BT's Old Copper Landline Network Could Be Worth Over $2 Billion
BT could make more than $2.7 billion by recycling copper from its aging UK landline network as BT subsidiary Openreach replaces legacy wiring with full-fiber broadband. Engadget reports: BT's recovered copper was previously valued at around $2 billion. But prices have surged, thanks to rising global demand tied to AI data centers, renewable energy and electrification. With global demand expected…
A recent report suggests that BT could potentially generate more than $2.7 billion by repurposing copper from its aging UK landline network. As BT subsidiary Openreach transitions from copper wiring to full-fiber broadband, the value of the recovered copper has surged due to escalating global demand driven by AI data centers, renewable energy and electrification needs.
BT's Openreach is currently dismantling its legacy copper network, with plans to connect 30 million homes by the end of the decade. So far, they've recovered approximately 10,000 metric tons of copper in their latest fiscal year and over 22,000 metric tons since 2023. Openreach's Director of Sustainability, Abby Chicken, considers copper to be a critical material in today's economy.
BT has already struck a deal with EMR, a cable recycling firm, and has received a substantial upfront payment of $133 million for the copper they've recovered.
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