Don’t Lose Your Number: 7 Reasons to Switch to Phonely Before the PSTN Switch-Off

GeorgeWritten by George, on 01 May, 2025. Last updated 01 May, 2025

Worried about the PSTN Switch-Off and what it means for you?

You’re not alone. When you’ve had the same home phone number for years, sharing it with friends, family, doctors, and everyone in between – the idea of losing it during the PSTN switch-off can feel overwhelming.

Here’s the good news: transitioning doesn’t have to be stressful.
At Phonely, we’ve made it easy, reassuring, and affordable (you can save £96 a year compared to BT) to move with the times without losing what matters most.

In this guide, you’ll discover 7 excellent reasons why making the switch to Phonely is not just smart – it’s the simplest way to stay connected, protect your number, and enjoy better service for years to come.

old man using landline phone ready for the PSTN Switch-Off

1. Fear Of Losing Your Landline Number

One of the biggest concerns people have when changing phone providers is losing a number they’ve had for years. It’s completely understandable — your number is how friends, family, and essential services reach you. The good news is, you don’t have to give it up.

At Phonely, we make it easy to keep your phone number when switching. Once you fill out a simple online form, we’ll request the transfer from your current provider. This process, called porting your number, usually takes up to 14 days — and during that time, your service continues as normal (as long as you’re still in contact with your losing provider).

So if you’re preparing for the PSTN switch-off, or simply moving to a new provider, rest assured: you can transfer your phone number without losing touch with anyone.

2. Scam & Robocall Overload

Scam calls are more than just annoying — they can be dangerous, especially for people who may be more vulnerable to fraud. That’s why Phonely’s CallGuard doesn’t just block nuisance calls — it adds layered protection before, during, and after the call.

Before the call, known scam numbers from our database of almost 40 thousand numbers, updated hourly, are automatically blocked. If the number isn’t in your contact book, we play a short anti-fraud introduction that helps filter out most robocalls without any action needed from you.

During the call, support is just a button away. By pressing #9, you can instantly invite a trusted person to join the call and offer help — whether it’s to clarify something or step in if things don’t feel right.

After the call, CallGuard scans the conversation for certain keywords linked to scams — like “credit card” or “bank account.” If anything concerning is detected, your trusted person will be alerted, so they can check in and make sure everything’s okay.

CallGuard doesn’t just stop calls — it supports you at every stage, offering peace of mind that someone’s always looking out for you.

3. No Real Human Support

If you’ve ever been stuck in a never-ending loop of hold music, button presses, and robotic voices, you know how frustrating landline support can be. Many providers make it difficult to speak to a real person — and when you finally do, getting actual help isn’t guaranteed.

At Phonely, we’ve built our service around what people are really asking for: easy, responsive landline customer support that puts you first.

That means no chatbots. No confusing menus. And definitely no being passed from team to team. Whether you’re joining us, updating your plan, or just need help with something simple, you’ll speak to a real person from our UK-based team; someone who understands the system and genuinely wants to help.

4. Confusion About The 2027 Landline Switch-Off

By the end of January 2027, the UK’s traditional phone network – the PSTN – will be permanently switched off. If you still rely on a copper landline, this change will affect you.

This PSTN switch-off is already underway. It means that all landline services are moving to internet-based technology, known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). It’s the same kind of system used for services like Zoom or WhatsApp calls — just more reliable and designed for home phones.

Understandably, many people are unsure about what this change means or when they need to act. According to government and consumer research, more than a million voice-only customers and many telecare device users will be affected. If you’re in this group — or helping someone who is — it’s important to start planning.

Phonely was created specifically with this change in mind. Our service helps you move your landline to VoIP without hassle, confusion, or unexpected costs. We offer a fully-supported digital voice service in the UK, designed to feel as familiar as your old landline — just future-ready.

Timeline of the PSTN Switch Off

5. Tech Anxiety & Fear of Change

For many people, the idea of the PSTN switch-off brings one thing to mind: stress. Questions like “Will I be able to set it up?”, “Will I need new equipment?”, or “What if I get stuck?” are common — especially among those who don’t consider themselves “tech-savvy.”

At Phonely, we understand that. That’s why we’ve built an easy-to-use digital landline service that puts simplicity first.

From the moment you join, everything is designed to be as clear and comfortable as possible. We guide you through a straightforward digital landline transition, with clear instructions and no jargon. And if you need help, our team is just a phone call away.

Setting up your phone is simple — most people can do it in minutes. No technical skills required. Whether you’re using an adapter or one of our plug-and-play phones, it’s a simple digital phone setup that works straight out of the box.

6. Complicated Bills & Hidden Fees

Confusing phone bills are one of the biggest complaints we hear — unexpected charges, hard-to-follow itemised lists, and fees that seem to come out of nowhere.

At Phonely, we’ve stripped all that away.

Our pricing is clear from the start. You’ll know exactly what your monthly cost covers, and what (if anything) will ever change. No hidden extras. No sudden add-ons. Just straightforward landline costs that make budgeting easier.

Your bill should be something you can glance at and understand in seconds. That’s why we’ve made sure everything — from layout to language — is simple. If you ever do have a question, just give us a call and we’ll go through it with you.

7. Poor Call Quality

When calls are full of background noise, muffled voices, or moments where the line drops out entirely, it makes even a simple conversation feel like hard work. Unfortunately, that’s a common issue with traditional landlines — especially as the old copper network continues to age.

Switching to a digital landline can make a real difference. With Phonely, many customers notice better sound quality straight away. Our system supports HD voice for landlines, which delivers clearer, more natural conversations and helps reduce background interference.

If you’re currently dealing with patchy or unreliable service, the PSTN switch-off could be a blessing in disguise. It’s a simple way to improve landline call quality without needing any complicated tech or big changes to your setup.

Conclusion

The shift to digital landlines doesn’t have to be confusing, stressful, or full of compromises. Whether you’re worried about losing your number, dealing with scam calls, or just want a service that’s easier to use and easier to trust — Phonely is here to help.

We’re focused on making this transition feel simple, not overwhelming. From clear pricing to real human support, and from better call quality to built-in scam protection, every part of our service is designed to work for real people — not just tech experts.

If you’re thinking about making the switch, or helping a loved one do the same, we’re ready when you are.

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