If you feel like your broadband and phone bill is swallowing a big chunk of your monthly budget, you’re not alone. In this guide today, we’ll go into how to reduce your broadband bill in the UK.
Across the UK, millions of households are locked into “big brand” bundles from BT, Sky, and Virgin that combine broadband, home phone, and often TV. On the surface, these bundles are marketed as convenient, but in reality they can cost anywhere between £80 and £120 per month – and in some cases, even more.
That adds up to well over £1,000 a year for services that many families barely use. Think about it: how many of the hundreds of TV channels included in your bundle do you actually watch? How often do you use the landline, when most calls are made via mobiles or apps like WhatsApp? Yet, because these services are tied together, people end up paying for features they don’t really need.
At a time when the cost of living is rising – with food, energy, and housing costs all climbing – broadband and phone bills are an easy area to overlook. They’re often tucked away on a direct debit, quietly going up every year thanks to above-inflation price rises. Many providers automatically move customers onto “out of contract” rates that can be 30–50% higher than introductory offers. It’s what Martin Lewis and others call the “loyalty penalty”: staying put ends up costing you more.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to keep paying over the odds. The broadband market is changing fast. In recent years, dozens of alternative networks (or “altnets”) have entered the scene, rolling out full fibre at far lower monthly prices. It’s no longer unusual to find broadband-only deals for around £25–£35 per month – often faster and more reliable than the big providers.
The home phone market is shifting too. By 2027, traditional copper landlines will be switched off in the UK, with all calls moving to digital systems (VoIP). That means paying line rental to BT or Sky just to keep your home phone is no longer necessary – you can switch your number to an internet-based service for just a few pounds a month.
In other words, those expensive bundles aren’t just costly, they’re outdated. By unbundling – choosing your broadband and phone separately – it’s possible to save hundreds of pounds a year while also future-proofing your home for the digital switchover.
This guide will show you exactly how.
To understand why broadband and home phone bills are so high, it helps to look back. For decades, BT controlled the UK’s copper phone network. If you wanted a landline, you had to pay line rental – a monthly fee just for having access to the physical line running into your home. When broadband arrived, it piggybacked on the same copper lines. That meant most people had no choice but to keep paying line rental on top of their internet bill, even if they rarely used the landline for calls.
Fast forward to today and things have changed. Fibre is replacing copper, and mobile has replaced most landline usage. But the habit of “line rental + extras” has stuck, and many of the largest providers still use this model to inflate costs.
Providers like BT, Sky, and Virgin built their businesses on bundling. The idea is simple: instead of selling you broadband on its own, they package it with TV subscriptions, sports channels, mobile SIMs, and a “free” landline. It looks good in adverts – lots of services, one monthly bill – but the reality is that bundles are designed to lock customers in and push up average revenue.
Take Sky as an example. Their “Big Bundle” includes broadband, a landline, and a TV package with hundreds of channels. The entry price may be marketed at £40–£50 per month, but once you add faster speeds, sports, or premium channels, it’s easy for the monthly cost to creep above £80–£100.
BT follows a similar pattern. They promote “broadband + phone” packages with the line rental included, even though fewer people use the landline. On top of that, they upsell TV through BT Sport or NOW TV add-ons. Virgin Media, meanwhile, are famous for their “Big Bundle” and “Mega Bundle” deals that combine broadband, phone, TV, and sometimes a mobile SIM. The combined cost regularly tops £100 per month.
A common sales tactic is the “free landline” or “free TV” offer. But nothing is really free – it’s baked into the bundle price. The so-called free landline means you’re still paying for line rental (just repackaged), and the TV element often carries hidden fees for premium channels or equipment.
Even worse, many providers build in annual price rises linked to inflation plus a few percentage points. That means your £90 bundle this year could be closer to £100 next year, regardless of whether your service has improved. And if you go out of contract, the monthly fee can jump by 30% or more without warning.
This model works brilliantly for the providers. It makes it difficult for households to compare like-for-like broadband prices, because the bundle is stuffed with extras. It also ties people into long contracts – often 18 or 24 months – making it harder to leave.
The bottom line is that most UK households are paying for services they don’t fully use. Research consistently shows that many people watch fewer than 10 TV channels regularly, yet bundles provide hundreds. Landline minutes go unused because most calls are made via mobiles or messaging apps. And line rental is a hangover from a copper network that’s being switched off by 2027.
In short: if your broadband and phone bill feels high, it’s not your imagination. The system is built that way. But with new providers and technologies now available, there are better – and cheaper – alternatives.
The UK is in the middle of the biggest shake-up to its phone and broadband services in decades. For years, the model was simple: broadband was delivered over copper telephone lines, and those copper lines came with a landline attached. That system is now being dismantled. Over the next two years, every household will face changes that affect how we pay for – and use – broadband and home phone services.
The first sign of change is something called the “stop-sell.” Openreach, which operates most of the UK’s network, has stopped allowing providers to sell or upgrade old copper-based services in areas where full fibre is available.
In practice, that means if fibre has reached your street, you won’t be able to sign up for a traditional broadband + landline package. Instead, you’ll be offered fibre-only internet, and if you want to keep a home phone, it will be provided digitally over your broadband connection (VoIP). The message is clear: copper is being phased out, and fibre is the future.
The stop-sell is just a stepping stone towards the bigger milestone: January 2027, when Openreach will permanently retire the UK’s copper landline network. From that date, traditional landlines will no longer exist. Every home phone service will run over broadband instead.
BT calls this change “Digital Voice,” and other providers are branding it differently, but the principle is the same. Phones will plug into your router, not the wall socket. Line rental – once a fixture of every household bill – will become a thing of the past.
For households still paying line rental just to keep their number, this is a turning point. The service you’re paying for today won’t exist after January 2027. Moving to VoIP sooner rather than later means you can port your existing number, keep your home phone if you want it, and cut your bill – instead of waiting for your current provider to set the terms.
While copper is winding down, alternative networks (or “altnets”) are on the rise. These smaller, independent broadband providers are building their own fibre networks, especially in towns and suburbs overlooked by the big players.
Names like toob, Trooli, Giganet, Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Cuckoo are increasingly common. Unlike BT, Sky, or Virgin, they don’t have the legacy costs of copper networks, nor do they depend on bundling TV or phone services. They keep it simple: fast, reliable, affordable fibre.
Their streamlined model means lower prices. It’s not unusual to see gigabit-capable broadband for £25–£35 per month, with straightforward terms and fewer hidden extras. Many altnets also compete by offering perks such as free installation or guaranteed fixed prices for the length of the contract.
Taken together, these changes mark the end of expensive, bundle-heavy bills. Copper landlines are being switched off in January 2027, line rental will vanish, and broadband will be sold as broadband – not padded out with extras. If you want a home phone, you’ll be able to keep it through VoIP, but you won’t be forced into a pricey package to do so.
For families still paying £80–£120 per month to the big providers, now is the time to rethink. By pairing a low-cost fibre service from an altnet with a VoIP plan for your home phone, the monthly bill can often be cut in half – saving hundreds of pounds a year while staying ahead of the 2027 switch-off.
For years, the big providers have told us that broadband has to come wrapped up with a landline, a TV package, and a long contract. But that’s no longer true. A new generation of providers – often called alternative networks or altnets – are proving that broadband doesn’t need to be complicated or costly.
Altnets such as Trooli, toob, Giganet, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, and Cuckoo have been rolling out their own full fibre networks across the UK. Unlike BT, Sky, or Virgin, they don’t try to lock customers into bundles with TV or “free” extras. Instead, they sell broadband on its own – fast, reliable, and straightforward.
For many households, that’s exactly what’s needed. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and iPlayer have already replaced expensive TV bundles. Most people rely on mobiles for calls, and with the 2027 switch-off on the horizon, traditional landlines are disappearing anyway. So why pay for services you don’t use, when you can get the essentials for far less?
