What is VoIP? The Complete Guide for UK Households

For many UK households, especially those who rely on their landline as a lifeline, the news of the traditional phone network switch-off can feel unsettling. BT has announced that the old copper landline system (PSTN) will be retired by the beginning of 2027. This means all households will need to move over to a new type of phone service: VoIP.

But what exactly is VoIP? How does it work? And – most importantly – what does it mean for your home phone? Let’s walk through it together.

What is VoIP and How Does it Work?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Instead of carrying calls over the old copper wires, it sends your voice through the internet.

Here’s the simple version:

• You pick up your phone and dial as normal.
• Your voice is converted into a digital signal.
• That signal travels through your internet connection.
• The person on the other end hears you instantly, just as they would on a landline.

If you have broadband at home, you can use VoIP. You don’t need to be “techy” to set it up – providers like Phonely supply simple plug-and-play equipment so you can keep making calls the same way you always have.

What Are the Advantages of VoIP?

VoIP is more than just a replacement for landlines – it comes with some real benefits:

1. Keep Your Number

No need to learn a new phone number. With providers such as Phonely, you can port your existing number over, so friends, family, and services can still reach you.

2. Use Your Current Handset

Worried about having to buy a brand-new phone? In most cases, you can keep your existing handset with the help of a simple adapter.

3. Crystal-Clear Call Quality

VoIP calls often sound clearer than traditional lines, thanks to digital connections.

4. Lower Costs

Because calls travel over the internet, call rates (especially international ones) are usually cheaper. Many households save money by switching.

5. Extra Features

Modern VoIP systems often include advanced features such as auto-attendants and mobile app integrations. Phonely even includes CallGuard, which helps protect you from scam calls with features such as automatic call blocking, call recording and live call joining.

What Are the Disadvantages of VoIP?

To be balanced, it’s worth mentioning the drawbacks:

• Power cuts and internet outages: Unlike copper lines, VoIP depends on electricity and broadband. If your internet goes down, so does your phone service. Most providers recommend having a mobile phone handy as backup.
• Setup requires internet: Households without broadband or an internet connection will need to install it to use VoIP.

The good news? Once set up, most people find VoIP just as reliable as their old landline.

Why is Everyone Switching to VoIP?

The main reason is necessity: the UK’s old copper network is being phased out. But beyond that, there are clear advantages:

• Future-proofing: The copper network is expensive to maintain. Digital is the way forward.
• Improved safety: Features like scam call blocking make VoIP safer for vulnerable households.
• Flexibility: Your number isn’t tied to your address. If you move, you can take your number with you.

Households across the UK are making the switch now, rather than waiting until the deadline, to avoid disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The switch to VoIP may feel like a big change, but in reality it’s just a modern version of the landline you already know. You can still pick up the phone, dial, and hear a friendly voice on the other end.

The key differences? Better call quality, more features, and lower costs. And with providers like Phonely, you can keep your number, keep your handset, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your calls are secure.

So when the time comes to move away from copper lines, remember: it’s not about losing your landline. It’s about keeping it – just in a smarter, more reliable way.