The Plan
It is planned for consumers to transfer from the copper network gradually.
Not transferred yet?
The transfer from the old copper network has already happened for some consumers, but …
As of November 2025, around 26,200 copper lines were still being used to provide telephone and broadband services across the Island.
However, moving this many consumers from the copper network by 2029 will take a lot of time and careful planning, and it is important to ensure consumers are treated fairly. This is why the transfer process started in 2025 for some. Despite the large numbers involved, the switch-off plan is intended to cause as little disruption as possible, although this does not mean there will be no disruption at all.
The Transition Plan
Manx Telecom has planned for consumers to transfer gradually, so the Island has been divided into 7 different ‘Zones’ and each Zone will be transferred from the copper network in ‘Phases’.
The order of the Zones is partly based on the number of properties connected to the copper network in each Zone and whether suitable alternative services are available.
Who is included within each Phase depends on the needs of individual consumers. For example, those who do not require any kind of extra help, support, or additional works will be asked to transfer their service under the Phase 1. Those who need additional help or works will be asked to wait until a later Phase.
The Transition Stages
Who is transitioning now?
Phase 1 is already underway in Zones 1-6 and consumers in these Zones have been invited to transfer their telephone and broadband services. CURA has written to those affected to provide further information. Please see our Copper Switch-Off Map to check which Zone you are in and when you could be asked to transfer.
Who is transitioning next?
Consumers in Zone 6 will be invited to transfer their telephone and broadband services from the copper network from January 2026. CURA has written those affected to provide further details.
Consumers in Zone 7 will be invited to transfer their telephone and broadband services from the copper network from 2027. CURA will write to those affected to provide further details as they become available.
Temporary Exclusions for the Switch-Off Plan
Not everyone will be able to transfer their telephone or broadband service when invited.
For example, some consumers may:
- Need extra support or time to help them through the process;
- Have specialist care devices, panic buttons, security alarms, lift lines, or other equipment, that work using their current service;
- Rely on a landline service to make telephone calls and will need their new service to work at all times (even in a power-cut);
- Need extra works to have their new service connected (also known as an ‘intervention’ or ‘exception’);
- Have concerns about the cost of installation;
- Need permission from a landlord or local authority to have a new service installed; or,
- Need to make sure their business needs are met.
Please let your service provider know about your needs and circumstances.
Those who cannot transfer telephone or broadband service due to certain needs or circumstances will be given more time, and will NOT be disconnected or switched-off from the copper network until an appropriate solution that meets their needs has been provided.
The Zones
Please click on the map for more information about each Zone.
