The future of copper phone lines is nearing its end.
With many providers and businesses transitioning to fibre optic networks, there will eventually be no need to rely on traditional copper lines. Switching to fibre broadband also ensures long-term sustainability for many organizations and enterprises.
This post lists the crucial steps to ensure a seamless transition.
Table of Contents
From Copper to Fibre Broadband Switch: Overview
The imminent copper network shutdown emphasizes the need for businesses to transition to modern communication solutions. Fibre broadband is among the most reliable future-proof alternatives, offering high-speed connectivity with better long-term costs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the two technologies differ:
Copper Network
- Transmits voice and data using electrical signals through copper wires
- Prone to interference due to lower bandwidth and slower speeds
- Examples include traditional telephone lines (PSTN), DSL, and ADSL
Fibre Broadband
- Uses fibre-optic cables to transmit calls and various types of data
- Less susceptible to interference compared to copper cables
- Can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps or higher
What Is Copper Broadband and Why Is It Being Replaced?
By 2027, several countries worldwide will switch off traditional copper-based networks, including PSTN. This move enables communication providers and businesses to support growing digital communication demands. Another reason for the phase-out is that conventional PSTN networks are becoming less reliable and require costly maintenance.
Telecom providers like BT, AT&T, and Openreach will shut down traditional copper infrastructure in favor of modern networks like fibre broadband.
Changing copper broadband to fibre optics will facilitate faster communication speeds and improve connection stability. The move will also future-proof networks for evolving connectivity requirements.
7 Steps to Upgrade from Copper to Fibre Broadband
As a business, it’s crucial to consider timely and proper preparation to ensure a seamless network transition. It’s also best to have a clear strategy, minimizing downtime and potential delays.
Switching from copper to fibre broadband involves several key steps:
1. Check fibre broadband availability
See if fibre broadband is available in your country, area, or region. You can call your current landline service provider and ask if you can upgrade or switch your existing connection.
2. Choosing the right fiber plan provider
Check your current provider and other telecom service websites for the best and most cost-efficient fibre broadband offers. Compare the speed, pricing plans, and contract terms before deciding on the most suitable fibre broadband package for your business.
3. Schedule the installation
Coordinate with your fibre service provider and set your desired installation date. Areas with high demand may have longer wait times, so it’s best to book early.
Also, remember to check if other requirements are needed and whether there are additional fees associated with the installation.
4. Prepare ahead
The preparation process varies depending on your business’s nature or industry. Some general preparation steps include selecting the best location for installation for optimal performance.
Businesses operating in areas with frequent power outages should consider investing in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
5. Install, configure, and test
Once installed, check if your fibre broadband connection is working correctly. Configure the network settings to ensure secure connectivity.
The speed and signal should also match your chosen package.
6. Make the switch
Changing from copper to fibre broadband involves transferring existing connections including your phone, fax machines, printers, computers, security systems, and other smart devices.
7. Discontinue the copper landline service
Once your fiber broadband is fully set up, remember to cancel your copper landline service to avoid overlapping charges. Terminating an existing copper line differs depending on your area and service provider.
Other providers may also charge early termination fees for discontinuing the service before the contract ends.
How Fibre Broadband Works: Key Differences from Copper
Fibre broadband offers better bandwidth and speeds than copper-based lines. Fibre optic cables are less prone to network congestion and interference than copper wires. The signal established can also travel longer distances, with some fibre types carrying a signal up to 25 miles.
Another key difference is that fiber is generally more durable and secure than copper. Fibre cables can withstand more pressure and are resistant to eavesdropping. Connections made through fibre broadband can be encrypted, making it impossible for malicious entities to read the transmitted data.
Benefits of Switching to Fibre Broadband
Switching from copper to fibre broadband can set your organization or business apart from those that still rely on copper-based lines.
Here’s why:
- Faster speeds: With speeds up to 1 Gbps or more, fibre broadband improves overall call quality and connectivity without delay
- Reliability and consistency: Less interference caused by signal degradation and poor weather conditions
- Low latency: Fiber connections have lower latency (response time) than copper lines, ensuring smoother and real-time connectivity
- Higher bandwidth: Fibre optic broadband can handle multiple users and devices without struggling with bandwidth congestion
- Enhanced efficiency: Less downtime and consistent performance enable businesses to work efficiently without slowdowns
- Built with the future in mind: Fiber infrastructure helps facilitate long-term scalability that can cater to modern demands
The future of copper telephone lines
The above benefits make fibre broadband one of the best solutions for replacing copper lines. The shutdown of traditional PSTN networks is imminent, so it’s crucial to upgrade to prevent service disruptions that affect connectivity and interrupt business operations.
Businesses relying on copper telephone lines to fax using traditional fax machines will also be affected. iFax offers the best digital fax solution to ensure fast, secure, and seamless faxing without a copper phone line and fax machine.
Request a demo of iFax now to see how it works.
