Until recently, many assumed the vast copper network that still covers much of the UK would gradually be phased out as usage declined. Earlier this month the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published a consultation paper titled “Digital Communications Infrastructure Strategy,” which suggests retiring long-standing copper infrastructure to encourage telecoms operators to invest in alternative communication technologies.
“As the coverage and level of service available on non-copper networks increases the government is likely at some point to need to consider with operators and the regulator whether switching off copper networks is desirable from a commercial and a policy objective,” DCMS stated. “This may need to take into account how best to encourage consumers to switch to non-copper based broadband services prior to this.”
Copper networks remain more widespread and less expensive to deploy than fibre, enabling connectivity into rural and hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise be left isolated. Historically, however, copper has been overtaken by fibre in many places because consumers and businesses demand ever higher speeds.
Still, recent research shows that copper shouldn’t be written off yet. As reported last month, engineers at Bell Labs set an internet speed record using copper landlines. The technology, called XG-FAST, reportedly outperformed the fastest consumer fibre offering—Google Fiber—by more than ten times in lab tests.
It’s important to note that the record was achieved under controlled laboratory conditions; real-world deployments face additional constraints that can reduce speeds. The technology also awaits endorsement by the International Telecommunication Union, which sets global telecom standards. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that copper networks can still deliver impressive performance and remain relevant as part of a wider connectivity mix.
A BT spokeswoman said: “We are looking at the details of the consultation and will respond by the October deadline. The copper access network continues to evolve so it remains to be seen whether a transition from copper to alternative technologies is necessary. Given the government’s commitment to technological neutrality, we would be surprised if any proposals defined technology choice.”
Offering a different perspective, Steven Harrison, chief technologist at cloud and networking firm Exponential-e, argued that the debate should focus on access rather than specific technologies. “For the UK to remain competitive, digital plumbing is essential for every home and business. Suggestions of switching-off the copper telephone network are skirting around the real issue: providing universal access to high-quality, high-speed broadband across all areas of the country.”
“For the regulator to specify specific technologies or transmission mediums is a step in the wrong direction,” Harrison added. “The regulator’s focus should remain firmly on the services that need to be delivered in 2020, and operators should be free to select the technology that makes the most sense—whether that is fibre, wireless, or copper in certain areas.”
The consultation runs until 1 October 2014 at 12 a.m. BST and seeks views on what digital communications infrastructure the UK will need over the next 10–15 years to maintain its position as a world-class digital nation. Responses from industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and the public will help shape policy on how best to balance investment, technological neutrality, and universal access.
Should the UK retain its copper infrastructure, or is it time to move on? Share your views and contribute to the consultation before the deadline.