Oriol Riba, Chief Technology Officer, F & W Networks, says UK organisations still relying on copper-based broadband could face growing operational limitations as the 2027 PSTN switch-off approaches.

As Digital Transformation accelerates across both public and private sectors, connectivity is shifting from a background utility to a core strategic asset. Communications platforms, cloud applications, AI systems and distributed workforces increasingly rely on stable, highcapacity broadband infrastructure capable of supporting real-time workloads and continuous data exchange.

For decades, copper-based networks provided reliable connectivity for homes and businesses throughout the UK. However, Riba argues that the growing demands of modern digital operations are exposing structural limitations that legacy infrastructure cannot easily overcome.

According to Ofcom’ s latest Connected Nations report, full-fibre broadband is now available to around 78 % of UK premises, while gigabitcapable connectivity reaches approximately 88 %. Yet adoption remains significantly lower, with takeup standing at roughly 42 % of premises passed.

That disparity between availability and adoption reflects more than a deployment challenge. It highlights what Riba describes as a growing disconnect between digital ambition and infrastructure readiness.

“ Connectivity is not simply a utility,” says Riba.“ It is infrastructure strategy, and infrastructure strategy ultimately shapes digital capability.”

The approaching PSTN switch-off is accelerating pressure on organisations still reliant on copper-based systems. While many businesses view the migration as a telecommunications issue linked primarily to www. intelligentcio. com

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