The island’s copper phone and internet network switch off will begin in the new year.
Manx Telecom, which is responsible for running the network, announced this morning it will close the system by 2029.
Once the backbone of the network, copper’s use has fallen as fewer people use home phones and fibre broadband has taken over as part of the island-wide rollout.
This step will follow the move to full-fibre broadband as part of a £50 million investment in new fibre optic infrastructure.
Hugo van Zyl, Chief Technical Officer of Manx Telecom, said: “The copper network switch-off is an essential step towards modernising the Isle of Man’s telecommunications infrastructure.
“Fibre broadband offers a more reliable, faster, and future-proof service for the island. Our goal is to ensure every home and business using fixed line communication services takes full advantage of this improved technology by 2029, ensuring the Isle of Man is ready for the digital future.”
CURA
Manx Telecom says it has been working with Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority (CURA), the Department for Enterprise (DfE), and local service providers to “ensure a smooth and efficient transition for the community”.
The project represents one of the largest and most significant infrastructure overhauls in the island’s history, preparing it for the digital challenges and opportunities of the coming decades.
A spokesperson from CURA, said; “Retiring the copper telecoms network on the island is an important step in developing our Critical National Infrastructure, and safeguarding consumer interests should be at the forefront of our minds during this journey; especially ensuring the vulnerable members of our community are informed and protected.”
As the copper network is switched off in phases on a region-by-region basis, residents and businesses will be notified well in advance.
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