How To Keep Your Landline After the Switch-Off

TL;DR – How To Keep Your Landline After the Switch-Off

You don’t have to lose your landline number when the UK retires the old copper phone network in January 2027. By switching to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), you can:

• ✅ Keep your existing landline number (Ofcom requires all providers to support number porting).
• ✅ Use your current phone with a simple adapter, or upgrade to a VoIP handset.
• ✅ Save money – plans start from just £4/month for home users with competitive business packages available.
• ✅ Enjoy clearer call quality and extra features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and mobile apps.
• ✅ Stay connected with backup options (battery pack, mobile, or 4G router).

👉 For home users: View VoIP for Home plans & sign up online
👉 For businesses: Check our business pricing or get in touch with us to get started.

What Is Happening With the Landline Switch-Off?

PSTN retirement explained

The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)—the traditional copper-wire system that has powered landlines for decades—is being retired. By January 2027, all PSTN and ISDN services will be switched off nationwide. This means every landline user, whether at home or in business, will need to move to a digital alternative.

Why the change is happening

• Outdated technology – PSTN was designed for a world of simple voice calls. It cannot deliver the flexibility and features today’s users expect.
• Rising maintenance costs – the infrastructure is old, spare parts are harder to source, and keeping the system alive is expensive.
• Limited capabilities – PSTN only carries one service (analogue voice). By contrast, internet-based telephony can integrate features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, multi-device ringing, and high-definition audio.
• Future-ready networks – simplifying everything onto one digital platform (data + voice over broadband) helps accelerate fibre rollout and create a more reliable, secure service for everyone.

Who is affected?

• Homes: Every household with a landline will need to switch. Your number can move with you, but instead of plugging into a wall socket, your phone connects through your broadband router or a small adapter. During power cuts, the new system doesn’t automatically keep running like the old copper network did—so backup options such as mobile or battery-powered devices are recommended for those who rely on their landline in emergencies.
• Businesses: Any company using PSTN or ISDN lines—whether for phones, fax machines, card terminals, or alarms—must migrate to IP-based services. Businesses will benefit from more flexible call handling, scalable systems, and integration with modern tools.
• Vulnerable users: People who depend on telecare or emergency devices (like pendant alarms and lift phones) will need extra support. Providers are working to ensure these services remain safe and reliable once moved to digital.

Where Plexatalk fits in

The important thing to remember is this: you don’t have to lose your landline number. The switch-off is about technology, not identity. With VoIP services from Plexatalk, your number is preserved and your calls are delivered over your broadband.

We offer VoIP plans for both homes and businesses, so whether you’re a family who wants to keep a familiar landline or a business that needs a future-proof phone system, Plexatalk ensures a smooth, reliable transition away from PSTN.

What Is VoIP and Why Do You Need It?

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is the digital replacement for traditional landlines. Instead of sending your calls down old copper wires, VoIP uses your broadband connection to make and receive calls. From the user’s point of view, it still feels like a landline—you can keep the same number, use your existing handset (with a simple adapter), and make calls as normal. The difference is what happens in the background: your voice is converted into data and carried over the internet rather than analogue lines.

Why VoIP makes sense

• Lower costs – Calls are generally cheaper than with PSTN, especially for long-distance and international numbers. With providers like Plexatalk, you can also choose a plan that fits your household or business needs.
• Clearer call quality – Digital voice offers HD audio, so conversations sound sharper and more natural.
• More features as standard – VoIP unlocks extras that copper lines can’t provide, like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, call waiting, call recording, and the ability to use your number across multiple devices.
• Number portability – You don’t have to lose your landline number. With Plexatalk, your number is moved seamlessly to your VoIP service, whether you’re at home or moving office.

Things to be aware of

• Broadband dependency – Because VoIP relies on your internet connection, you’ll need stable broadband for reliable service.
• Power dependency – Unlike the old PSTN, VoIP stops working in a power cut unless you have a battery backup or mobile-based fallback. This is especially important for anyone who relies on their landline in emergencies.
• Compatibility with devices – Some connected systems (like alarms, telecare pendants, fax machines, or payment terminals) may not work over VoIP without an upgrade. If you use these, it’s important to check with your equipment provider before switching.

Why you need it now

With the PSTN switch-off approaching in 2027, VoIP isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a necessity. It ensures you can keep your landline number, access more features for less cost, and stay ready for the digital future. For both households and businesses, Plexatalk provides VoIP plans designed to make this transition simple, reliable, and future-proof.

Can You Keep Your Landline Number? (Yes!)

One of the biggest concerns about the landline switch-off is: “Will I lose my number?” The answer is simple: no—you can keep it.

