-Understanding Ofcom’s copper retirement framework
Ofcom’s regulatory approach uses a three-stage process to shift from copper to fibre on an exchange-by-exchange basis. The current consultation addresses the second threshold, the point at which Openreach can remove charge controls on copper services once ultrafast coverage reaches 100% of premises in an exchange area.
Here’s what matters: once this threshold is met and notice periods expire, the economic incentive to maintain copper infrastructure disappears. According to Ofcom, Openreach will be able to retire copper networks exchange by exchange, which will avoid the “costly running of two parallel networks.”
The consultation proposes allowing Openreach to exclude certain premises from the 100% coverage calculation. While this provides flexibility for edge cases, it means that most properties, including those with alarm systems, will need to transition to digital connectivity sooner rather than later.
What this means for alarm receiving centres
ARC leadership should view this consultation as a regulatory marker. The copper retirement framework stands as established in previous reviews. That consistency confirms the direction of travel rather than delaying it.
The timeline is getting smaller. With final decisions expected Autumn 2026, exchanges meeting the second threshold could begin copper retirement shortly after. For ARCs managing a number of monitored sites, this means your installer partners need clear guidance on migration pathways.
Compliance becomes more complex. As telecom providers phase out copper services exchange by exchange, you’ll face a mixture of connectivity types across the estates you monitor. Systems must maintain BS 8243 and PD 6662 compliance regardless of the underlying network technology.
Customer retention depends on proactive migration. High-value clients, particularly those in high value residential properties, expect uninterrupted protection. ARCs that get ahead of copper retirement will retain customers; those reacting to service failures will lose them.
The case for digital-first signalling
Copper retirement creates an opportunity to build more durable, future-proof alarm signalling architecture.
IP-based signalling with cellular backup provides the dual-path redundancy that modern standards demand. When primary broadband connections fail, 4G/5G takes over. This matters more as we move beyond the reliability characteristics of dedicated copper lines.
Encryption and authentication improve with modern protocols. Legacy PSTN signalling predates today’s threat landscape. Digital signalling solutions offer end-to-end encryption and mutual authentication between premises and ARC.
Remote diagnostics and monitoring become standard. IP connectivity enables real-time health checks, firmware updates, and proactive maintenance, capabilities impossible with copper-based communicators.
For a detailed roadmap on preparing for these infrastructure changes, see our guide on the PSTN and ISDN switch-off.
Strategic actions for ARC leadership
Engage with the consultation. While the 12 May 2026 deadline may seem distant, ARC input matters. If your organization has views on premises exclusions or notice periods, submit a response. Industry voice shapes regulatory outcomes.
Audit your installer network. Which installers in your supply chain, if any, still default to copper-based signalling? Those relationships need attention. You can’t future-proof your monitoring portfolio if installer practices lag behind infrastructure reality.
Review procurement standards. Make IP-ready signalling a requirement for new installations. For existing systems, establish clear criteria for when migration should happen before copper retirement forces a reactive upgrade.
Communicate proactively with end customers. Property owners and facility managers do not follow Ofcom consultations. ARCs should explain what copper retirement means for their specific sites and what actions need to be taken. This positions you as a trusted advisor.
The regulatory framework is clear. The technology is proven. What remains is execution, migrating thousands of alarm systems before exchange-by-exchange copper retirement becomes reality. ARCs that treat this as a compliance exercise will struggle. Those who see it as a strategic opportunity to modernise alarm infrastructure will strengthen their market position.
For more insight on navigating the PSTN switch-off, explore our resources on infrastructure transition.
Stay ahead of infrastructure change. Download our comprehensive guide on preparing for the PSTN and ISDN switch-off, or contact the AddSecure team to discuss future-proof alarm signalling solutions for your ARC.
Frequently asked questions:
- Q: What is Ofcom’s copper retirement consultation?
A: Ofcom’s March 2026 consultation addresses the second threshold for phasing Openreach’s copper network exchange-by-exchange. It suggests allowing certain premises to be excluded from the 100% ultrafast coverage requirement before copper services can be withdrawn. Final decisions are expected Autumn 2026. - Q: When will the decommissioning of copper networks take place in the UK?
A: Copper retirement will happen on an exchange-by-exchange basis following Ofcom’s three-stage framework. The consultation closes 12 May 2026 with final decisions expected Autumn 2026, after which exchanges meeting the threshold can begin copper decommissioning to avoid running two parallel networks. - Q: How does copper retirement affect alarm systems?
A: Alarm systems relying on copper-based PSTN signalling will lose connectivity as Openreach phases out copper infrastructure exchange by exchange. ARCs and installers must migrate these systems to IP-based digital signalling with cellular backup to maintain compliance and uninterrupted monitoring. - Q: What should ARCs do to prepare for copper retirement?
A: ARCs should audit installer networks for copper-dependent practices, update procurement standards to require IP-ready signalling for new installations, and proactively communicate with customers about migration timelines. Waiting for reactive upgrades risks compliance breaches and customer loss. - Q: Why is Openreach retiring copper networks?
A: Openreach is retiring copper networks to avoid the costly running of two parallel networks as customers migrate to fibre to the premises (FTTP) or rival networks. Ofcom’s regulation supports this retirement while facilitating competition and investment in fibre infrastructure. - Q: What is the second threshold in copper retirement?
A: The second threshold requires Openreach to provide ultrafast coverage to 100% of premises in an exchange area, excluding directed premises, before charge controls on copper services are removed. Once met with required notice periods, copper infrastructure in that exchange can be retired.