One of the biggest attractions of altnets is the price. While BT, Sky, and Virgin bundles regularly cost £80–£120 per month, broadband-only packages from altnets typically come in at £25–£35 per month. That’s for full fibre connections offering ultrafast speeds, often up to 1Gbps.
To put that into perspective:
Even after adding a VoIP service for your home phone – around £4 per month with providers like Plexatalk – you’re still looking at less than half the cost of a traditional bundle.
It’s not unusual for households to save £700–£1,000 per year by switching.
Price is important, but what about reliability? After all, no one wants to save money if it means endless buffering or dropped connections.
The reality is that altnets often outperform the big providers. Because they’re building brand-new fibre networks, they’re not weighed down by ageing copper infrastructure. Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections are far more stable than older fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) or ADSL services, and they deliver consistent speeds even at peak times.
BT and Sky, by contrast, still serve millions of customers via copper-based lines that are more prone to slowdowns, faults, and interference. Virgin’s cable network is fast, but it can suffer from congestion in busy areas, and customer service ratings have historically been mixed.
Altnets, on the other hand, know that reliability and customer support are their main selling points. Many of them score highly for customer satisfaction, offer UK-based support, and keep contracts shorter and simpler than the big names.
With bundles becoming more expensive and copper landlines on the way out, the smart move is to strip things back: broadband-only from an altnet, plus VoIP for your home phone if you still need one. It’s faster, cheaper, and more future-proof than the old model – and it’s available right now in more and more parts of the UK.
For many households, the landline is more than just a number. It’s the way family and friends have stayed in touch for decades. But the technology behind it – copper telephone lines – is being retired. That change is already underway and will be complete in January 2027, when the UK’s entire copper phone network is switched off.
The copper network has served the UK well since the late 1800s, but it was never designed for the way we use communications today. Broadband speeds are limited by copper’s capacity, faults are common, and maintaining the infrastructure is costly.
Fibre is faster, more reliable, and far cheaper to maintain in the long run. That’s why Openreach and the UK’s major providers are replacing copper with full fibre networks. Once fibre is in place, there’s no technical reason to keep the old copper running – and so it’s being phased out for good.
So what happens to the landline? It isn’t disappearing altogether – it’s just moving to a different technology. Instead of running over copper wires, calls will be delivered over the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
BT calls this “Digital Voice,” while other providers use their own branding. But in every case, it’s the same principle: your home phone service will connect via your broadband rather than the traditional wall socket.
That means when copper is switched off in 2027, the only way to keep your landline will be through VoIP.
The good news is that VoIP isn’t complicated. Instead of sending your voice as an electrical signal down copper wires, VoIP turns it into a digital signal and sends it over your broadband connection.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
For most people, the only noticeable change will be where the phone plugs in. Everything else feels exactly the same.
While the copper switch-off won’t happen until January 2027, it makes sense to move early. Providers are already restricting new copper services, and households sticking with traditional bundles risk paying for a product that’s on its way out.
By moving to VoIP now, you not only stay ahead of the change but also save money. Providers like Plexatalk offer home phone services from as little as £4 per month. Combined with a low-cost broadband-only deal from an altnet, that can cut typical household bills by hundreds of pounds each year.
Instead of waiting for BT or Sky to roll you onto their “digital voice” package – often at inflated prices – you can take control, choose a provider that suits you, and lock in big savings.
| Setup | Broadband | Home Phone | TV/Extras | Monthly Total | Annual Total | Saving vs Altnet + Plexatalk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT/Sky Bundle (Typical) | Included | Included (line rental) | Basic TV pack | £95 | £1,140 | £1,140 − £408 = £732/yr |
| BT/Sky Bundle (Sports/Movies) | Included | Included (line rental) | Premium sports/movies | £120 | £1,440 | £1,440 − £408 = £1,032/yr ✅ |
| Virgin Media Bundle | Included (cable) | Included | TV pack | £85 | £1,020 | £1,020 − £408 = £612/yr |
| Altnet + Plexatalk (VoIP) | Altnet full fibre (example) | Plexatalk VoIP | None (use streaming) | £34 (≈ £30 + £4) | £408 | — |
Figures are illustrative and based on common market pricing: BT/Sky typical bundle ~£95/m, premium sports/movies bundle ~£120/m, Virgin bundle ~£85/m, altnet broadband ~£25–£35/m plus Plexatalk VoIP from ~£4/m. Actual prices vary by provider, contract length, speed tier, and postcode. Excludes setup/installation fees and mid-contract price rises. Example saving shown: £1,032/year (BT/Sky premium bundle vs Altnet + Plexatalk).
Follow this simple sequence to drop the bundle, keep your number, and cut your bill.
Quick tip: Note the headline price, contract length, mid-contract price rise policy, and setup fees. Screenshot the offer you’re choosing.
Handy guide: How to keep your landline when switching to FTTP (Plexatalk)
Safety note: VoIP needs power and internet. If you rely on your landline for alarms/telecare or want calling during power cuts, ask about battery backup/fallback options.
Negotiation script (if still in contract):
“I’ve switched to full fibre broadband-only and moved my phone to VoIP. Please cancel TV/phone services and confirm any early termination fees. If you can match £30–£35 for broadband-only with no CPI-plus rise, I’ll consider staying.”
That’s it. broadband for ~£25–£35/m + Plexatalk at ~£4/m, no bloated bundle, and your same familiar home number.
Even though VoIP is the future of home phone services, it’s normal to have a few worries before making the switch. Here are some of the most common questions people ask.
No. You can keep your existing number by porting it to a VoIP provider. This process is managed for you — once complete, your old provider will release the number and it will continue working through your new VoIP service. As long as you don’t cancel your current line before the port, your number is safe.
Not necessarily. Most people can keep using their existing home phones. They simply plug into your internet router (if it has a phone port) or into a small adapter provided by your VoIP company. You can also download a VoIP app, so your home number rings on your mobile — handy if you’re away from the house.
VoIP relies on your broadband connection, so if your internet is offline, your landline won’t work either. The good news is that full fibre broadband is far more reliable than the old copper network, with fewer faults and interruptions. If having a backup is important (for example, for medical equipment or emergencies), you can: Use your mobile phone as a fallback or ask about battery backup options if you need the phone to work during a power cut.
Yes. VoIP has been used by businesses for years and is now the standard for home services too. The call quality is typically as good as, or better than, traditional landlines, with the added benefit of clearer audio on fibre connections. Most people notice no difference at all — except for the lower bill.
Sometimes the easiest way to see the benefits is through a real example.
John and Sarah, Hampshire
John and Sarah live in a three-bedroom semi in Hampshire. For years, they had been paying £95 per month to BT for a bundle that included:
That worked out to £1,140 per year. When their contract came up for renewal, they realised most of what they were paying for wasn’t essential. They rarely watched the TV channels, made only the odd landline call, and their broadband speeds often dropped in the evenings.
After doing some research, they discovered toob, an altnet that had recently rolled out full fibre in their area. The package was straightforward: gigabit-capable broadband for £30 per month.
They also wanted to keep their home phone number, so they signed up with Plexatalk for £4 per month. Their number was ported across seamlessly, and their existing phone plugged into their new router with a simple adapter.
Here’s the before-and-after:
That’s an annual saving of £732 — without losing their landline number, and with faster, more reliable broadband.
John summed it up:
“We were shocked at how much we were wasting on services we didn’t even use. Now we’re saving over £700 a year and still have everything we need.”
The UK is moving towards a completely digital communications system. By January 2027, the copper landline network will be switched off for good, and every home phone service will run over broadband instead. Whether it’s branded as BT Digital Voice, Sky Internet Calls, or something else, the technology behind it is the same: VoIP.
That means the days of paying line rental just to keep a number are numbered. Every household will eventually move to digital voice, whether they choose it now or wait until their provider forces the change.
Switching to VoIP today is more than just a way to save money — it’s a way to future-proof your home. By unbundling, you can pair low-cost full fibre broadband from an altnet with a simple VoIP service like Plexatalk, keeping your number and your home phone for just a few pounds per month.