Ofcom’s rules on number portability

The UK regulator, Ofcom, has made it clear that customers have the right to keep their phone number when switching providers. This is called number portability, and it applies whether you’re moving from one traditional provider to another, or from PSTN to VoIP. Your landline number is yours to take with you.

How the process works

To keep your number when moving to VoIP, you’ll need to request a number port. With Plexatalk, we handle the porting process for you. The most important thing to remember is:

• Do not cancel your current landline service until the porting is complete.
  If you cancel too early, your number may be lost and cannot always be recovered. By letting Plexatalk manage the transition, your number is moved seamlessly from your old provider to your new VoIP plan.

How long does it take?

Number porting typically takes 7–14 days once the request is submitted. During this time:

• Your existing landline will keep working as normal.
• On the switchover day, there may be a brief period (usually minutes) where calls are rerouted.
• Once complete, your number will ring through Plexatalk’s VoIP service—whether that’s at home, in the office, or across multiple devices.

The bottom line

You don’t have to give up your trusted landline number. Thanks to Ofcom’s portability rules, and with Plexatalk handling the process from start to finish, you can make the move to VoIP with confidence—keeping the number that friends, family, and customers already know.

Moving to FTTP but Your Provider Doesn’t Offer a Landline?

Switching to FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) delivers blazing-fast, fibre-optic internet — but some providers (like Plusnet) don’t include a landline service in their packages ([reddit.com][1], [youtube.com][2]). This means you’ll lose your dial tone unless you take action beforehand.

But don’t worry — VoIP is the perfect solution. By porting your old number to a VoIP provider like Plexatalk before cancelling your old line, you can:

• Keep your existing landline number permanently
• Use your current phone via an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) or upgrade to a VoIP handset
• Avoid being tied to your broadband provider — giving you flexibility to switch in the future

For a full walkthrough on how this works and why it matters, check out our guide:
How to Keep Your Landline When Switching to FTTP — explore here: https://www.plexatalk.co.uk/how-to-keep-your-landline-when-switching-to-fttp/

How to Switch to VoIP Step by Step

Making the move to VoIP may sound complicated, but in practice it’s straightforward. Here’s how to do it smoothly and without losing your landline number.

1. Check your broadband connection

VoIP runs over your internet, so you’ll need a reliable connection. A minimum of 5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload is usually enough for a single household line, but businesses or homes with heavy streaming/gaming may need more. If you’re unsure, Plexatalk can help assess whether your connection is ready.

2. Choose a VoIP provider

Not all VoIP services are the same. Look for a provider (like Plexatalk) that offers plans tailored to both domestic and business users, with transparent pricing, responsive support, and number portability.

3. Decide on your equipment

• Keep your existing phone: Most standard handsets can be reused with a small analogue telephone adapter (ATA), which plugs into your router.
• Upgrade to a VoIP handset: These are designed for digital calls, offering features like HD audio, programmable keys, and direct network connection.
• Go fully digital: Some customers prefer softphones or mobile apps, which let you make and receive calls using your number on laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

4. Request number porting

This is the key step to keeping your landline number. When you sign up with Plexatalk, we’ll manage the number porting process for you. Remember:

• Don’t cancel your old landline yet.
• The port usually takes 7–14 days.
• You’ll be notified of your switchover date in advance.

5. Test your service

On the day of migration, plug in your chosen phone or adapter, and make a few test calls. Check both incoming and outgoing calls, voicemail, and any features you’ve chosen (like call forwarding or voicemail-to-email).

6. Cancel your old landline

Once your number has been successfully ported and tested on your new VoIP service, you can safely cancel your old PSTN-based line. From this point on, your calls are fully digital.

Equipment You May Need

Switching to VoIP doesn’t mean you have to throw away your existing phones—but you may need a little extra kit depending on how you want to set things up.

Router with VoIP port

Some big broadband providers (like BT or TalkTalk) now supply routers with built-in VoIP ports. In this case, you can often plug your phone directly into the router. However, this ties your landline service to that broadband provider. With many alternative fibre suppliers (like Toob or Trooli), VoIP isn’t included, so without a dedicated VoIP provider you may be limiting your options.

ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter)

An ATA is a small device that connects your old analogue handset to your broadband. This is a simple way to keep using your familiar phone while enjoying the benefits of VoIP. Plexatalk offers ATAs as part of our setup to make the transition painless.

VoIP handsets

For the best digital experience, a VoIP handset plugs directly into your broadband network. These modern phones deliver clearer audio, extra features, and are designed specifically for IP calling. Plexatalk can supply and configure VoIP phones so you’re ready to go on day one.

