Finland’s DNA to shut down copper network by March next year

Finnish cable and telecom operator DNA is to shut down its copper network by March next year.

DNA had already set out its strategy for migrating from the copper network in 2021 and began dismantling its copper networks in 2022.

The company estimates that it will have just over 1,00 consumers still using xDSL copper-based broadband at the start of next year. These customers will be migrated off the network by the end of the first quarter.

DNA said that the copper network would be entirely replaced by a combination of modern fibre networks, its cable net and mobile solutions. It said its 5G network already covered 92% of the country’s population.

The dismantling of the copper network began last year in Varsinais-Suomi and Satakunta, where the work has continued this year as well. Demolition work started in Eastern Finland this autumn.

The most significant areas affected by the closure of copper broadband services at the end of March 2024 are northern Finland, Päijät-Häme and Lohja.

Mikko Kannisto

DNA said that although copper-based broadband services for consumers will end, a small number of landline telephone services and copper-based broadband services for business customers will still be available to customers for a while, with a final decision taken on these in 2025.

“The dismantling of the copper network has progressed according to plans and our customers have been very understanding of the situation. By the start of 2024, just over 1,000 DNA consumer customers will use copper-based broadband throughout the country, and we will also offer them alternative services from the cable, fiber optic or mobile network side. These services are faster, more reliable and more affordable than the old copper connection,” said Mikko Kannisto, DNA’s director responsible for access networks and equipment facilities .

“The dismantling of the copper network has progressed according to plans and our customers have been very understanding of the situation. By the start of 2024, just over 1,000 DNA consumer customers will use copper-based broadband throughout the country, and we will also offer them alternative services from the cable, fiber optic or mobile network side. These services are faster, more reliable and more affordable than the old copper connection,” says Mikko Kannisto , DNA’s director responsible for access networks and equipment facilities.