Can I keep my landline number when switching to an internet phone?

Yes. In most cases you can transfer your existing landline number to Phonely. The process is called number porting and typically takes around 5 to 7 working days. We handle the process for you.

What is the difference between an internet phone and a VoIP phone?

They are the same thing. Internet phone, VoIP phone, digital voice phone, and digital landline all describe a telephone service that works over your broadband instead of the old copper network. Different providers use different terms, but the technology is identical.

Internet phone service for UK homes using broadband instead of a traditional copper landline

Internet phone that keeps your number and blocks scam calls

An internet phone lets you keep a home phone number without the old copper line. It works over your broadband connection and uses your existing handset — so nothing changes about how you use your phone.

Phonely adds built-in protection against scam and nuisance calls, so you can answer with confidence again.

If you have heard it called a VoIP phone, digital voice, or digital landline, it is the same technology. This page explains how it works, what you need, and why thousands of UK households are switching.

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Comparing providers? Read our best digital landline UK guide. Wondering about the 2027 deadline? See our UK digital landline switchover guide.

What is an internet phone?

An internet phone is a home telephone that makes and receives calls over your broadband connection instead of the old copper telephone network.

You may have heard it called a VoIP phone (Voice over Internet Protocol), a digital voice phone, or a digital landline. They all mean the same thing. The experience of using one is identical to a normal landline — you pick up the handset, dial, and speak as always.

The difference is what happens behind the scenes. Your voice is converted into digital data and sent over your internet connection. This makes internet phones cheaper to run, easier to add features to, and ready for the future of UK telecoms.

As the UK moves away from the old copper phone network, an internet phone is the natural, modern replacement for your home landline.

Internet phone service connecting to broadband router instead of traditional copper phone line

Is a VoIP phone the same as an internet phone?

Yes. The terms internet phone, VoIP phone, digital voice phone, and digital landline all describe the same technology.

Different providers and manufacturers use different names, which can cause confusion. BT calls it Digital Voice. Some providers say VoIP. Others say internet landline or digital phone line. They all refer to a phone service that runs over your broadband instead of copper wire.

Phonely is an internet phone service. Whichever term you searched for, you are in the right place.

Phonely internet phone apps for Android and iOS

Internet phone handsets and VoIP adapters for UK homes from Phonely

Why you need an internet phone before the 2027 switch-off

The UK's old copper telephone network — the PSTN — is being permanently switched off by January 2027. Every major provider, including BT, Sky, and Virgin Media, has already begun migrating customers away from it.

Once the switch-off happens, traditional landlines that rely on copper wiring will stop working entirely. Every UK home with a landline will need to have moved to an internet phone service.

Switching now — on your own terms — means you choose the provider and plan that suit you, rather than being migrated automatically. It also means you can start benefiting from better call quality and modern safety features straight away.

Choose Your Internet Phone Plan

Phonely internet phone handset — use your existing phone or upgrade to a dedicated VoIP handset

Do I need a new phone for an internet phone service?

No. Your existing handset will work perfectly.

We provide a small VoIP adapter that connects between your current phone and your internet router. You plug it in, plug your phone in, and it works. There is no new technology to learn and no equipment to replace.

Every Phonely plan includes the adapter free of charge. If you do prefer a new dedicated internet phone handset, we have those available too during signup.

You can also keep your existing landline number. We arrange the transfer for you, and it typically takes 5 to 7 working days.

Switch to Phonely

Why Phonely is different from other internet phone providers

Most internet phone providers give you a basic calling service and nothing else. Phonely was built around the safety of the people who use it most.

Every Phonely internet phone plan includes CallGuard, our intelligent scam call protection system. Known scam numbers are blocked before your phone rings. Suspicious callers hear a warning that deters fraudsters. And you can give trusted family members visibility over your calls.

CallGuard has been endorsed by police forces across the UK and featured in the BBC's Scam Safe campaign. It is the kind of protection that simply is not possible on the old copper landline.

You also get UK-based support from a team that understands how important a home phone still is — especially for older or vulnerable people.

Learn About CallGuard Protection

CallGuard scam call protection included with every Phonely internet phone plan

CallGuard scam call protection warning message on an internet phone

Internet phone with built-in scam protection

Scam calls targeting home phones have become a serious problem in the UK, costing victims hundreds of millions of pounds each year. Older people are disproportionately targeted.

Because internet phone calls travel as digital data, it is possible to screen and block suspicious calls in real time — something the old copper network could never do.

Phonely's CallGuard system blocks known scam numbers before your phone even rings. Suspicious callers hear a message warning them the call is being monitored, which causes most fraudsters to hang up. If anything does get through, you can block it with one tap.

This runs quietly in the background. You use your internet phone exactly as you always have, but with far stronger protection.

See How Call Blocking Works

Who an internet phone is best for

An internet phone is the right choice for anyone who still values a home phone and wants it to work safely and reliably.

It is especially well suited for:

Older people who prefer the familiarity of a home phone
Families supporting parents or relatives who rely on their landline
Homes with poor or unreliable mobile signal
Anyone receiving unwanted or suspicious calls
Households preparing ahead of the 2027 PSTN switch-off
People who want better features without paying more

If your current landline is important to you but you want it to work better, an internet phone is the natural next step.

Multigenerational family who rely on their home phone

How to switch to an internet phone

Switching to Phonely is straightforward and takes most people less than ten minutes to set up.

Choose your plan and we will arrange to transfer your existing number, or provide a new one if you prefer. We then send a free VoIP adapter by post. You plug it into your router, connect your existing phone, and you are ready to make and receive calls.

There is no engineer visit and no disruption to your broadband. Our UK-based support team is on hand if you need any help along the way.

Choose Your Internet Phone Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about internet phones and switching to Phonely.

An internet phone is a home telephone that makes and receives calls over your broadband connection instead of the old copper telephone network. It is also known as a VoIP phone or digital voice phone. The calling experience is identical to a normal landline — you simply pick up, dial, and speak.

Yes. An internet phone requires a working broadband connection. Any standard UK broadband — ADSL, fibre, or cable — provides sufficient speed for clear, reliable calls. You do not need a fast connection; even a basic broadband service is enough.

Yes. In most cases you can transfer your existing number to Phonely. We handle the process for you and it typically takes around 5 to 7 working days. If you prefer a fresh start, you can choose a new number during signup.

Yes. Your current home phone will work with a small VoIP adapter that connects between your handset and your router. Phonely includes a free adapter with every plan, so you do not need to buy or learn any new equipment.

Yes. Internet phone, VoIP phone, digital voice phone, and digital landline all describe the same technology — a phone that works over your broadband instead of the old copper network. Different providers and manufacturers use different names, but the technology is identical.

An internet phone will not work during a broadband outage. Phonely provides offline alerts so you and your trusted contacts are notified if the service becomes temporarily unavailable. We also recommend keeping a mobile phone charged for genuine emergencies.

Phonely internet phone plans start from £9.97 per month. This includes 1,600 minutes of free UK calls, a free VoIP adapter, and built-in scam call protection via CallGuard. See all plans and pricing.