The result:
The old bundle model of £80–£120 per month is being phased out. The future is broadband-only + VoIP: faster, cheaper, and more flexible.
If you’re ready to cut your bill and get ahead of the change, now’s the time to make the switch.
Here’s a clean, persuasive Conclusion + CTA you can drop in at the end of the article:
The message is simple: the old model of paying £80–£120 a month for a bundle of broadband, TV, and a landline you rarely use is on its way out. By January 2027, the copper landline network will be switched off and everyone will be using VoIP for home phone services anyway.
Why wait until then — or until your provider announces the next price rise? By switching now, you can:
With Plexatalk, moving your landline to VoIP is simple, affordable, and future-proof — from just £4 per month.
👉 Don’t wait until 2027 or your next BT price rise — check your altnet options today and move your landline to VoIP with Plexatalk.
For people in the UK, calling Ireland isn’t just about staying in touch abroad — it’s often part of daily life. Over 600,000 Irish-born residents live in Britain, and many more people have family across the Irish Sea. Add to that the strong business ties — Ireland is one of the UK’s top five trading partners — and you can see why calls to Ireland are among the most common international calls made from the UK.
Despite that closeness, the cost of calling Ireland can catch people out. It’s not unusual for someone to check their mobile bill and see £20–£30 extra for “just a couple of calls.” Businesses fare even worse: recruitment agencies interviewing candidates in Dublin, exporters selling into Cork, or accountancy firms working with Irish clients all find international call charges eating away at their margins.
No wonder one of the most searched phrases is “how much to call Ireland from the UK” or “cheapest way to call Ireland from UK.” as well as queries relating to calls to USA from UK. People don’t just want to know the dial code, they want to avoid bill shock.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
By the end, you’ll know exactly how much a call to Ireland should cost in 2025 — and how to keep those costs under control.
Before we talk about cost, let’s make sure you know how to dial properly. Ireland’s country code is +353.
A Dublin number listed as 01 234 5678 becomes:
Irish mobiles start with 08x (e.g., 087, 086, 085).
Dialling correctly ensures your call connects — but the real issue is what you’ll pay once it does.
Calling Ireland directly from a UK mobile can be expensive if you don’t have an international add-on. Out-of-allowance rates vary, but here’s what the big networks publish:
Example: A weekly 20-minute call from EE without a bolt-on costs about £8/month. On O2 standard, it’s £17/month. With Plexatalk VoIP? £10 flat, with 500 minutes included.
Landline calls to Ireland are often cheaper per minute than mobiles — but there are caveats. Most providers add a call-setup fee, and rates change by time of day or “international band.”
Worked example: A 60-minute monthly call to Cork:
So landline add-ons can bring prices down, but they tie you to that provider — and remember, with the 2027 switch-off, these “landline” services are VoIP already.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is by far the most cost-effective option. Instead of routing calls over copper wires or mobile networks, VoIP uses your internet connection (home broadband or mobile data).
For households and businesses that call Ireland regularly, VoIP isn’t just cheaper — it’s the smarter, long-term choice.
We’ve designed packages that specifically help customers who want to call Ireland without wasting money on expensive bundles.
Use cases:
With Plexatalk, you’re not paying per minute — you’re paying for predictable, future-proof communication.
Out-of-bundle rates start around 22p/min (O2) or 40p/min (EE); Vodafone and Three rely on international add-ons.
Yes, Plexatalk Home VoIP starts at £4/month with 100 minutes included.
Yes — Plexatalk will port it to VoIP.
No. It works with any stable internet connection, including mobile data.
VoIP calls connect seamlessly to Irish landlines.
Yes — our Business plans let multiple users share minutes.
Yes — with a good internet connection, VoIP is as clear (or clearer) than mobile.
Ireland may be the UK’s closest neighbour, but calling across the Irish Sea can still be expensive if you rely on mobiles or landlines. Out-of-bundle mobile calls start at around 22p/min, landlines often add connection fees, and bundles lock you into one provider.
The cheapest, most reliable way is VoIP. With Plexatalk you get:
👉 Want to cut your Ireland calling costs? See our Home VoIP Pricing and Business VoIP Pricing today — and start calling Ireland for less.
If you’re a Utility Warehouse (UW) customer, you might be wondering what happens to your landline as the UK moves closer to the analogue switch-off in January 2027. For years, UW has bundled traditional copper-based phone services alongside broadband, making it simple to keep a landline for calls. But with the nationwide rollout of FTTP (Full Fibre), things are changing quickly, and that could affect how you stay connected.
Here’s the situation: if your UW broadband is still delivered over copper, you can continue to have a standard landline service for now. But once your property is upgraded to FTTP / Full Fibre, that option disappears. Full Fibre does not support traditional analogue landlines, and UW doesn’t currently provide a digital alternative. In other words, when the switch to FTTP happens, the old-style landline you’re used to will no longer work.
This isn’t just a UW issue, it’s part of a UK-wide shift. Openreach is phasing out the old copper phone network entirely, and by January 2027, every home and business will need to move to an all-digital solution. For UW customers, that means finding a way to keep a landline number, even after copper is gone… fear not if you want to keep your landline, there is a way to keep your landline when switching to UW FTTP
The good news? VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a straightforward, affordable way to do just that. Instead of relying on copper wires, VoIP uses your broadband connection to deliver crystal-clear calls. With providers like Plexatalk offering VoIP from just £4/month, you can keep your landline number, future-proof your setup, and carry on making and receiving calls — even after UW migrates you to FTTP.
If you’ve heard the term FTTP (Full Fibre) being used by UW or Openreach, you might be wondering what it really means for your broadband — and more importantly, your landline. FTTP stands for Fibre to the Premises, where your home or business is connected directly with fibre-optic cables instead of the older copper network. This is the backbone of the UK’s Full Fibre rollout, designed to deliver much faster, more reliable internet.
The catch? Fibre and copper work very differently. Copper phone lines were designed to carry analogue voice signals, which is why they could support a “plug-in” landline for decades. Fibre cables, on the other hand, are built purely for digital data. They’re excellent at carrying high-speed broadband, but they can’t carry analogue voice in the same way. That’s why when you upgrade to Full Fibre, the socket that once delivered both broadband and a landline will only provide internet access.
Utility Warehouse (UW) currently follows this same model. If you’re still on a copper broadband connection, you can keep a standard UW landline. But once you move to FTTP / Full Fibre, UW does not offer a replacement phone service. The landline option simply disappears from your package.
This is where things can catch customers out. Many people upgrade to fibre for faster speeds without realising their old phone line will stop working. Unless you’ve already prepared an alternative, you could lose your home phone number overnight.
The solution is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Instead of relying on copper, VoIP runs over your fibre broadband. It lets you keep your landline number, enjoy clearer call quality, and stay connected even as the copper network is phased out. For UW customers moving to FTTP, switching to a VoIP service like Plexatalk is the only way to ensure your landline continues to work.
So, if traditional UW landlines don’t work on FTTP (Full Fibre), what’s the alternative? The answer is VoIP — short for Voice over Internet Protocol. Put simply, VoIP is a technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls over your broadband connection instead of the old copper phone network.
At a practical level, VoIP feels very similar to having a landline. You can keep your existing number, plug in a standard phone via an adapter, and dial as you always have. The difference lies under the hood. Instead of carrying analogue voice signals, VoIP converts your call into digital data and transmits it securely over the internet.
Compared with traditional landlines, VoIP comes with clear advantages:
Another big plus is flexibility. VoIP isn’t tied to a single type of broadband. Whether you’re on FTTP / Full Fibre, 5G home internet, or even satellite broadband such as Starlink, VoIP works seamlessly. This means you can keep your landline service no matter how your internet connection evolves.
For UW customers, this is especially important. While UW doesn’t currently offer a VoIP replacement for its landlines, you’re free to choose an independent provider. By moving your landline to VoIP now, you can protect your number, cut costs, and ensure you’re ready for the all-digital future — long before the 2027 deadline.
