The global volume of data transmission is skyrocketing, with more data now being sent every ten minutes than existed before 2003. The UK’s copper communications network, in service since 1876, has reached the end of its lifespan, and in less than two years, the nation will bid farewell to its antiquated ADSL network for good.
The transition to full fibre broadband brings faster, more reliable internet, but for housing providers, it also necessitates critical preparations to ensure uninterrupted services.
What’s happening?
On 31 January 2027, the UK’s copper-based ADSL network will be permanently switched off and all internet and landline connections will need to operate on fibre-optic broadband. Openreach, the company managing the nation’s fixed-line network infrastructure, has already stopped selling new copper-based services. Existing services can still operate until the cut-off date, but modifications are no longer possible. After the deadline, legacy connections will cease to function entirely.
For properties still connected via ADSL, this impending change could have significant implications for any services that depend on reliable internet connectivity. Resident internet access, security systems, heating and air-conditioning, automated lighting and even emergency call buttons in lifts could all be affected.
In buildings connected to heat networks, taking action is particularly important as the copper switch-off coincides with a strengthening of legal requirements designed to ensure greater protection and fairness for heat network users and improved network efficiencies. Any disruption to data transmission would mean metering, billing, and performance monitoring systems would stop working and data would be lost. That could result in anything from billing inaccuracies to reduced operational efficiency, higher energy costs and increased emissions. As well as causing residents to feel rightly disgruntled, it could put heat network operators in breach of regulations, potentially leading to financial or other penalties from Ofgem.
Apartment building owners and managers need to act now to prepare for the switch-off and avoid all these types of problems.
Who is Affected?
Developments over ten years old are more likely to still rely on copper-based connections, whereas newer blocks typically have full fibre broadband. However, even properties with fibre-optic connections may lack the robust infrastructure needed for essential services if they are dependent on wireless solutions.
To guarantee seamless and reliable data communication, a dedicated, hardwired Fixed Internet Connection (FIC) is the best solution. Unlike shared or wireless connections, FICs offer an uninterrupted service which is unaffected by variations in signal strength. They also provide significantly faster speeds, lower latency, greater stability, and higher security than WiFi.
The most reliable and cost-effective FIC option is Full Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), where a fibre-based router connects directly to the building’s Optical Network Termination (ONT) device. FTTP is faster and less prone to interference than copper connections. Alternative approaches, such as leveraging existing on-site solutions like Hyperoptic or Local Area Networks (LANs), are also possible but tend to be less robust. For 100 per cent reliability, the FIC should be backed up by a failover 4G multinet roaming SIM.
Key features of a reliable FIC:
- Dedicated connection: not shared with other services, like CCTV, to avoid bandwidth limitations.
- Static IP address: preventing interruptions by maintaining a consistent network address for devices.
- Failover support: a 4G multinet roaming SIM backup ensures resilience, maintaining connectivity 24/7.
Internal upgrades
Some older properties may also require internal wiring upgrades to replace legacy copper infrastructure within the site. Although any interior ADSL network can theoretically still function until 2030, it will be transmitting data at a much slower speed than the fibre link to and from the building.
This upgrading process can be complex and expensive due to the need to remove and replace fire-stopping materials. Situating equipment like data-collection devices close to the ONT can help minimise rewiring requirements. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to start assessing the scope of work needed well before the 2027 deadline to allow for a planned and efficient process. The more work that’s likely to be involved, the more important it is not to leave it to the last minute.
FIC Management
Newer properties may already have site-wide FTTP connections that were installed by the developer during construction. In these cases, ownership of the fibre account should be transferred from the developer to the property manager to ensure it’s managed appropriately.
For FIC accounts linked to heat networks , this can be outsourced to metering and billing providers, who can ensure proper and timely payment of bills, recovering costs through residents’ energy services tariffs. They can also respond quickly to any pricing changes and are likely to be able to fix faults much faster than traditional ISPs. Additionally, these providers may be able to secure lower installation costs through ISP brokers, potentially saving property managers time and money.
Managing the Transition
Housing providers should begin by auditing the connectivity of their properties. If they already have FTTP, this will be indicated on their contracts and bills. If not, Openreach’s online fibre checker (openreach.com/fibre-broadband) can help identify whether it’s available yet. If it is, obtaining a connection from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) typically takes 10 to 14 days and includes the installation of an ONT if not already present.
For properties without FTTP, upgrading now is critical. Approximately 70% of UK premises already have access to full fibre broadband, with this figure expected to rise to 96% by the end of 2026. However, the closer we get to the ADSL switch-off deadline, the greater the demand for installations, potentially causing delays.
A Proactive Approach
The process of upgrading to a FIC with a static IP address is far smoother and more efficient when approached proactively. By reviewing the connectivity of housing stock now, building owners and managers can identify and address any gaps in their infrastructure well before the ADSL switch-off. This will ensure seamless service delivery, regulatory compliance, and continued resident satisfaction in the post-ADSL era.
Adam Newman, Head of Technical at Insite Energy