Battery backup / UPS

Unlike the old copper network, VoIP services rely on your broadband and mains power. During a power cut, your landline won’t automatically stay live. A battery backup unit (UPS) can keep your router, ATA, or VoIP phone powered for emergencies.

Costs – Is VoIP Cheaper Than a Landline?

Yes—VoIP is usually far cheaper than traditional landlines.

• Traditional line rental: Typically costs £15–£20 per month, often before adding call charges.
• VoIP with Plexatalk: Residential plans start at just £4 per month, including 100 minutes of UK calls. Many plans also include or offer unlimited UK calls, making it far more cost-effective for most households.

For businesses, VoIP doesn’t just cut costs—it adds value. Features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, call queues, multi-device support, and detailed call reporting are included as standard or at a fraction of the price of legacy systems.

Backup & Safety Considerations

One key difference between the old copper landline and VoIP is power resilience. The traditional PSTN carried its own power from the exchange, so a basic corded phone often worked even in a blackout. With VoIP, your phone service depends on your broadband router, adapter or VoIP handset—all of which require mains power.

That means in a power cut, unless you’ve planned ahead, your landline will not work. Here’s how to stay safe and connected:

Battery backup units

Providers are required to ensure vulnerable customers (such as those relying on telecare or medical devices) have a way to keep calling during power cuts. A battery backup (UPS) can keep your router, ATA, or VoIP phone running for several hours.

4G/5G failover routers

Some broadband setups include a mobile data SIM that automatically kicks in if your fixed-line service goes down. This ensures your VoIP service continues working as long as there’s mobile coverage in your area.

Mobile phone as an emergency backup

Even without extra equipment, it’s sensible to keep a charged mobile on hand. In many cases, emergency services recommend dialling 999 via mobile if your landline isn’t working.

Preparing Elderly & Vulnerable Users

The landline switch-off is a big change, and it’s especially important that elderly and vulnerable users are properly supported. Many rely on their landline for everyday contact, emergency calls, or linked devices such as telecare alarms. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Ofcom requirements for backup solutions

Ofcom requires providers to ensure that customers who depend on their landline for emergency or care purposes are given a backup option. This might be a battery unit to keep the VoIP service working during a power cut, or a simple mobile-based solution.

Check telecare and alarm compatibility

If you or someone you care for uses telecare, pendant alarms, fall detectors, or home security systems connected to the landline, check with the device supplier before migrating. Some older models may not work reliably over VoIP and may need to be upgraded.

Keep a fallback mobile

Even with backup solutions in place, a basic mobile phone kept fully charged is a sensible safety net. Emergency calls (999) will always connect via any available mobile network, even without credit.

Label equipment for ease of use

Clear labelling helps reduce confusion. Mark which phone should be used for normal calls, where the backup unit is, and how to reach help if needed. Simple instructions, placed near the phone, can make a big difference in an emergency.

FAQ

Why Switch Early?

The PSTN switch-off may not be until January 2027, but waiting until the last minute could cause headaches. Here’s why it pays to make the move to VoIP sooner rather than later.

Avoid the rush

As the deadline gets closer, millions of households and businesses will all be migrating at once. That means busier phone lines, slower installations, and less flexibility. By switching now, you get peace of mind and avoid the scramble.

More control over your setup

Migrating early gives you time to test your broadband, choose the right equipment, and check that any connected devices (alarms, telecare units, card machines, etc.) work properly with VoIP. With Plexatalk, we’ll guide you step by step—so you’re never left guessing.

Future-proof your home or business

The PSTN and POTS era is ending. By moving to VoIP today, you unlock clearer calls, lower bills, and powerful features that analogue lines simply couldn’t offer. You’ll also ensure your landline number is protected well before the switch-off, giving you complete continuity.

The big message to remember is this: the landline isn’t disappearing — it’s simply going digital. The switch-off of the old PSTN/POTS network in 2027 marks the end of copper lines, not the end of landline calls. You can keep your number, keep using a familiar phone, and gain access to clearer, cheaper, and more flexible calling.

But don’t wait until the last minute. Planning your switch now means:

• No stress as the deadline approaches.
• Time to check equipment and compatibility.
• A smooth transition with your number protected.

👉 The next step is simple: choose a VoIP provider and begin your transition. With Plexatalk, you get affordable residential plans from just £4/month, feature-rich business solutions, and expert support to make the change easy.

👉 For home users: View VoIP for Home plans & sign up online
👉 For businesses: Check our business pricing or get in touch with us to get started.

Make the move today — and keep your landline ready for the future.