UK telephone exchange · Openreach stop-sell tracker
Northwich telephone exchange
Northwich and carries the Openreach exchange code MRNOR. Copper stop-sell restrictions have been in force here since 9 May 2023 (Tranche 8).
Stop-sell status
In force
since 9 May 2023
Exchange code
MRNOR
Tranche 8
Analogue switch-off (national)
31 Jan 2027
PSTN retirement — every UK exchange
What this means if you’re on the Northwich 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 01606 dialling code for Northwich, 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
- HartfordNorthwich · MRHAR9 May 2023
- AltrinchamGreater Manchester - Trafford · MRALT4 June 2024
- ArleyArley · MRARL13 October 2021
- BramhallGreater Manchester - Stockport · MRBRA9 November 2023
- BuryGreater Manchester - Bury · MRBUR8 February 2023
- BuxtonBuxton (High Peak) · MRBUX26 May 2025
- ChorltonGreater Manchester - Manchester · MRCHO14 February 2026
- CongletonCongleton · MRCON25 January 2022
Related lookups
FAQs about the Northwich exchange
Is the Northwich telephone exchange closing?
Northwich (code MRNOR) is on Openreach's FTTP priority stop-sell list — copper sales restrictions have applied since 9 May 2023. 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 Northwich 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 Northwich exchange?
Northwich serves the Northwich area, where landlines use the 01606 dialling code. Bear in mind UK numbers are portable, so a 01606 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.