UK telephone exchange · Openreach stop-sell tracker
Newtownards telephone exchange
Newtownards and carries the Openreach exchange code NINTS. Copper stop-sell restrictions have been in force here since 13 October 2021 (Tranche 2).
Stop-sell status
In force
since 13 October 2021
Exchange code
NINTS
Tranche 2
Analogue switch-off (national)
31 Jan 2027
PSTN retirement — every UK exchange
What this means if you’re on the Newtownards exchange
Openreach places an exchange on the FTTP priority list once full fibre reaches roughly 75% of the premises it serves. From the restriction date, any premises here that can order full fibre can no longer take out new copper services — analogue phone lines, FTTC broadband, working-line takeovers. Nothing is switched off on that date: existing lines keep working until your provider migrates you ahead of the national PSTN retirement on 31 January 2027.
When migration happens your number stays the same — local landlines here use the 01686 dialling code for Newtown, which is unaffected by the switch-off. If a call from an unfamiliar local number is what brought you here, run it through the lookup to see the Ofcom range holder and live reputation reports.
Nearby exchanges
- BallygowanNewtownards · NIBN9 November 2023
- BallywalterNewtownards · NIBWR29 April 2022
- ComberNewtownards · NICR25 January 2022
- GreyabbeyNewtownards · NIGY2 August 2022
- KircubbinNewtownards · NIKN8 February 2023
- MillisleNewtownards · NIME2 August 2022
- PortaferryNewtownards · NIPT16 February 2024
- PortavogieNewtownards · NIPVE25 January 2022
Related lookups
FAQs about the Newtownards exchange
Is the Newtownards telephone exchange closing?
Newtownards (code NINTS) is on Openreach's FTTP priority stop-sell list — copper sales restrictions have applied since 13 October 2021. The building isn't shutting yet, but analogue (PSTN) service ends nationally on 31 January 2027, and premises with full fibre available here can no longer order new copper products.
What does stop sell at Newtownards mean for my landline?
Existing services keep working — stop sell only blocks new supply of copper products (new analogue lines, copper broadband, transfers between providers on copper) at premises where full fibre is available. When your provider migrates you, your phone number stays the same and calls move to digital voice over broadband.
Which numbers come from the Newtownards exchange?
Newtownards serves the Newtown area, where landlines use the 01686 dialling code. Bear in mind UK numbers are portable, so a 01686 number no longer proves a physical line on this exchange — use the lookup to check any specific number.
Source: Openreach FTTP Priority Exchange stop-sell ancillary document (© British Telecommunications plc), republished as facts with attribution. Dates reflect the most recent published document revision; always confirm migration plans with your own provider.