UK Guide
Preparing Your Home for Digital Voice
A complete guide to adapters, power cuts and telecare compatibility before the 2027 switchover.
Full switchover guideStep-by-step checklistThe UK's traditional copper landline network is being permanently switched off by January 2027. This change, often called the PSTN switch off or the move to Digital Voice, means your home phone will no longer use the old Public Switched Telephone Network. Instead, it will run over your broadband connection using internet technology.
Major providers including BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media are already migrating customers. For most households, the switch is straightforward. However, there are some important things to check before your switchover date, especially if:
- You rely on your landline during power cuts
- You use a telecare or pendant alarm
- You have burglar alarms connected to the phone line
- You use extension sockets around the house
This guide explains everything clearly, step by step. If you are new to the topic, read our main guide: Digital Landlines in the UK: Complete Guide to the 2027 Digital Voice Switchover.
What to check before you switch
Connection options, extension sockets, power cuts, telecare and a simple checklist.
What actually changes when you move to Digital Voice?
Traditionally, your phone plugged into a wall socket connected to copper wiring. That copper line carried both your call and a small electrical current, which is why landlines often worked during power cuts. With Digital Voice your phone connects to your broadband router instead, calls travel over the internet, and your phone now depends on your home electricity. The wall phone socket will no longer carry a live signal once your home has migrated.
This is the single biggest change people need to understand.
How your phone will connect after the switchover
There are three common home setups.
1. Using a VoIP adapter to keep your existing phone
This is the most common solution. An Analogue Telephone Adapter, often called an ATA, allows you to keep your current home handset.
How it works:
- Your router connects to the adapter using an Ethernet cable
- Your phone plugs into the adapter
- The adapter converts your voice into digital data
For most households, this is simple and unobtrusive. The adapter is a small box that sits next to your router. You can usually keep your existing landline number as well.
2. Plugging directly into your broadband router
Some broadband routers have a built-in phone port. If your provider supplies one of these, your phone plugs straight into the router without an adapter. Your provider will confirm whether this applies to you.
3. Using a dedicated IP phone
An IP phone connects directly to your internet connection. These are more common in offices, but some home users prefer them. For most families, keeping an existing handset with an adapter is easier.
What happens to extension sockets in your home?
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the switchover. If you currently have extension sockets wired from your master socket they will stop working once your copper line is switched off; the wall socket will no longer provide dial tone. Why? Because the signal now comes from your router, not the external copper line.
You have a few options:
- Use cordless phones with multiple handsets
- Have internal wiring reconfigured by an engineer
- Place your router centrally and connect phones via base stations
For many homes, cordless handsets are the simplest solution.
What happens during a power cut?
This is the most important difference between analogue and digital landlines. Old copper landlines often continued working during power cuts because the exchange supplied low voltage power. Digital Voice does not. If your electricity goes off your router switches off, your adapter switches off, and your landline stops working — unless you have backup power.
Battery backup options explained
There are two practical solutions.
1. Battery backup for your router
A battery backup unit can power your router and phone adapter during outages. Most providers must offer free battery backup to customers who are medically dependent, use telecare systems, are vulnerable, or have no mobile coverage. Backup duration varies; many units provide at least one hour of standby time. Always confirm how long the backup lasts and whether it powers just the router or also the adapter.
2. Using a mobile phone as backup
Many providers encourage customers to use a mobile phone during outages. However, this may not be suitable if there is poor mobile coverage, the person is elderly and only comfortable using a landline, or the person relies on telecare connected to the phone line. If someone in your home depends on the landline for safety, tell your provider.
Telecare and alarm compatibility: what you must check
If you only remember one section of this guide, make it this one. Many telecare systems were designed for analogue networks. Examples include pendant alarms, fall detection devices, careline systems, monitored burglar alarms and lift emergency phones. Some older models may not work reliably over digital connections.
Why analogue alarms can fail over Digital Voice
Analogue alarm signals were designed for copper lines. Digital connections compress audio differently, may introduce small delays, and can behave differently during faults. This can prevent some older alarms from transmitting correctly.
What you should do now
- Contact your telecare provider or local council
- Ask whether your device is digital compatible
- Arrange an upgrade if needed
Do not wait until after migration to test. If you support an elderly parent or vulnerable relative, help them make this call.
Broadband requirements for Digital Voice
Digital landlines require an active internet connection. You will need a stable broadband service, a router with Ethernet ports, and sufficient signal if using 4G or 5G broadband. Satellite broadband can work, but higher latency may slightly affect call quality. If your internet regularly drops out, address that before migration.
Will call quality improve?
In most cases, yes. Digital Voice often delivers clearer sound, less background noise and more consistent connection. However, call quality now depends on your broadband stability.
Can you still keep your number?
In almost all cases, yes. Number porting is usually straightforward and your provider handles the transfer. It is important not to cancel your old service before the number has been moved.
Preparing your home: step by step checklist
Here is a simple preparation plan.
Wait for your provider to contact you
Unless you plan to switch early.
Confirm how your phone will connect
Adapter, router port or IP phone.
Ask about battery backup options
If someone relies on the phone.
Contact your telecare or alarm provider
Check compatibility before you switch.
Check extension sockets and plan alternatives
Cordless handsets or rewiring.
Test everything once installed
Make sure the line and devices work.
Explain the changes clearly to anyone who may feel anxious
Preparation removes stress.
Common problems after switching to Digital Voice
Here are the most common issues and what to do.
No dial tone
Check: is the router powered on? Is the adapter connected properly? Has broadband dropped out? Restart the router if needed.
Phone not ringing
Check: is the ringer volume on? Are cables firmly connected? Is call blocking enabled for unknown numbers?
Echo or delay
This is usually broadband related. Try restarting the router, checking WiFi strength, or using a wired Ethernet connection.
Alarm stopped working
Contact your alarm provider immediately. Do not ignore this.
Is Digital Voice safe for elderly users?
Yes, but preparation matters. The main concerns are power cuts, telecare compatibility and confidence using new equipment. With proper setup and support, Digital Voice can be just as safe as traditional landlines. In fact, modern digital services can include call blocking, scam deterrent announcements, call recording and trusted person monitoring. These features can add protection that copper lines never offered.
Read our guide to spotting phone scams and call blocking and scam protection.
Frequently asked questions
Not unless you have battery backup or mobile fallback.
Yes. Digital Voice runs over your internet connection.
Yes. You can use cordless handsets or multiple IP phones.
No. The wall socket will no longer carry a signal once switched over.
Usually no. Most standard phones work with an adapter.
Providers say there is no additional charge for migration, but pricing varies by package.
Final thoughts: preparing calmly for 2027
The 2027 switchover is not something to fear. It is simply a network upgrade. Most homes need a router, possibly a small adapter, a plan for power cuts and confirmation that alarms are compatible. The key is preparation. If you or someone you care about relies on a landline for safety, act early.
Understanding the change removes uncertainty. Preparing properly restores confidence. And when done correctly, Digital Voice can offer clearer calls and stronger protection than the old copper network ever could.
For full details about the UK switchover:
