When Are Landlines Being Phased Out?

What the UK’s Big Landline Switchover Means for You

For decades, landlines have been a familiar feature in our homes. Whether it’s calling loved ones, chatting with friends, or getting help in an emergency, they’ve always been there.

But if you’re wondering when landlines are being phased out in the UK (and what that actually means for you), you’re not alone.

Let’s break it down, plain and simple.

So, When Are Landlines Being Phased Out?

The traditional landline network (known as the PSTN) is being switched off. The original deadline was December 2025, but that’s now been pushed back.

Landlines will now be phased out completely by January 2027.

The process is already underway and some providers have started moving customers to the new system.

In some cases this change doesn’t mean you’ll lose your home phone. It just means the technology behind it is changing. Instead of plugging into a BT wall socket, your phone will connect through your internet.

This new system is called Digital Voice or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). And it’s the future of home phones in the UK.

Why Are Landlines Being Switched Off?

The current landline network has been around for over 100 years. It runs on old copper wires designed for basic voice calls not today’s high-speed, internet-connected world.

Here’s why the switch is happening:

• Clearer, more reliable calls
• Better protection from scam and nuisance calls
• Modern tech that works with smart devices
• Lower maintenance and more future-proof

This isn’t just happening in the UK. Other countries, including France, Germany, and Australia, are making the same move.

What Is Digital Voice, and How Does It Work?

Digital Voice uses your broadband connection to make calls just like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom. It’s already widely used in businesses and is now rolling out to homes.

Your phone will:

• Plug into your broadband router (instead of the wall)
• Use your internet to make and receive calls
• Still let you keep your current phone number
• Still work like a regular phone (with a dial tone and everything)

You might be able to keep your current handset, or you might need a small adapter or a new digital handset. (If you’re with Phonely, we make that part easy—we’ll help you figure it out.)

What About in a Power Cut?

Here’s one key difference:

⚠️ Traditional landlines work during a power cut. Digital phones don’t—unless you have a backup.

Because Digital Voice runs through your router (which needs power), your phone won’t work if the electricity goes out—unless:

• You have a battery backup for your router
• Or you have a mobile phone available as a backup

Will My Telecare or Alarm Still Work?

If you use:

• A telecare or pendant alarm
• A medical alert device
• A burglar alarm
• Or anything else that connects to your landline…

…you must check whether it will work with a digital phone line.

👉 Speak to your device provider
👉 Tell your phone provider about these devices
👉 Make sure they’re tested on the new system

Providers have committed not to switch over vulnerable customers until their safety is guaranteed. But it’s still worth being proactive.

Do I Need Broadband to Use My Home Phone?

Yes. Because digital phones work over the internet, you’ll need a broadband connection even if you just want a home phone.
At Phonely, we don’t sell broadband but our phones work with any broadband provider. That gives you the freedom to shop around for the best deal while enjoying a home phone that’s easy to use, simple to set up, and 100% reliable.

So, Are Landlines Being Phased Out?

Yes—but it’s not as scary as it sounds.

The old technology is going… but your home phone isn’t. With the right setup, you’ll stay connected just like you always have—only now with clearer calls, better security, and modern features.

TL;DR: When Are Landlines Being Phased Out?

• 🕒 By January 2027, all UK landlines will switch to Digital Voice (VoIP)
• 💡 You’ll need a broadband connection for your home phone
• 📞 You’ll still keep your number and make calls as normal
• ⚠️ In a power cut, your phone won’t work unless you have a backup
• 🔔 Check your telecare or alarm systems for compatibility
• ✅ Phonely phones work with any broadband provider