My BT landline is being switched off. What are my options? (2026 Guide)
Written by Hannah Hood, on . Last updated Quick answer
If your BT landline is being switched off, you have four main options: stay with BT Digital Voice, switch to an independent provider such as Phonely, choose a broadband provider that includes a digital landline, or stop using a landline and rely on your mobile. Most people who still want a home phone choose a VoIP home phone service so they can keep their existing number and continue using their existing handset.
Compare your BT landline options
| Option | Best for | Keep your number? | Home phone? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT Digital Voice | Existing BT customers | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Independent provider (such as Phonely) | Lower costs, specialist support and scam protection | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Broadband provider (Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media) | Bundled services | ✔ Usually | ✔ Yes |
| Mobile only | People who rarely use a landline | N/A | ✖ No |
If you’ve received a letter, email or text saying your BT landline is changing, you’re not alone.
Millions of UK homes are moving away from traditional copper phone lines as part of the UK’s digital switchover. While the change can seem confusing, it doesn’t mean you have to stay with BT or change the way you use your home phone.
If your BT landline is being switched off, the good news is that you have a choice. Whether your priority is keeping your number, reducing your monthly bill or protecting yourself from nuisance and scam calls, there’s an option to suit your household.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Why BT is switching off landlines
- The four main options available
- How to keep your existing phone number
- What happens during power cuts
- What to do if you use a telecare alarm
- How to choose the right VoIP home phone provider
Why is my BT landline being switched off?
The UK’s telephone network has relied on copper cables for decades. While it has served homes well, the technology is becoming outdated and increasingly expensive to maintain.
Instead, calls are moving to digital technology that works over your broadband connection. This is known as a VoIP home phone, although you may also hear it called a digital landline or Digital Voice.
For most people, the experience feels exactly the same. You’ll still use a home phone in the way you always have.
You’ll still be able to:
- Pick up your usual handset
- Dial numbers normally
- Receive incoming calls
- Keep your existing phone number
- Call friends and family as before
The only difference is the technology carrying the call behind the scenes.
What is the PSTN switch-off?
PSTN stands for the Public Switched Telephone Network. It’s the traditional copper network that has powered UK landlines for generations.
Openreach and UK telecom providers are retiring this network because it is reaching the end of its life. Digital technology is more reliable, easier to maintain and better suited to modern communications.
You can learn more about the rollout in our Digital Switchover Timeline (2024–2027).
You can also read official guidance from Ofcom and AbilityNet, which explain how the switchover works and what support is available for customers.
When will my BT landline be switched off?
If your BT landline is being switched off, it’s worth comparing your options before your migration date rather than waiting until the last minute.
The switchover isn’t happening everywhere on the same day.
Some households have already moved, while others will receive notice during 2026. If BT has contacted you, it’s worth planning ahead rather than waiting until the last minute.
Switching earlier usually means more choice, more flexibility and fewer delays if appointments become busy.
Option 1 – Stay with BT Digital Voice
If you’re already a BT Broadband customer, moving to BT Digital Voice is often the simplest option.
BT transfers your existing phone service onto its digital network while allowing you to continue using a home phone.
Pros
- Stay with a provider you already know
- Straightforward for many existing BT customers
- Keep your existing phone number
- Continue using a home phone
Cons
- Can cost a considerable amount more than some independent providers
- Fewer specialist scam call protection features
- Best suited to customers who already take BT Broadband
If you’re happy with BT, Digital Voice may be the right solution. However, it’s still worth comparing prices, features and support before making your decision.
Switch to an independent digital landline provider
Many people don’t realise they can move away from BT completely while keeping their home phone number.
Ready to switch?
Move to a safer digital landline in minutes.
Simple digital landline plans with automatic call blocking and friendly UK support.
See plans & pricesDiscover featuresAn independent digital landline provider gives you the flexibility to choose a service that’s focused on home phone users rather than broadband bundles.
This option may suit you if you want to:
- Reduce your monthly costs
- Keep your existing phone number
- Benefit from extra scam call protection
- Receive dedicated UK customer support
What should you look for?
Not all digital landline providers offer the same features.
Before choosing a provider, consider the following.
Can you keep your number?
Most providers allow number porting, which means you can keep your existing home phone number when you switch.
Does it include scam call protection?
Scam calls continue to affect millions of UK households every year.
Some providers include basic nuisance call blocking, while others offer more advanced protection against known scam numbers.
Is a phone adapter included?
Most existing home phones continue working perfectly with a simple phone adapter.