Here’s a draft for your final section, following your outline and weaving in the benefits of Plexatalk VoIP while contrasting with UW’s limitations (250–350 words):
When it comes to keeping a landline while switching to FTTP (Full Fibre), Utility Warehouse (UW) doesn’t currently provide a solution. That’s where Plexatalk VoIP for Home comes in — offering all the features you’d expect from a modern landline, at a fraction of the cost.
First and foremost, you don’t need to give up your number. With free porting included, Plexatalk lets you bring your existing landline number across at no extra cost, so friends, family, and important services can always reach you.
Our VoIP plans start from just £4/month, making them one of the most affordable ways to keep your home phone active. But low price doesn’t mean bare bones — Plexatalk VoIP comes with a suite of features that traditional UW landlines simply don’t offer:
Setup is simple too. You can use your existing broadband provider (no need to switch), and with a small adapter or a VoIP-ready phone, you’ll be up and running in minutes.
Worried about reliability during power cuts? Plexatalk has you covered. Calls can automatically forward to your mobile, you can use our smartphone app, or add a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to keep your VoIP equipment powered. That way, you’re not left disconnected when you need your phone most.
With UW’s Full Fibre service leaving you without a landline, Plexatalk VoIP is the clear choice to bridge the gap — giving you affordability, reliability, and future-proof technology all in one.
If you’re moving your broadband to Utility Warehouse (UW) Full Fibre (FTTP), you don’t need to give up your home phone. With Plexatalk, you can keep your existing number, enjoy all the benefits of VoIP, and still get the faster speeds of fibre. Here’s how simple it is:
Start by picking the right package for your household. Plexatalk offers VoIP for Home plans from just £4/month, with all the features you’d expect — voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, nuisance call blocking, and more. Because our service works independently of your broadband, you can switch to UW for fibre while keeping your landline active with us.
No need to tell friends and family a new number. We’ll send you a quick Letter of Authorisation (LOA) to sign, which allows us to port your current landline number from UW (or your previous provider) to Plexatalk. Porting is free and usually happens seamlessly, with little to no downtime.
Once your number is live on Plexatalk, all that’s left is setup. Simply connect an adapter to your existing handset or use a VoIP-compatible phone. Within minutes, you’ll be making and receiving calls as normal — only now, your service runs on modern, reliable VoIP technology.
That’s it. No complicated installations, no need to change your broadband provider, and no risk of losing your home phone when UW switches you to FTTP. By combining UW broadband with Plexatalk VoIP, you get the best of both worlds: fast fibre internet and a future-proof landline solution.
Yes. With Plexatalk, you don’t need to give up your home phone number. We’ll handle the number porting process for you, free of charge. That means your existing UW landline number moves across to Plexatalk VoIP, so your friends, family, and important services can continue reaching you exactly as before.
No. Plexatalk VoIP works with any broadband provider. While many customers switch to Utility Warehouse (UW) for their FTTP / Full Fibre internet, your phone service doesn’t need to stay with them. By separating the two, you can enjoy UW’s fibre broadband speeds and still keep your landline active through Plexatalk.
In most cases, it’s actually better. Because VoIP is fully digital, it avoids the interference and line noise common on copper-based UW landlines. You’ll get clear, reliable audio whether you’re calling locally or internationally — and as broadband speeds improve with Full Fibre, VoIP call quality only gets stronger.
Unlike traditional copper landlines, VoIP depends on your internet connection, so a power cut could interrupt service. But Plexatalk gives you options to stay connected. You can enable automatic call forwarding to a mobile, use a VoIP smartphone app, or connect your equipment to a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to keep things running. That way, you’re never left without a way to make or receive calls.
The UK’s analogue switch-off in January 2027 isn’t far away. By then, every copper landline will be retired, and only digital alternatives will remain. For Utility Warehouse (UW) customers already moving to FTTP / Full Fibre, the impact is immediate — as soon as you upgrade, the traditional landline option disappears.
Waiting until the last minute can mean disruption. You could lose your number unexpectedly, be left without a working home phone, and have to rush into a solution at short notice. Instead, it makes sense to take control now and move your landline to VoIP on your own terms.
VoIP is the modern, future-proof replacement for the copper network, and Plexatalk makes the switch simple. From free number porting to affordable plans starting at £4/month, our VoIP service gives you everything you need to stay connected. Features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and mobile apps go beyond what UW landlines ever offered, while keeping the familiar experience of a home phone.
If you’re switching to UW Full Fibre, don’t let your landline disappear with the copper switch-off. By pairing UW broadband with Plexatalk VoIP, you get the best of both worlds, fast fibre internet and a reliable, affordable phone service that will carry you through 2027 and beyond. – Read more about the Switch-Off on Ofcoms Website.
Get started with Plexatalk’s Home VoIP Today.
If you’re a NOW Broadband customer, you may have heard the news that support for the NOW Hub Two router ends in July 2025. While services aren’t being cut off overnight, this change means no more updates, no replacements if the Hub fails, and an increasing push towards moving on. For many, it feels like the beginning of the end for the traditional broadband-plus-landline setup that NOW once offered. Fear not… we’ve got a way to keep your landline when switching from Now TV – no matter who the provider is.
This comes at a time when the UK’s entire copper landline network is being switched off by January 2027. Every home and business will need to move to digital, internet-based phone services. That’s why so many people are starting to ask the same question:
“What happens to my landline number if I switch provider or go full fibre?”
For households and small businesses alike, a landline number isn’t just a utility — it’s part of their identity. It’s how friends, family, and customers reach them. Losing it can feel like losing touch.
The good news is, you don’t have to. With VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) from Plexatalk, you can keep your landline number even if you leave NOW Broadband. Whether you switch to full-fibre providers like Cuckoo or Trooli, or bigger names like BT and Sky, your number comes with you.
Plexatalk makes your landline portable, flexible, and ready for the future — so you stay connected no matter how the broadband market changes.
For many households, a landline number is more than just digits on a bill — it’s a point of continuity. Friends and family already know it, and after years (sometimes decades) of use, it becomes second nature. Nobody wants the hassle of calling or messaging dozens of contacts to share a new number.
There are also practical reasons. Landline numbers are often tied to important services and accounts: banks, GP surgeries, schools, utilities, and government records. Updating each one individually is time-consuming and easy to miss — which could lead to missed calls, delayed communication, or even security issues. Keeping the same number avoids the admin headache altogether.
Then there are the professional considerations. For small businesses, freelancers, and people who work from home, the landline represents stability and credibility. It signals to customers and suppliers that you’re established and reachable. Changing it can cause confusion, damage trust, or even mean lost business opportunities.
That’s why the upcoming switch-off of the UK’s copper network is such a concern. People worry that moving to full-fibre broadband or leaving providers like NOW Broadband will mean giving up their trusted number.
The reality? With VoIP from Plexatalk, you don’t have to lose it. Your number comes with you, ready to use wherever you take your broadband. It’s the same landline — just smarter, more flexible, and built for the digital future.
If you decide to cancel your NOW Broadband package, your phone line will usually be disconnected as soon as the service ends. For many customers, this comes as a shock — once the account is closed, the landline number tied to it can disappear for good.
That’s why it’s so important to act before you leave NOW TV. If you want to keep your number, you need to request a process called number porting. This transfers your existing landline from your old provider to a new service, such as a VoIP platform like Plexatalk. Without number porting in place, there’s a real risk your long-standing number will simply be lost once the cancellation goes through.
It’s a detail many people overlook, especially if they’re switching to a broadband-only package with another provider. But for households, families, and small businesses who rely on their landline number, it’s critical. Losing it can mean missed calls from friends and relatives, disruption to important services like banks and doctors, and confusion for customers trying to reach you.
By porting your landline number to VoIP with Plexatalk, you take control before the disconnection happens. The process is smooth, and once complete, your number is no longer tied to NOW Broadband (or any single provider). Instead, it’s yours to keep — flexible, portable, and ready for the future.
