Drop-in session on copper broadband switch-off

People in the regions that will be the first to have the copper broadband network disconnected have been invited to a information session about switching to fibre.

The Future Ready drop-in event, hosted by Manx Telecom (MT) as part of its roll out of fibre broadband on the island, is at the Sulby Community Hall from 13:00 to 17:00 BST.

Zones one and two of the switch-off programme cover Kirk Michael, Foxdale, St John's, Andreas, Ballaugh, Bride, Jurby and Sulby.

MT community partner Josh Radcliffe said the event was designed to help residents "feel comfortable and informed about their broadband service".

The session was the first of several as the firm continues to "progress with our island-wide copper to fibre transition", he said.

In December, concerns were raised about the potential effect of the copper switch-off on vulnerable customers who use analogue carephones, in particular older devices which use phone sockets.

In March those in zones one and two were invited to transfer their services from the old network, with the switch-off programme in those areas set to take about 12 months.

The firm said consumers within the region who were within easy reach of alternative services, did not require additional support, did not have specialist needs, and were likely to be straightforward would be transitioned first.

The drop-in session was an opportunity for residents to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about the upcoming switch-off, MT said.

The entire copper network is set to be switched off by 2029.

The firm said the faster broadband was now available to about 92% of homes and businesses, with more than half of the people on the Isle of Man now using the infrastructure.

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