Is my copper phone line being switched off in Belgium, and what happens to my contract?
Copper is being switched off zone by zone. Where fibre has been rolled out, the only owner of the copper network plans to stop copper services at most five years later, and may stop replacing damaged copper lines earlier.
Many countries are replacing old copper phone lines with fibre. Where an official plan exists, it sets how much warning you get and what happens to your contract; the plan for Belgium is below.
📜 The rules in Belgium
The switch-off plan
Zone by zone: copper services stop at most five years after fibre is rolled out in the zone, according to the network owner's plan as published by the BIPT. No single national end date was found.
The details
- If the move to fibre changes your contract, for example a higher price, your operator must warn you at least one month before and offer you to end the subscription free of charge. (glasvezelinfo.be)
- You do not have to stay with the same operator: compare offers on Bestetarief.be and switch with Easy Switch. A device you got free or at a discount still has its remaining value to pay. (glasvezelinfo.be)
- Old devices powered through the copper line, such as old alarm systems, may need an adaptation like a battery. Contact your operator or the supplier of that device. (glasvezelinfo.be)
- The BIPT's fibre map on glasvezelinfo.be shows whether fibre is already in your street or planned, and which operators you can ask for a connection. (glasvezelinfo.be)
Belgisch Instituut voor postdiensten en telecommunicatie (BIPT) – Glasvezelinfo
The BIPT's information site on the fibre roll-out: fibre map, rights and obligations, and questions about the end of copper lines.
🪜 Step by step
- Find out what your line isYour contract or provider can tell you whether you are on copper, cable or fibre.
- Watch for a letterCustomers on lines that will be switched off are normally told in advance. Keep the letter.
- Compare your optionsYou may be offered fibre or another connection. Compare price, term and speed before you accept.
- Check special equipmentAlarm systems, emergency call devices and old phones may need to be adapted. Ask before the switch.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
Do I have to move to fibre?
When the copper line is switched off, you need another connection to keep your service. Which options you have depends on your address.
Does the switch cost me anything?
That depends on the plan and on the offers you get. Ask for any offer in writing.
Will my landline number still work?
Usually yes: you can normally keep your number on the new connection. Ask your provider.
📎 Sources
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