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UK telephone exchange · Openreach stop-sell tracker

Whiteabbey telephone exchange

Whiteabbey serves Newtownabbey and carries the Openreach exchange code NIWBY. Copper stop-sell restrictions have been in force here since 13 October 2021 (Tranche 1b).

Stop-sell status

In force

since 13 October 2021

Exchange code

NIWBY

Tranche 1b

Analogue switch-off (national)

31 Jan 2027

PSTN retirement — every UK exchange

What this means if you’re on the Whiteabbey 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.

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FAQs about the Whiteabbey exchange

Is the Whiteabbey telephone exchange closing?

Whiteabbey (code NIWBY) 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 Whiteabbey 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 Whiteabbey exchange?

Whiteabbey 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.