MT to phase out copper telecom network from next year

Switch to fibre to be completed by 2029

Manx Telecom says the process of shutting down the copper telecom network is to begin next year with an expected completion date of 2029.

It's said to be an important step towards moving the Isle of Man to full broadband as part of a £50 million investment in the new fibre optic infrastructure.

The roll-out is already well underway with over 90 percent of homes and businesses now able to access faster internet.

The copper network will be switched off in phases on a region-by-region basis and the company says residents and businesses will be notified well in advance.

The fibre optic roll-out represents one of the largest and most significant infrastructure overhauls in the Island's history.

However for people who haven't requested the switch from copper it means they must ultimately make the change to fibre if they want to continue receiving broadband.

Manx Telecom has developed a traffic light system to guide them.

Properties categorised as green are those for which fibre is available already and an order can be placed with your provider now.

Amber properties are those for which fibre is available but additional installation steps may be required.

Manx Telecom and service providers will assist in facilitating the process.

Red properties are those for which fibre is not yet available but network expansion is underway.

MT will provide updates on progress and availability.

People are encouraged to visit mt.im/network to check their property's status.

Although the decommissioning of copper will happen gradually, households and businesses are encouraged to act now to avoid future disruption.