Check whether this is included in the monthly price.
What’s included?
Compare:
- Monthly cost
- Included call allowance
- Contract length
- Call features
- UK customer support
Choosing based on price alone doesn’t always give you the best value.
How Phonely compares
Phonely was built specifically for households looking for a simple digital landline.
With Phonely you can:
- Keep your existing phone number
- Continue using your current handset
- Receive a free phone adapter when paying annually
- Choose plans from £9.97 per month
- Access friendly UK-based customer support
- Add optional CallGuard scam protection
CallGuard uses hourly updates powered by NuisanceCalls.org.uk to help identify and block known nuisance and scam callers before your phone even rings.
If protecting your home phone is just as important as saving money, it’s worth comparing what’s included before choosing a provider.
You can compare all Phonely plans on our Plans page.
Option 3 – Bundle your phone with your broadband provider
Many broadband providers now include digital home phone services as part of a bundle.
Popular examples include:
- Sky
- TalkTalk
- Virgin Media
This option is often convenient if you prefer having one provider and one monthly bill.
Advantages
- One monthly bill
- One provider to deal with
- Convenient if you’re already happy with your broadband package
Things to consider
- Features vary between providers
- Home phone services are often an add-on rather than a specialist product
- Call protection features may differ
If simplicity is your main priority, a broadband bundle could be the right choice.
Option 4 – Go mobile-only
Some households decide they no longer need a landline at all.
This may work well if:
- Everyone has a mobile phone
- Mobile reception is reliable
- You rarely receive calls on your home phone
However, it isn’t the right solution for everyone.
Many people still value having a home phone because:
- Family members already know the number
- Home phones are often easier to hear and use
- Calls can be clearer
- They provide reassurance during emergencies
For households with older relatives or people who spend a lot of time at home, keeping a VoIP home phone often remains the most practical choice.
My BT landline is being switched off – can I keep my number?
Yes.
Protect your landline from scams and nuisance calls.
CallGuard blocks suspicious numbers automatically and helps keep vulnerable loved ones safer.
View CallGuard plansIn most cases, you can keep your existing BT landline number.
The process is called number porting, and your new provider normally arranges everything for you.
You can read more in our guide to Transfer your landline number.
How long does number porting take?
Most transfers are completed within 7 to 14 days.
However, some BT number transfers are currently taking longer because of increased demand as more households prepare for the digital switchover.
Starting your switch early gives you more flexibility and helps avoid delays.
What happens during a power cut?
Traditional copper landlines continued working during most power cuts.
A VoIP home phone relies on both broadband and electricity, so if your broadband equipment loses power, your phone may stop working temporarily.
If someone in your household depends on a landline because of age, disability or a medical condition, speak to your provider before switching.
Many providers have support available for customers with additional needs.
What if I use a telecare alarm?
If you use a telecare alarm, pendant or other assisted-living device, don’t ignore your switchover letter.
Many modern telecare systems already work with digital landlines, but some older equipment needs upgrading.
Before switching:
- Contact your telecare provider.
- Ask whether your equipment is compatible with digital landlines.
- Follow any advice they provide before changing services.
Checking early helps ensure you continue receiving the support you rely on.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A VoIP home phone uses your broadband connection instead of the old copper telephone network.
Yes. In most cases, your existing handset simply plugs into a phone adapter supplied by your provider.
Usually, yes. Most providers offer number porting so you can keep your existing number.
No. Most providers manage the transfer process on your behalf and guide you through each step.
Yes. For most households, a digital landline works just like a traditional one. The technology behind the call changes, but using your phone feels the same.
It depends on your needs.
If you already have BT Broadband and prefer to stay with BT, Digital Voice may be the simplest option.
If you’re looking for lower monthly costs, dedicated UK support and optional scam call protection, an independent provider such as Phonely could be a better fit.
If you prefer one bill, a broadband bundle from providers such as Sky or TalkTalk may suit you.
If you rarely use your home phone, relying on a mobile may be enough.
Your next steps if your BT landline is being switched off
The UK’s landline network is changing, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your home phone or your familiar number.
Phonely makes switching simple.
From £9.97 per month, you can enjoy a modern VoIP home phone while continuing to use your existing handset and keeping the number friends and family already know.
Why choose Phonely?
- Keep your existing phone number
- Use your current home phone
- Free phone adapter included when paying annually
- Friendly UK-based customer support
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
- Optional CallGuard scam protection
- Plans from £9.97 per month
Explore our plans today or transfer your existing number and make the move to a digital landline with confidence.