So what exactly is number porting? Put simply, it’s the process of moving your existing landline number — for example, the one you currently use with NOW Broadband — over to a new service provider. In this case, that means bringing your number across to Plexatalk’s VoIP platform, so you can keep using it long after you’ve left NOW.
The good news is, Plexatalk makes this transition simple. We handle the process directly with your current provider, taking the stress off your shoulders. All you need to do is follow a few straightforward steps:
There’s no interruption to your service and no need to update contacts or accounts. The same trusted number works exactly as before — just with the added flexibility and future-proofing of VoIP. With Plexatalk, number porting is a smooth, stress-free way to stay connected as you move beyond NOW Broadband.
Switching your landline number to Plexatalk VoIP isn’t just about avoiding disruption when you leave NOW Broadband — it’s about unlocking a smarter, more flexible way to stay connected.
Keep your number – First and foremost, your existing landline number stays exactly the same. There’s no need to update friends, family, banks, or businesses. From the outside, nothing changes — but behind the scenes, your number is powered by VoIP instead of copper wires.
Lower costs – Traditional landline services are often bundled into expensive packages, even if you rarely use them. With Plexatalk, you only pay for what you need. Calls are typically cheaper, and you can say goodbye to unnecessary line rental charges.
More flexible – Once your number is on VoIP, you’re no longer tied to a wall socket. You can answer calls on your mobile, laptop, or a VoIP handset from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re working from home, on the move, or even abroad, your landline comes with you.
Future-proof – By January 2027, BT Openreach will switch off the UK’s copper landline network. Every home and business will need to migrate to digital voice services. Moving to Plexatalk now means you’re already prepared — with a reliable, modern setup that won’t be disrupted by the nationwide switch-off.
With Plexatalk, you’re not just keeping your number — you’re making it work harder for you, today and tomorrow.
Making the move from a NOW Broadband landline to Plexatalk VoIP is easier than most people expect. You don’t need complex equipment or technical know-how — just a few basics to get up and running.
1. A stable broadband connection
Since your calls will run over the internet, a reliable broadband service is essential. Whether you’re switching to full fibre with providers like Cuckoo, Trooli, BT, or Sky, or sticking with an existing setup, as long as the connection is steady, VoIP will work seamlessly.
2. A device for making and receiving calls
VoIP is flexible. You can choose a dedicated VoIP handset, use an adaptor with your existing landline phone, or simply download our Plexatalk app on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. That means you can keep the traditional “home phone” feel, or go completely digital — whatever suits your lifestyle.
3. Your NOW TV account details
To port your number across, we’ll just need a few details: your existing landline number, the name and address on your NOW Broadband account, and confirmation that you’re the account holder. With this information, we can start the number porting process and ensure your landline moves smoothly to Plexatalk without any downtime.
That’s it. With these three simple steps, you’ll be ready to keep your trusted landline number and enjoy all the benefits of a future-proof VoIP service.
The number porting process is smooth and carefully managed. There may be a very short window — usually just a couple of hours — where your line is being switched over. Once complete, your number will be fully active on Plexatalk, ready to use over your internet connection.
Yes. As long as your number is still active with NOW Broadband (or any other provider), we can port it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had it for a few months or several decades — your landline can move with you into the digital era.
This is one of the biggest pitfalls. If you cancel your service before arranging number porting, your provider may disconnect your line and once that happens, your number could be lost permanently. That’s why it’s vital to set up your porting request with Plexatalk before closing your NOW account. We can try if you already have although there are no guarantees.
Making the move from NOW Broadband to Plexatalk VoIP is quick, easy, and designed to keep you connected without disruption. If you’re ready to secure your landline number before the copper network switch-off in January 2027, here’s how to get started:
1. Check your eligibility
Most UK landline numbers can be ported to VoIP with no problem. If you’re unsure, our team can confirm in minutes whether your number is ready to move across.
2. Sign up online or contact Plexatalk support
You can complete your registration on our website in just a few steps, or if you’d rather speak to someone directly, our support team is here to guide you. We’ll explain what information we need, answer any questions, and handle the process with your current provider.
3. Keep your number and start saving
Once your porting request is complete, your trusted landline number will be live on Plexatalk. From there, you can use it on your mobile, laptop, VoIP handset, or even your existing home phone with an adaptor. You’ll enjoy lower costs, greater flexibility, and peace of mind that your number is future-proof.
Don’t wait until the 2027 deadline forces the switch. Take control today with Plexatalk, and keep your landline working for you well into the digital future.
If you’re an EE or BT customer, you’ve probably heard about the big landline switch-off happening across the UK. BT is moving its home phone service over to EE broadband and mobile packages, but that doesn’t suit everyone — especially if you still want a reliable landline number you can count on.
The big question many people ask is: “How do you Keep Your Landline When Switching from EE?” Or even, “What happens to my landline when EE turns everything digital?”
That’s where Plexatalk comes in. We’re a UK VoIP provider that lets you switch from EE, keep your landline number, and connect it to any broadband provider — even those that don’t support a phone line. With our smart VoIP solutions, you’ll get crystal-clear calls, flexibility, and built-in safeguards so you never miss an important call again.
When BT announced its plans to migrate home phone customers over to EE broadband and digital voice services, many households felt they didn’t have much of a choice. But the reality is, plenty of people are now looking for alternatives — and here’s why:
By switching to a dedicated VoIP provider like Plexatalk, you can keep your landline number, choose any broadband provider, and avoid being locked into unnecessary bundles.
One of the biggest worries for people thinking about leaving EE is: “Can I keep my landline number?” The good news is yes — your number belongs to you, not to EE.
Under Ofcom rules, customers have the right to take their landline number with them when they switch providers. This process is called number porting, and it means you don’t have to lose the phone number you’ve had for years just because you’re changing broadband or landline providers.
Here’s where it gets a little confusing: EE’s Digital Voice service is tied directly to their broadband. That means if you cancel your EE broadband, you’ll lose access to their landline service too. Many households only discover this after it’s too late.
With Plexatalk, things work differently. We make it easy to port your existing number over to our VoIP system. Once it’s ported, your landline number is yours for life — no matter which broadband provider you choose. Want to move to Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, Plusnet, or a smaller local ISP? No problem. Your landline number stays active and under your control.
By switching to Plexatalk, you can:
It’s the simplest way to make sure you stay connected, on your terms.
On the surface, EE’s Digital Voice and 4G packages might sound like convenient solutions for keeping your home phone when BT retires traditional landlines. But many households are finding that these services come with hidden risks and limitations.
First, EE’s Digital Voice is completely tied to their broadband connection or 4G router. That means if your internet goes down, your phone line goes down with it. We’ve heard countless stories of customers losing access to their home phone for hours — or even days — during broadband outages. For families who rely on their landline as a lifeline, this is a real concern.
Second, vulnerable households are at particular risk. In an emergency, you need to know you can pick up your landline and get help immediately. But with EE’s setup, a power cut or a broadband fault could leave you completely cut off, with no way to call for assistance.
Third, there’s the issue of lack of choice. With EE’s system, your landline is locked to their broadband. If you want to shop around for a better internet deal or switch to another provider, you’ll lose your EE landline service in the process.
By contrast, a dedicated VoIP provider like Plexatalk keeps your number safe, independent, and working across any internet provider in the UK — so you stay connected when it matters most.
Unlike EE’s Digital Voice, which locks you into their broadband, Plexatalk is an independent UK VoIP provider. That means our service works seamlessly with any internet provider — whether you’re with Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, Plusnet, or a local fibre supplier. You’re free to shop around for the best broadband deals without ever worrying about losing your landline.
But reliability is where we really stand out. With EE, if your broadband goes down, so does your home phone. At Plexatalk, we’ve built safeguards so your calls keep reaching you, no matter what:
This means that even in a power cut or broadband outage, you won’t miss that all-important call from family, friends, or work.
We also keep things simple and transparent. No unnecessary bundles. No hidden costs. Just clear, reliable home phone service designed for modern households. Whether you’re leaving EE, preparing for the BT landline switch-off, or simply want more flexibility, Plexatalk gives you a safer, smarter way to keep your landline number for life.
