Weekly Roundup · Week of 27 July to 2 August 2026
The week in business IT & comms
One date matters more than the rest this week. From 20 August, Stop Sell applies across every one of Openreach's 1,572 converted exchanges, covering around 15.4 million premises, and that closes the door on buying new copper in those areas. Alongside it, Microsoft 365 business pricing has settled after the 1 July rise and the competition regulator has started asking questions about Copilot.
- 01The Switch-Off
Stop Sell goes live across all 1,572 Openreach exchanges on 20 August
Openreach added 112 more exchange areas this month, taking the total to 1,572 covering about 15.4 million premises. Once an area is in Stop Sell you cannot buy new copper products there, including new lines, upgrades and like for like installs when you move.
Read the full story - 02Microsoft & Cloud
Microsoft 365 business prices rose on 1 July, and the CMA is now asking about Copilot
Business Basic and Business Standard went up on 1 July while Business Premium held flat. Separately the Competition and Markets Authority has opened an investigation into how Microsoft moved subscribers onto pricier Copilot plans, though that case covers consumer plans rather than business ones.
Read the full story - 03Cyber Security
Small firms are going backwards on the cyber basics
The government's latest breaches survey found 46% of small businesses hit in the previous year, while the share carrying out a risk assessment fell from 48% to 41% and those with a written policy fell from 59% to 52%.
Read the full story
What we’re watching
The 20 August Stop Sell activation, and whether the CMA widens its Microsoft investigation beyond consumer plans.
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