UK network operator Openreach has pushed back the closure of two telephone exchanges (aka central offices) by almost a year.
First reported by ISPreview, BT’s infrastructure arm has confirmed new closure dates for the two legacy exchanges in Ballyclare and Kenton Road, in Northern Ireland and London.
– Openreach
Originally due to close at the end of November 2025, the two telephone exchanges are now due to cease operations on November 2, 2026. Each exchange serves around 9,500 premises.
Openreach is closing 4,600 exchanges across the UK as part of its copper network shutdown. The Ballyclare and Kenton Road sites are part of an initial pilot program to close three exchanges and work out potential roadblocks and complications.
