seems like the PSTN will be switched off but the lights at the local exchanges will remain on for many years

I don't think the exchange closure programme starts until 2030 and is only about 100 to begin with. I think SOTAP will be around for a while after that.

The actuaries and bean counters deep within BT Group must’ve run the figures on which of the bigger, city and perhaps some urban exchanges closures will save them the most cash.

The little tin sheds in the highlands probably don’t figure and they’ll cost out running in copper for decades. For everyone else the sooner they can move to fibre the better. Dual running platforms is ruinous.

In reply to a post by dect:

Seems like the PSTN will be switched off but the lights at the local exchanges will remain on for many years

Yes. Realistically, it can't really be any other way. Nor would it really be sensible to do it another way.

Obviously the focus of many on these forums is the build-out of FTTP. But for a great many others, i.e. those who have a reliable and fast-enough FTTC connection, the current arrangements (in terms of broadband) are quite suitable / adequate.

Demands of coirse may well shift over time - e.g. domestic demand for higher bandwidth connectivity driven by ever higher definition video or immersive games / experiences.

In reply to a post by binary:

Yes. Realistically, it can't really be any other way. Nor would it really be sensible to do it another way.

Obviously the focus of many on these forums is the build-out of FTTP. But for a great many others, i.e. those who have a reliable and fast-enough FTTC connection, the current arrangements (in terms of broadband) are quite suitable / adequate.

Demands of coirse may well shift over time - e.g. domestic demand for higher bandwidth connectivity driven by ever higher definition video or immersive games / experiences.

I was referring to the fact that if SOTAP is used to supply those with voice only services after the PSTN has been switched off the requirement to have copper going all the way back to the local exchange would still be required so the exchange couldn't be handed back after all the other kit/services have been scrapped or moved. Those still with SOGEA or FTTC services already go back to headend exchanges which in a lot of cases isn't the local exchange .

Edited by deleted (Sat 12-Feb-22 11:38:42)