BT Landline Price Increase 2026: How to Avoid Higher Costs

If you’re still using a traditional BT or EE landline, the BT landline price increase in 2026 could mean a sharp rise in your monthly bill.

Openreach has announced a series of price increases on older copper phone lines throughout the year, with changes set for April, July and October 2026. These increases are part of a wider push to move customers away from ageing landline technology ahead of the UK’s PSTN switch-off in January 2027.

For many households, this means one thing:
staying on a traditional landline is about to get a lot more expensive.

Why is the BT landline price increase happening?

The BT landline price increase in 2026 isn’t random, it’s a deliberate shift.

Openreach, which manages the UK’s phone network, is increasing wholesale charges on copper lines to encourage customers to move to newer digital services.

In simple terms:

• Old copper networks are being phased out
• Maintaining them is becoming more costly
• Providers are being pushed to move customers off them

These price rises are designed to accelerate that transition.

How much will BT landline prices increase in 2026?

According to Openreach, the changes will roll out in stages across 2026.

By October:

• Basic copper line rental could effectively double compared to 2025 levels
• Monthly costs will continue to rise as the switch-off approaches

For customers who’ve stayed loyal to traditional landlines, this is a significant shift, and one that may come as a surprise.

What is the PSTN switch-off in 2027?

The UK is retiring its old analogue phone network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Switch-off date: January 2027

After this:

• Traditional landlines will no longer work
• All calls will be made over digital networks (VoIP)
• Providers will stop supporting copper-based services

This means switching isn’t just about saving money, it’s eventually unavoidable.

Your options after the BT landline price increase

If you’re facing the BT landline price increase in 2026, you have a few choices:

1. Stay on your current plan

You can remain on a copper landline, but expect rising costs throughout 2026.

2. Move to a bundled broadband package

Many providers will push customers towards broadband-based phone services, often bundled with internet.

3. Switch to a digital landline alternative (simpler option)

This is where many people are now looking, especially if they:

• Don’t want complicated bundles
• Want to keep their existing phone number
• Prefer a lower monthly cost

A simpler alternative: switching without the hassle

For customers who just want a home phone without rising costs, digital alternatives are becoming increasingly popular.

Phonely is designed specifically for this transition.

With Phonely, you can:

• Keep your existing landline number
• Avoid rising copper line charges
• Switch to a digital service without needing a full broadband bundle
• Pay from just £9.97 per month

It’s a straightforward way to move away from outdated landline pricing, without overcomplicating things

Why acting now matters

The BT landline price increase in 2026 is only part of the story.

As 2027 approaches:

• Prices are likely to keep rising
• Providers will increase pressure to switch
• Support for old landlines will continue to decline

Leaving it too late could mean:

• Fewer choices
• Higher costs
• A more rushed switch

Final thoughts

The shift away from traditional landlines is already underway, and 2026 is the tipping point.

If you’re still using a copper landline, now is the time to review your options before costs rise further.

Switching early puts you in control:

• You avoid unnecessary price increases
• You choose the solution that suits you
• You transition on your own terms

Ready to move away from rising landline costs?

Phonely offers a simple, affordable way to make the switch.

Explore plans from £9.97/month and keep your number

Or, if you’d prefer to speak to someone:
Call 0800 112 5000