Switching doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s exactly how to switch from EE and keep your landline—with zero fuss and no loss of service.
1) Choose your broadband (or stay with EE).
Pick any internet provider you like—Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, a local fibre ISP, or even stay on EE broadband. Plexatalk is an EE landline/digital voice/VoIP alternative that works over any connection, so you’re free to shop the best deal.
2) Tell us the number you want to keep.
Give Plexatalk your current EE landline number and account details. We’ll confirm it’s eligible and start the number port. (You keep using your phone as normal during this time.)
3) We handle the porting—no downtime.
Under Ofcom rules, you can keep your landline number when leaving EE. We coordinate the transfer for you and confirm a go-live date. Keep your EE service active until the port completes; then you’re safely on Plexatalk. No bundles, no surprises.
4) Plug in and call.
On switchover day:
5) Set your call safeguards.
Make your calls follow you: ring your home phone, ring the app on your mobile, or automatically forward to your mobile if broadband ever drops. That way you stay reachable—at home or on the go.
6) Cancel what you don’t need.
Once the number is live on Plexatalk, you can cancel any unneeded EE phone add-ons or switch broadband provider whenever you like. Your number stays with you for life.
Quick checklist: switch from EE, keep landline ✔ | choose any ISP ✔ | independent VoIP provider UK ✔ | flexible call routing ✔
Ready to switch from EE and keep your landline? Start your port with Plexatalk today.
No, you keep using your EE landline right up until the day your number ports to Plexatalk. The switch happens seamlessly, so there’s no downtime or risk of losing calls.
You can still port your landline number to Plexatalk, but you may need to keep your EE broadband running until the minimum term ends. Once your number is safely with us, you’re free to change internet providers whenever you like.
Yes — in most cases you can plug your existing landline phone into our simple VoIP adapter. Or, if you prefer, you can use a new VoIP phone or install our app on your mobile. Either way, you don’t need to give up the phone you’re used to.
Unlike EE’s Digital Voice, Plexatalk has safeguards. You can set calls to automatically forward to your mobile, or answer using a VoIP app. That way, even in a power cut, you won’t be cut off completely.
Not at all. In fact, Plexatalk often works out cheaper than EE’s landline or Digital Voice packages — with no unnecessary bundles, hidden fees, or tie-ins. You only pay for the service you actually need.
When Martin from Marchwood, Southampton switched from BT to EE’s 4G home package, he thought it would be a simple way to keep his broadband and landline together. But he quickly discovered the downsides of being tied to EE’s Digital Voice system.
One evening, his 4G router failed — and with it, his landline went silent. For two days, Martin couldn’t make or receive calls. “I rely on my landline for family and work,” he explained. “I didn’t expect to be completely cut off just because the internet went down.”
Looking for a safer option, Martin found Plexatalk. We ported his EE landline number across with no downtime, so he kept the same number he’d had for years. But what made the biggest difference was the flexibility:
Now Martin has the best of both worlds: a reliable landline number he can keep for life, and the freedom to pick the broadband service that suits him best. With Plexatalk, he knows he’ll never miss an important call again.
If you’re worried about the EE/BT landline switch-off, or frustrated with being tied to EE’s broadband or 4G packages, Plexatalk makes the move simple.
Switching from EE doesn’t have to mean losing your landline. With Plexatalk, you can keep the number you know and trust, enjoy more choice, and future-proof your home phone service.
👉 Get started today. We’ll check your number, talk you through the process, and help you make the switch with confidence.
If you’re moving house in the UK, you might be wondering how to keep your landline when moving home – especially with all the changes happening to traditional phone services. BT has announced that by the end of 2025, the old copper landline network will be switched off and replaced with digital technology. This means households will no longer be able to get a traditional copper landline, and anyone still using one will eventually need to move to an internet-based service.
Despite these changes, many people still want – or even need – a landline. For elderly relatives, a landline often feels more familiar and reliable. Some home security systems also depend on them, and for many families, having a fixed home number provides peace of mind and consistency when staying in touch.
That’s where Plexatalk comes in. As a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) provider, we help customers keep their landline when moving house by switching them to a modern, internet-based phone service. This way, you can move home and keep your landline number without relying on outdated copper lines.
If you’re wondering how to move home and keep your landline number, the challenge today is that the traditional copper landline system is being phased out across the UK. For decades, moving house meant you could simply ask your phone provider to transfer your line to your new address. But with the copper switch-off underway, this is no longer the case.
When you move home with a copper landline, many providers will tell you they can’t simply “transfer” your existing number. Instead, they may suggest starting a brand-new service, often leaving you without the ability to keep your old number. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve had the same landline number for years and rely on it for staying in touch with family, friends, or important contacts.
The reason for this shift is the rise of “Digital Voice” and VoIP technology. Instead of using copper wires, calls are now routed over your internet connection. This transition means that how to keep your landline when moving house is no longer about physical lines, but about choosing the right digital provider that allows you to keep your number while upgrading to modern, more reliable technology.
One of the biggest questions people ask is: can I keep my landline number when moving house? The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is yes — thanks to number portability rules set out by Ofcom, the UK’s telecoms regulator. These rules give customers the right to keep their phone number when switching providers, as long as you’re staying within the same geographic area (for example, the same town or dialling code).
That said, there are some circumstances where keeping your number may not be possible. If you’re moving to a different part of the country with a completely different area code, you may be required to take a new number. This is because traditional numbers are tied to geographic codes, and providers are not always able to move them across regions.
However, with VoIP services like Plexatalk, this limitation is much less of a problem. Because calls are delivered digitally over the internet rather than through copper lines, you can usually move home and keep your landline number without the same restrictions. And if you do need a new number, providers can set you up with a local one that matches your new address — while often allowing you to keep your old number running alongside it for a smoother transition.
So, how can you keep your landline when moving home if the copper network is shutting down? The answer is simple: switch to VoIP — often called a “digital landline.”
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, but in plain English, it just means your phone calls travel over your broadband connection instead of old copper wires. For residential customers, it works almost the same as a traditional landline: you can still plug in a normal home phone, make and receive calls, and keep the same number people already know you by. The only difference is that your phone service runs through your internet router.
The benefits are clear:
With VoIP, you don’t have to worry about losing touch just because you’ve moved house. It’s the modern way to move home and keep your landline number while upgrading to a service that’s more flexible and future-proof.
If you’re moving and wondering how to keep your landline when moving home, the easiest way is to start the porting process with Plexatalk. Here’s how it works:
With Plexatalk, moving home and keeping your landline number is straightforward. You keep the number you’ve always had, while upgrading to a modern service that works wherever you have broadband.
Not necessarily. In most cases, you can keep using your existing home phone. All you’ll need is a small adapter that connects your handset to your broadband router. If you’d prefer, you can also upgrade to a VoIP-ready digital phone — but it isn’t required.
Unlike copper landlines, VoIP services rely on your broadband and electricity. This means that if the power goes out, your digital landline won’t work unless you have a backup. Many customers choose to use a battery backup unit for their router, or simply keep a charged mobile phone on hand for emergencies.
Traditional providers often tie your landline and broadband together, making it difficult to separate them. With Plexatalk, your landline service is independent. You can keep your existing broadband provider or shop around for the best deal, while still keeping your landline number with us.
When it comes to how to keep your landline when moving house, Plexatalk makes the process simple and stress-free. Here’s why customers across the UK choose us:
With Plexatalk, moving home doesn’t mean losing touch. You keep the number you know, enjoy lower costs, and benefit from a future-proof digital service.
If you’re worried about losing your landline when moving house, the good news is you don’t have to. While copper networks are being switched off, your number doesn’t need to disappear with them. With VoIP, you can move home and keep your landline number, while enjoying a modern, reliable service that works anywhere you have broadband.
VoIP isn’t just a replacement for copper lines — it’s the future of home phone services. It’s flexible, affordable, and ensures you stay connected without being tied to outdated infrastructure.
