BT to propose full fibre move by 2027

BT Group is believed to be in talks with the government about a proposed timetable for switching off copper broadband by 2027.

While other broadband infrastructure rivals are thought to be part of the talks, BT is reportedly spearheading the initiative, which has been discussed for a number of weeks.

As part of the plans, developed by BT's chief executive Philip Jansen, full-fibre broadband would replace copper networks over the next six years with a final switch-off date set for 2027.

As a region-by-region plan, consumers and businesses would be given two years to move their service to a full-fibre provider under the scheme, with the industry stating that this process should make it possible to meet Prime Minister Boris Johnson's target of having universal fast broadband across the UK by 2025.

Sources have also revealed that copper broadband lines would be shut down on a staggered basis once the new networks had been put in place, to ensure each region remains covered until the switch over is possible.

While the plans have not yet been publicly confirmed, a spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that the government aims to put significant emphasis on the transformation of broadband in the coming years.

A spokesman said: "This Government wants to deliver world-class, gigabit-capable digital infrastructure across the country and will announce further details on how we will achieve this as soon as possible.

"We are investing over £650 million in full-fibre broadband until the end of 2021 and are committed to creating the right opportunities for investment as we speed up the roll-out of this technology."

Nicky Morgan MP, the secretary for DCMS, is set to meet with Openreach's CEO Clive Selley later to engage in discussions and hopefully reach an agreement with regards to the move from copper to full-fibre broadband.