The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead in business often hinges on one crucial factor: reliable and robust connectivity. The impending copper switch-off, scheduled for 2027, marks a significant shift that will impact local businesses across the UK. This change isn't just a technological upgrade; it's an essential step toward future-proofing your business, providing businesses across the UK with the bandwidth and infrastructure needed to adopt the revolutionary technology that streamlines operations, cuts costs and scales operations.
Understanding the Copper Switch-Off
The copper switch-off will phase out traditional copper-based networks, transitioning to state-of-the-art full fibre infrastructure. This move will help to drive 100% gigabit-capable connectivity to the UK by 2030, as part of the government's commitment to enhancing digital services for businesses.
Copper, or ADSL standard broadband, provides just 24Mbps download and 10Mbps – barely enough to support small-scale use of business applications and threatening data integrity with slow data transfer speeds and higher propensity to wear and tear. This is compared to full fibre’s speeds of up to 1Gbps on FibreLight or 10Gbps on FibreBright leased lines – with symmetrical upload and download speeds to support large file transfer between servers.
All of this means that the larger incumbents are stopping selling copper services to make way for faster fibre connectivity.
How the Copper Switch-Off Benefits Local Businesses
The shift to full fibre is more than just a technological upgrade; it's about unlocking opportunities for growth, resilience, and innovation. Here are some key benefits:
1. Faster Connectivity: Full fibre provides lightning-fast internet access, essential for improved communication and operational efficiency. This is vital for industries that rely on clear and reliable communication channels, such as real estate and customer service.
2. Future-Ready Infrastructure: As business technology evolves, the demand for broadband bandwidth increases. Like those offered by Faster Britain, full fibre networks support speeds of up to 10Gbps and beyond, enabling businesses to leverage emerging technologies and remain competitive in a digital marketplace.
3. Enhanced Productivity: High-speed internet and reliable connections empower employees to work more efficiently, collaborate seamlessly, and deliver superior services. This is crucial for sectors like manufacturing and healthcare, where efficiency and communication are paramount.
4. Cost Efficiency: Over time, full fibre can be more cost-effective due to reduced maintenance and less downtime, providing a stronger return on investment. Investing in fibre optic connectivity can make financial sense for businesses focused on long-term growth and efficiency.
Why you need to act now, before it’s too late
According to latest research, over 6% of businesses have not been contacted regarding the switch from copper to fibre. While approximately half of businesses have been contacted, 56% of businesses surveyed state that the information received has been unhelpful. That means a significant portion of UK businesses are unprepared for the switch-off and don’t realise the dangers of leaving it too late before switching to full fibre. Leaving it too late to transition gives your competitors ample opportunity to spend three years innovating with AI, robotics, and cloud services to dominate your market. With that in mind, switching now gives you enough time to adjust to a faster future and realise the endless opportunities associated with full fibre.
Burton's Digital Transformation
In Burton, Faster Britain has been instrumental to the transition to full fibre, with a profound impact on local businesses. Burton’s business landscape is dominated by real estate and manufacturing, making ultrafast connectivity essential to powering technology in automated inventory management, robotic-assisted assembly lines, supply chain monitoring and smart devices across property portfolios. For example, Burton’s rich manufacturing and industrial landscape has seen significant advancements. With nationwide brewing businesses like Coors, Carling, Worthington Bitters and Marston’s underpinning Burton’s rich economy, it’s important to have a connectivity infrastructure that can maintain the region’s thriving local economy thanks to nationally-known brands, as well as support smaller businesses on their growth journey.
Preparing for the Future
The copper switch-off is not a hurdle; it's an opportunity for businesses to elevate their connectivity and drive growth. By transitioning to full-fibre networks now, businesses can ensure they are prepared for the future and capable of leveraging new technologies. Check your eligibility for full fibre connectivity today using our postcode checker. Don’t wait—future-proof your business and stay ahead of the curve with Faster Britain. To find out more on all the benefits of switching from copper to fibre, read our expert guide here.
