Calls for taskforce to prepare for copper broadband switch-off

Fibre broadband network operator Siro warns that everyday items such as home security alarms, health security monitors, emergency phones, and retail point-of-sale terminals could all be impacted by the switch-off

ComReg has already approved the commencement of the copper wire switch-off. Picture: File

Fibre broadband network operator Siro has called for a taskforce to be established in order to properly prepare for when the old copper wire is to be switched off permanently.

The communications regulator ComReg has already approved commencement of the switch-off, with the EU Commission proposing that all copper broadband be shut down by 2023.

However, Siro has warned that everyday items such as home security alarms, health security monitors, emergency phones, and retail point-of-sale terminals could all be impacted by the switch-off.

The company has called for an integrated and joined-up approach to the copper broadband switch-off to ensure that those still dependent on the wire experience minimal disruption. 

Chief commercial officer at Siro Ronan Whelan said the process of transitioning away from copper broadband will take place over several years but it “will impact hundreds of thousands of householders and businesses”.

It’s vital we start preparing for it now, particularly to ensure minimal end-user disruption.

Mr Whelan said a stakeholder taskforce is needed to quantify the scale of the transition and to plan what needs to happen.

He said along with telecom companies and the Government, the taskforce must also include business groups, security and alarm companies, as well as community representatives.

The copper wire network is managed by Eir, which wants to migrate away from the legacy connections so that it does not have to maintain two separate networks.

In November last year, ComReg published a framework which would enable the company to switch off the remaining copper network.

Even though fibre is being rolled out to replace the old copper wire, ComReg estimated at the time that 1.8m premises still have a copper connection.

The process of switching off the old copper wires has already commenced in the UK and is set to  be switched off by December next year. 

The majority of copper broadband is already switched off in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Sweden, and Estonia.