Telecoms giant BT is on track for a £2bn windfall by selling outdated copper cabling removed during its full-fibre broadband rollout, benefiting from surging prices fueled by AI and green energy needs.
The company’s decade-long upgrade to fibre-optic infrastructure has left it with vast amounts of recyclable copper, now in high demand for AI datacentres, electronics, and renewable energy projects. Rising copper prices, driven by the global electrification push, have turned this byproduct into a major revenue stream.
Key Facts
- BT estimates £2bn-plus earnings from old copper sales over the next decade.
- Copper prices are soaring due to demand from AI datacentres and renewable energy.
- The metal is being recovered during BT’s full-fibre broadband rollout across the UK.
Why is copper suddenly valuable?
Copper’s role in electricity conduction makes it indispensable for powering AI servers, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. As industries rush to adopt these technologies, global copper supplies face strain, driving prices upward.
BT’s existing copper network, installed decades ago for traditional phone lines, has become an unexpected asset. The company’s shift to fibre — which uses glass cables for faster internet — frees up tonnes of recyclable metal just as markets peak.
What happens to the old cables?
The cables are stripped and sold to metal recyclers, who supply manufacturers. Unlike speculative mining ventures, BT’s supply is guaranteed from its infrastructure overhaul, providing steady inventory amid volatile commodity markets.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- BT’s copper sales could exceed £2bn in the next 10 years.
- Prices are rising due to demand from AI and renewables.
Still unconfirmed:
- Exactly how much copper BT has stockpiled.
- Whether competitors like Virgin Media-O2 will pursue similar strategies.
Why It Matters
The windfall helps offset BT’s massive fibre-optic investment costs while spotlighting how older infrastructure can fuel next-gen tech. For consumers, it underscores copper’s hidden role in enabling AI and clean energy transitions.
What To Watch
Whether copper prices sustain their surge as AI expansion continues — and if other telecom firms replicate BT’s asset-recovery model. Market analysts will track if the £2bn estimate holds amid commodity fluctuations.