Is it true that ADSL Copper is discontinuing in June 2020?

[aj1]

Just had a phone call from a young man who said he was phoning on behalf of BT (so I guess a phone centre and not BT themselves as usual) telling me that ADSL/Copper is being discontinued in June 2020 so I need to change to Fibre without delay. I asked a couple of questions relating to fibre, the main one being can I purchase my own Netgear Modem/Router to used on it, to which his answer was it's only fibre to the cabinet so I guess you can even keep your current Netgear that you are using. I said are you sure I can use it with fibre? He said I will ask my supervisor hold on and in a very short time he said yes you can. I am not well informed with this matter but I don't see that being true. Has anyone else heard that copper is being stopped in June?

[Keith_Beddoe]

@aj1 

No, its not exactly the story, and its not compulsory. You can stay on ADSL if you wish, but it will not be available to new customers.

This post may help.

https://community.bt.com/t5/Bills-Packages/Confused-about-fibre-switch-over/m-p/1996288#M116104

The upgrade will still be a copper connection, so its not true that copper connections are closing.

[aj1]

Hi NeilO,  I have had a call from a young man today telling me that he calling to change me over to fibre  because by June 2020 the Copper lines will discontinue and I won't be able to get broadband after unless I change. I sensed this was not true but as always when you speak to these outrageous people nothing is in writing or recorded my end so I have to swallow t. Anyhow, having read the posts on this subject I can see that I should seriously consider changing to fibre. My main stumbling block is that I currently use  a Netgear Modem/router D6300. I have been so happy with this, particularly with the security which includes MAC address control, I do not want to go back to "other" routers. I asked a previous caller some months ago if I can buy another Netgear for Fibre and use it if I change over but the young lady who called said no I have to use the BT Fibre one that they will supply. My choice of Netgear would be a Nighthawk Modem/Router. Can you tell me if she too was incorrect and can I use a non BT one with Fibre and would I be abe to get the necessary set-up information from BT ?  Thanks

[Keith_Beddoe]

@aj1 

You will need a modem/router which is capable of a VDSL connection if you do not want to use the home hub.

The cheapest one is about £35 and has lots of features.

[aj1]

Hi Keith,  Thank you for your help., the link to the moderators comment makes it clearer.  I hate these damn call centre people they always seem to use the facts and bend them to mislead you. The problem is of course I can see  it is a good offer but I do not want to use a BT Modem/Router (I went with one of those years ago and had continual problems) then I bought several Belkin ones and they always had problems but when I went over to the D6300 Netgear I found great security especially with the access control by MAC Address which I love  and have not had a single problem with it for years now. When BT asked me to move last year I asked if I could buy a Fibre Netgear maybe Nighthawk and use that but the young lady who called then said no I have to use theirs so I told her I didn't want to change. Now this young boy after saying I HAD to change by June, and after I told him about my Modem/Router issue said you can keep the one you have and continue to use that as  copper will still be coming into your house. I said I thought that wasn't likely so he said I will ask my Supervisor, seconds later he reaffirmed that I could use it. Now I don't know what to trust.

[aj1]

Thank you Keith I will look out for one.  Would you happen to know if I would use the same set-up information as my existing Modem/Router which would stop me having to try and find someone in BT who could or would answer the question?

[imjolly]

your netgear d6300 is an adsl modem/router but regrettably will not work on vdsl fibre connection.  you can still buy your own router for vdsl if you prefer

Have you had a letter from BT offering a free fibre upgrade?

enter your phone number and see what is available to you before deciding whether it is best for you or not  

https://www.dslchecker.bt.com/adsl/adslchecker.welcome

[imjolly]

@aj1 

it would be easier if you stuck to your own thread for replies and that would get answers in same place

[Keith_Beddoe]

My own opinion is that BT are trying to offload ADSL connections from older exchanges that are still using the old DSLAMS. That would enable them to be turned off, and recovered, leaving space in the exchange.

My other point is that BT are trying to sell more Value Added Services that need faster broadband.

I am on a 11Mb ADSL connection which is very stable, and is all I need, there is just the wife and I living here.

I am using a TP Link W9970, which supports both ADSL and VDSL.

Specifications are here.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/products/details/cat-15_TD-W9970.html#specifications

Current stats.

ine Status:Connected

DSL Modulation Type:ADSL_2plus

Annex Type:Annex A/L

	Upstream	Downstream
Current Rate (Kbps)	1199	11919
Max Rate (Kbps)	1228	12236
SNR Margin (dB)	6.7	3.5
Line Attenuation (dB)	20.3	36
Errors (Pkts)	0	0

[aj1]

Last year but it has long since gone, haven't had one this year but it is linked on my account if I want to go ahead.

Just put my Number in and got this back

Availability Date

VDSL Range A (Clean)	80	61.8	20	19	56.2	Available	Available	--
VDSL Range B (Impacted)	80	58.9	20	19	51.7	Available	Available	--
FTTP on Demand	330	30	--	Available	--	--
WBC ADSL 2+	Up to 9.5	--	8.5 to 10.5	Available	--	--
WBC ADSL 2+ Annex M	Up to 9.5	Up to 1	8.5 to 10.5	Available	--	--
ADSL Max	Up to 5.5	--	4.5 to 6.5	Available	--	--
WBC Fixed Rate	2	--	--	Available	--	--
Fixed Rate	2	--	--	Available	--	--
Max Observed Downstream Speed (Mbps)	--	5.71
Max Upstream Observed Speed (Mbps)	--	1.16
Observed Date	--	2020-01-19
VDSL Multicast	--	--	--	Available	--	--
ADSL Multicast	--	--	--	Available	--	--