Contact Plexatalk today to keep your landline when you move and make the switch to a future-proof service that works for you. You can also see our residential pricing here.
Many UK households are moving away from Sky for broadband or TV.
But one question comes up time and again:
The good news is you don’t need to lose it. You can keep your existing number — you just need to move it over to a VoIP service.
It’s worth noting that some broadband providers like Cuckoo, Virgin Media, Trooli and Toob no longer offer a traditional landline or even a VoIP alternative. Those that do provide phone services have already switched entirely to VoIP.
That’s where Plexatalk comes in: a simple, affordable way to keep your landline when switching from Sky.
There are plenty of reasons people decide to move away from Sky:
But there’s one thing most people don’t want to give up: their landline number.
For many, it’s more than just a phone number. It’s the one they’ve had for years — the number friends and family recognise, the one tied to doctors, banks, and services, sometimes even business contacts. Losing it would mean a lot of hassle.
With the right VoIP provider, you don’t have to lose it at all.
By January 2027, the UK’s old PSTN and ISDN landline networks will be switched off for good.
That’s why providers like Sky, BT and others are already moving customers onto their own “Digital Voice” services.
But there’s a catch:
That’s where going independent makes sense.
With Plexatalk, your number is yours — not your ISP’s.
In short: Plexatalk gives you control, not your ISP.
One of the biggest surprises for people leaving Sky is discovering that not every broadband provider includes a landline option.
If you move to broadband-only providers such as Cuckoo, Toob, Trooli, or Virgin Media (on some packages), you’ll lose your Sky number unless you port it out first.
Many people only realise this after it’s too late.
With an independent VoIP provider like Plexatalk, you don’t have to worry. Your number is safe, portable, and completely separate from your broadband provider — so you won’t get caught out when switching.
Choosing an independent VoIP provider gives you freedom that Sky (or any ISP) can’t match. With Plexatalk, you get:
Plus, Plexatalk goes beyond the basics with features Sky and ISP “digital voice” lines usually don’t offer:
In short: Plexatalk keeps your number safe, makes switching broadband hassle-free, and gives you more control over how you use your landline.
Worried about losing your number when leaving Sky? With Plexatalk, the process is straightforward:
After that, you’re free to use your landline however you prefer:
With Plexatalk, you keep the number everyone knows — without being tied to Sky.
Timing matters when it comes to keeping your landline number.
If you cancel Sky before moving your number, you risk losing it permanently. Once Sky closes the line, recovery is often impossible.
By porting your number to Plexatalk first, you:
Moving early means peace of mind — and no nasty surprises after leaving Sky.
Keeping your number is just the start. With Plexatalk VoIP, you also enjoy everyday advantages that make landline calling more useful:
It’s not just about keeping your number — it’s about making it more flexible, reliable, and cost-effective than ever before.
Yes — but only if you port it to a VoIP service first. With Plexatalk, your number moves with you, even if you switch to full fibre (FTTP).
No. Once your number is with Plexatalk, you’re free to choose any broadband provider. Your phone service is completely independent.
Most likely, yes. Once Sky closes your line, your number is usually unrecoverable. That’s why it’s safer to port to Plexatalk before cancelling.
Not necessarily. You can keep your existing handsets by using a simple VoIP adapter. Or, you can use softphone apps on smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
Yes. With Plexatalk, your number isn’t tied to a physical line or location. You can take it with you wherever you move.
Absolutely. Plexatalk works over any stable internet connection — fibre, 5G, Starlink, or standard broadband.
You won’t miss calls. Plexatalk can forward them to your mobile or voicemail, so you stay connected even if your broadband has issues.
On average, number porting takes 7–10 working days. During the switchover, downtime is minimal, and Plexatalk keeps you updated throughout the process.
Pick the residential or business plan that fits your needs. You’ll keep your existing number and get VoIP features Sky’s digital voice typically doesn’t include.
Enter your Sky number and submit the simple port request. Plexatalk coordinates the transfer with Sky and confirms your port date. (Typical lead time: around 7–10 working days.)
Decide what suits you best—any or all of the below:
There may be a brief interruption (usually minutes). Once Plexatalk confirms the port is complete:
Your landline now runs on Plexatalk over any broadband (FTTP, 5G, Starlink, etc.). You’re free to change internet providers in future without moving your phone service again.
To avoid losing your number, wait until Plexatalk confirms the port is done—then cancel your Sky phone (and broadband, if you’re leaving).
Leaving Sky doesn’t have to mean losing your landline number. By moving to an independent VoIP provider, you take control — your number becomes yours, not your ISP’s.
With Plexatalk, you get:
Plusnet’s Full Fibre broadband brings ultra-reliable, high-speed internet directly into your home or business over the Openreach FTTP network. It’s a game-changer for people frustrated by slow copper lines, offering speeds up to 900 Mbps, lower latency, and no signal drop-outs caused by distance from the exchange.
But there’s one important change customers often overlook: Plusnet Full Fibre doesn’t come with a landline — not even a VoIP option.
If you’re used to having a home or business phone number and you switch without planning ahead, you risk losing it for good. But there is a way to keep your landline on Plusnet Full Fibre… VoIP.
When you order Plusnet Full Fibre, you get:
Your connection comes entirely over fibre optic cables. This means:
No. According to Plusnet (see their site here):
“Our Full Fibre packages don’t include a phone line, so you won’t be able to make or receive calls through a landline.”
This is because:
If you cancel your old broadband+phone package without first porting your number to a VoIP provider, the number will be lost — and reclaiming it later is usually impossible.
Even in 2025, many households and businesses keep a fixed phone number. Here’s why:
For households:
For businesses:
The UK’s copper-based phone network (PSTN) will be shut down in January 2027.
That means:
Plusnet Full Fibre customers are already ahead of the curve — they have no copper line to begin with. But that also means if you want to keep your landline number, you must act before cancelling your old service.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you make and receive calls over your broadband connection instead of a copper wire. With Plexatalk VoIP:
Because Plusnet Full Fibre offers low latency and consistent speeds, it’s an ideal foundation for VoIP — delivering crystal-clear calls without the dropouts common on older copper lines.
ATA setup:
✅ Familiar operation
✅ No rewiring
✅ Low cost
Benefits:
Perfect for:
With Plexatalk SIP details, Zoiper lets you:
1. Home Office in Bristol
A Plusnet customer moving from copper to Full Fibre needed to keep their 0117 number. We ported it to Plexatalk, set up an ATA for the existing DECT phone, and added Zoiper to their mobile.
2. Small Salon in Leeds
Switched to Plusnet FTTP for faster card payments and streaming music. We installed a VoIP desk phone with voicemail-to-email and after-hours call routing to the owner’s mobile.
3. Rural Couple in Norfolk
Moved to Plusnet FTTP from an old BT line. Their telecare device required a phone socket — we provided an ATA and liaised with the telecare provider to confirm compatibility.
No — it’s broadband-only.
Yes — port it to Plexatalk before cancelling your old service.
Yes — with an ATA VoIP adapter.
Yes — with Zoiper or another SIP app.
Yes — FTTP is one of the best platforms for VoIP.
Your Plexatalk VoIP number works with any broadband provider.
Don’t lose your number when you upgrade to Plusnet Full Fibre.
With Plexatalk, you can:
📞 Call us on 0330 057 6699
📧 Email support@plexatalk.co.uk
Browse our Residential VoIP Packages or Business VoIP Solutions to get started.
Starlink is transforming broadband access for rural and hard-to-reach areas in the UK. Operated by SpaceX, this low Earth orbit satellite network delivers high-speed internet to homes and businesses where traditional copper or even fibre broadband either doesn’t exist or underperforms.
With speeds typically between 50–250 Mbps download, 10–40 Mbps upload, and latency around 20–50 ms, Starlink supports video calls, online gaming, cloud work, and streaming without the long waits or dropouts that plagued older satellite services.
