Slow copper broadband is becoming a thing of the past: The last of DNA’s consumer xDSL connections will be phased out in March 2024

In recent years, the copper-based network has primarily been used for landlines and old xDSL broadband connections with maximum speeds of a few dozen megabits per second. Copper-based networks should not be confused with modern cable and fibre optics networks that support connection speeds measured in gigabits per second and which DNA will continue to invest in. Together with mobile solutions, these are the primary technologies replacing the copper-based network. For example, DNA’s 5G network already covers more than 92% of the Finnish population.

The decommissioning of DNA’s copper-based network in Southwest Finland and Satakunta began in 2022, and work has continued in 2023. In Eastern Finland, network decommissioning started this autumn. The first steps of the project involve directing customers to replacement services before the copper-based network is decommissioned.

“The decommissioning of the copper-based network has proceeded according to plan, and our customers have been very understanding. At the beginning of 2024, copper-based broadband will only be used by a little over 1,000 DNA’s consumer customers, whom we will be offering alternative services in the form of cable, fibre and mobile. These services are faster, cheaper and more reliable than old copper connections”, explains DNA’s VP of Access Networks and Premises Mikko Kannisto.

DNA will be contacting all its copper-based network customers

The areas mainly affected by the shutdown of copper-based broadband at the end of March 2024 are Northern Finland, Päijät-Häme and Lohja. A small number of copper-based consumer landline and business broadband services will remain in service despite the phasing out of copper-based consumer broadband. These, too, will be phased out through 2024 and 2025, a detailed schedule for which will be published at a later date.

During the transition, DNA will be notifying all remaining copper-based network customers by mail and telephone before any services are terminated. Affected customers will be offered modern replacement services in place of those terminated. Old equipment and facilities in affected areas will be decommissioned once all customers have been moved to replacement services. Equipment will be recycled as electronic waste and reused.

“The copper-based network is an important part of Finland’s telecommunications history, but it’s time to say goodbye and move on to a new era. We want to offer our customers the best service and connection speeds possible, which is why we are focusing on modern network solutions that are capable of meeting our present and future needs”, summarises Kannisto.

Further information for the media:

Mikko Kannisto, VP, Access Networks and Premises, DNA Plc, tel. +358 (0)44 590 2527, mikko.kannisto@dna.fi

DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 (0)44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi

More on the decommissioning of the copper-based network (in Finnish): www.dna.fi/tuki-kupariverkon-purkaminen