Router, VoIP Adapter, or New Handset: What Equipment Do You Need for a Digital Landline?

Do you need a new handset when switching to a digital landline, or can you keep your existing phone with a VoIP adapter? In most cases, you won’t need a new handset. Many existing corded and cordless home phones can continue working with digital voice using a compatible VoIP adapter or a phone connection on your broadband router.

With the UK’s traditional landline network (PSTN) due to close on 31 January 2027, households are preparing to move to digital voice. But that doesn’t necessarily mean replacing a familiar home phone.

In this guide, we explain the three main options: keeping your existing handset with a VoIP adapter, connecting it directly to a compatible router, or buying a new digital voice phone. We’ll also explain when each option makes sense.

Understanding the Digital Voice Switchover

The move to digital voice is more than a marketing change; it is a network upgrade. The traditional PSTN carried both the voice signal and a small electric current, which allowed corded phones to work during power cuts. When the network is retired, calls will be delivered over your broadband connection using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Some providers refer to this as digital phone or digital voice. After the switchover:

• Your phone connection will change: traditional telephone wall sockets will no longer provide a PSTN service once your line has migrated. Your handset will normally connect through a compatible router or VoIP adapter, although some existing extension wiring may be reusable with the right setup.
• Power matters: digital voice relies on your electricity supply; to keep calling during power cuts you’ll need a battery back‑up unit or a mobile phone.
• Equipment may need replacing: you may need a new router or adapter to connect your current handset. If you use telecare or alarm devices, check their compatibility.

Three Ways to Connect Your Phone

Do Most Homes Need a New Handset?

No. If your existing home phone is working well, you may be able to keep using it after switching to digital voice.

Many traditional corded phones and cordless DECT handsets work with a compatible VoIP adapter. This means you can keep the phone you’re familiar with rather than paying for a replacement.

However, compatibility isn’t guaranteed. Older equipment, wired extensions and telecare devices may need additional checks.

If you’re unsure, read our FAQ on whether you need a new handset or contact Phonely before switching.

1 – Keep your existing phone with a VoIP adapter (ATA)

An Analogue Telephone Adapter (also called a VoIP adapter or ATA) lets you keep your current corded or cordless phone. The adapter converts analogue voice signals into digital data for transmission over the internet and back again.

In practice you:

1. Connect the adapter to your router via an Ethernet cable.
2. Plug your phone into the adapter’s phone port.
3. Power the adapter – connect the supplied power cable and switch it on, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once connected, the VoIP adapter allows your existing handset to make and receive calls over your digital landline service. You can also keep your existing telephone number when it’s successfully transferred to your new provider.

Phonely offers pre-configured, plug-and-play VoIP adapters that make it easy to keep using a compatible existing handset. A GA11 adapter is available with Phonely’s digital landline plans, so you won’t necessarily need to purchase a separate adapter.

When Is a VoIP Adapter Enough for Your Existing Home Phone?

A VoIP adapter is usually the simplest option if your current home phone works well and you don’t need any additional handset features.

For example, Phonely’s GA11 adapter connects your existing phone to your broadband router, allowing you to make and receive calls without replacing a compatible handset.

You can see exactly how this works in our step-by-step GA11 adapter setup guide, which includes a video demonstration.

2 – Plugging your phone directly into your router

Some broadband routers act as an analogue telephone adapter themselves. Providers such as BT supply hubs with a green phone port for digital voice; if your phone is near the hub you can plug it directly into the phone socket on the back of the router.

There is a caveat to this however – it only works if your broadband and phone service are bundled with the same provider. For example, services like BT Digital Voice are tied to the provider’s own broadband and compatible router. That means less flexibility, because you cannot easily mix and match providers or switch later without changing your setup. While it seems convenient, this approach can also work out more expensive over time.

3 – Buying a dedicated VoIP phone

Unlike analogue phones, an IP phone connects directly to your broadband network without an adapter. IP phones have a built‑in VoIP client and often offer advanced features. Some providers offer digital voice handsets that pair wirelessly with their routers; Phonely’s digital voice handsets are examples.

To set up an IP phone:

1. Connect the IP phone to your router using an Ethernet cable or Wi‑Fi.
2. Configure the phone using the settings provided by your VoIP provider (Phonely pre‑configures its phones so you can just plug and play).

IP phones are common in offices but are increasingly popular in homes, especially for people who want a fresh handset or extra features.

What Should You Check Before the 31 January 2027 Landline Switch-Off?

Before moving to digital voice, it’s worth checking a few things:

• Your existing handset: Ask your provider whether your current corded or cordless phone will work with a VoIP adapter.
• Your broadband connection: Digital voice needs a working internet connection and electricity supply.
• Your phone number: Check that you can transfer your existing landline number if you want to keep it.
• Telecare and alarms: If you use a personal alarm, careline or other equipment connected to your landline, confirm compatibility with the equipment provider before switching.
• Power cuts: Ask what backup arrangements are available, particularly if someone in your household depends on their home phone.

You can also visit Ofcom for independent information about the move to digital landlines.

The important thing is to check your equipment before switching. You may find that keeping your existing handset is easier than you expected.

Preparing Your Home

For a comprehensive checklist – including how to deal with extension sockets, choosing battery back‑up units and ensuring telecare compatibility – read our Preparing Your Home for Digital Voice guide. This guide explains what changes during the switchover, the three connection methods, and offers step‑by‑step advice on power cuts and alarm compatibility.

Why Choose Phonely

Phonely specialises in digital voice services for homes and small businesses. Whether you want to reuse your existing phone with a plug‑and‑play VoIP adapter or upgrade to a modern digital voice handset, Phonely provides pre‑configured hardware and UK‑based support. The company also offers advanced scam‑blocking features and call‑guard technology, and you can keep your existing number at no extra cost.