But here’s the surprise many people get when they switch: Starlink doesn’t come with a landline. So you may be wondering how you can keep your landline when switching to Starlink?
If you rely on your landline number — whether for personal calls, customer enquiries, or important connected devices — you’ll need an alternative. That’s where VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and Plexatalk come in.
No. Starlink is a broadband-only service.
When you sign up, you receive:
Your internet comes entirely via satellite. There’s no copper line, no BT-style wall socket, and no integrated phone number.
If you cancel your old broadband + phone package without first porting your number, your number will be disconnected — and in many cases, cannot be recovered.
Even in the mobile era, landlines offer benefits for both households and businesses.
The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) — the traditional copper-based phone system — is scheduled to shut down in January 2027.
It’s already been delayed a couple of times, and while there’s always a chance it could move again, the outcome is inevitable:
For Starlink users, the takeaway is simple: since Starlink never offered a copper line to begin with, VoIP is the only way forward — and you may as well set it up in a way that’s independent of your broadband provider.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls using your internet connection instead of a physical telephone exchange.
With Plexatalk VoIP for Starlink, you can:
Once your number is on VoIP, it’s provider-independent. Whether you stick with Starlink for years or switch to fibre, 5G, or another service later, your phone service and number come with you — no reprints, no downtime, no lost customers.
An ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) lets you keep your current phone:
✅ No new learning curve
✅ No rewiring required
✅ Cost-effective
If you want a purpose-built VoIP phone, our models offer:
Perfect for:
While Plexatalk doesn’t have its own branded app, our SIP accounts work perfectly in third-party apps like Zoiper.
This means you can:
1. Rural Vet in Devon
Needed to keep their main number after switching to Starlink. We set up a VoIP desk phone at reception and a Zoiper connection on the vet’s mobile for out-of-hours emergencies.
2. Farm Shop in Cumbria
Kept their BT number via an ATA, ensuring all existing DECT handsets worked just like before.
3. Retired Couple in the Scottish Highlands
Ported their number to Plexatalk, installed a UPS for resilience, and enabled call forwarding to their son’s mobile during outages.
No — it’s internet-only.
Yes — port it to Plexatalk before cancelling your old service.
Yes — with an ATA.
Yes — log into your SIP account using a VoIP app like Zoiper.
Yes — with a well-positioned dish and stable signal.
Your VoIP number stays with Plexatalk and works over any internet.
Many do — check with your device provider or ask us to test compatibility.
Typical BT-style landline: £15–£20/month in rental alone
Plexatalk VoIP: Lower monthly fees, no line rental, cheaper calls
Don’t lose your number in the switch to Starlink.
With Plexatalk, you can:
📞 Call us on 0330 057 6699
📧 Email: support@plexatalk.co.uk
Browse our Residential VoIP Packages or Business VoIP Solutions to get started.
Switching to Hyperoptic is an exciting upgrade. With ultrafast full-fibre broadband reaching speeds up to 1 Gbps, symmetrical uploads and downloads, and competitive pricing, it’s easy to see why thousands of homes and businesses across the UK are making the change.
But here’s the part many people don’t think about until late in the process: Hyperoptic doesn’t offer a traditional copper landline. Instead, they now provide an optional VoIP phone service.
That means if you still need a home or business number—whether for family, clients, or devices like alarm systems—you have two main choices:
Keep your number independent by moving to a third-party VoIP provider like Plexatalk
Take Hyperoptic’s own VoIP add-on
Not in the traditional sense. Hyperoptic’s packages are broadband-only—no copper phone line, no BT-style socket, and no separate line rental.
If you want a phone service, you can:
For some people, going mobile-only is fine. For others, losing a landline could cause:
Issues with alarm systems, intercoms, or emergency devices that use a phone line
Disruption for friends, family, or clients who have your number saved
Problems for elderly relatives or medical services that call your landline
Yes—whether you choose Hyperoptic VoIP or a service like Plexatalk, your number can be retained if it’s ported before your old account is closed.
The key difference:
Plexatalk VoIP – works with any broadband, so you keep the same number even if you switch providers later
Hyperoptic VoIP – stays with them; you’d need to change if you leave
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you make and receive calls using your internet connection instead of copper lines.
With Plexatalk VoIP, you can:
Once your number is on VoIP, it’s no longer locked to one broadband provider—ideal for future flexibility.
Even with blazing-fast internet, a landline number still offers advantages:
Here’s the step-by-step process to make sure you don’t lose your number when upgrading to Hyperoptic:
Many people switching to Hyperoptic worry they’ll have to buy all-new phones. Thankfully, that’s not the case.
With a VoIP adapter (ATA):
✅ No new tech to learn
✅ No extra wiring needed
Adapter supplied may be a different model to above.
✅ Cheaper than replacing handsets
If you’d like to make the most of Hyperoptic’s full-fibre speeds and low latency, we also offer dedicated VoIP desk phones with features such as:
Perfect for:
If you don’t really need a physical handset anymore, we can simply forward all calls to your mobile. This way you:
You can even set conditional forwarding, such as:
By 2025, the UK is moving towards the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off. That means traditional copper-based phone services are being phased out nationwide.
VoIP is the replacement technology—and with Hyperoptic, you already have the perfect broadband for it:
Switching now means you’ll be ready for the future—and you’ll never need to pay for line rental again.
David from Birmingham had been with Sky for years but jumped to Hyperoptic for faster speeds and better value. The only problem? His landline number was tied to his business and printed on hundreds of leaflets.
Here’s what happened:
David now enjoys ultrafast Hyperoptic broadband and crystal-clear VoIP calls—without losing a single customer.
No traditional copper landline. Hyperoptic offers its own VoIP add-on, or you can keep your number independent by using a third-party VoIP provider like Plexatalk.
Yes—port it to Hyperoptic VoIP or Plexatalk before cancelling your old provider.
Yes—with a VoIP adapter, almost any phone will work just like before.
Absolutely. With 3rd party VoIP apps, you can make and receive calls from your landline number on your smartphone.
Usually 7–10 working days, but we can coordinate it around your Hyperoptic installation date to minimise downtime.
Only if you want a physical handset—then you’ll need an ATA adapter or a VoIP phone. If you’re mobile-only, you don’t need extra hardware.
If you cancel your old broadband/phone service without porting your number to a VoIP provider first, your landline number will be disconnected and may not be recoverable.
Yes. If you use a VoIP adapter (ATA), your existing cordless or corded phones can work exactly as they did before.
No. You can keep your current phone with an adapter. But if you want advanced features and HD audio, you can upgrade to a dedicated VoIP handset.
Yes. Hyperoptic’s full-fibre network is perfect for VoIP, with low latency and symmetrical upload/download speeds that deliver crystal-clear calls.
Yes. With VoIP, you can have multiple numbers on the same internet connection—ideal for home offices or businesses.
Yes. Because VoIP is internet-based, your number stays the same even if you change address—just connect to your new Hyperoptic line.
Nothing changes. Your VoIP number is independent of your broadband provider, so it will continue to work over any new internet connection.
Yes. VoIP voicemail works just like traditional voicemail, and you can also have voicemails sent to your email inbox as audio files.
Some older devices require a traditional phone line, but many can work over VoIP. Check with your device provider, or we can help assess compatibility.
Yes. VoIP services have no line rental fees and call costs are often lower, especially for long-distance or international calls.
No. VoIP setup is simple—often just plugging in an adapter or phone, or installing an app. Most customers are up and running in minutes.
Porting your number out will usually cancel the entire service, so be sure to coordinate with your new Hyperoptic install date to avoid losing internet before your new service starts.
Don’t let a broadband upgrade mean losing your number. With Plexatalk, you can:
📞 Call us on 0330 057 6699
📧 Email: support@plexatalk.co.uk
Browse our Residential VoIP Packages or Business VoIP Solutions to find your perfect setup and make your move to Hyperoptic completely seamless.
We can keep your landline hosted as long as you have internet. We port numbers for people and businesses moving to all different providers, including Three, Toob, Trooli, CityFibre and Virgin Media.