Do Businesses Still Need a Landline?

Do Businesses Still Need a Landline – Key Takeaways

• Copper landlines are finished by 2027 – the PSTN/ISDN switch-off will affect every UK business still using traditional lines.
• A professional phone presence is still essential – whether you’re a tradesperson, solicitor, estate agent, or freelancer, customers expect a business number they can trust.
• VoIP and virtual landlines are the modern solution – cheaper, more flexible, and scalable than copper lines, with features that help even the smallest business look professional.
• Work anywhere, serve everywhere – VoIP lets small businesses answer calls on mobile, laptop, or desk phone, while keeping a single, credible business number.
• Plexatalk makes migration simple – keep your existing landline number, add advanced features as you grow, and switch without disruption. For instant setup, Landline Cloud

Business Communications in the modern world – is a landline still necessary?

For more than a century, the landline was the backbone of business communication. From the corner shop with a rotary phone on the wall to the corporate office with rows of desk phones, copper lines were the default way to connect with customers, suppliers, and partners. Having a “business number” wasn’t just about calls — it was about credibility.

But times have changed. In 2026, with the copper landline switch-off looming in many countries, the obvious question is: does any business really need a landline anymore? Mobile phones, video calls, and instant messaging have become the norm, and few entrepreneurs dream of installing a traditional phone line when they launch a company today.

The truth is, while you no longer need physical copper wires, you do still need a reliable, professional business number. Customers expect it, regulations sometimes require it, and operations often depend on it. The difference now is that modern businesses can get all of that — without the drawbacks of old landlines — through VoIP and cloud-based phone systems.

A Short History of Business Landlines

From Rotary Dial to Digital Lines

The business landline has come a long way since the days of rotary dials. In the early and mid-20th century, having a dedicated phone line was a mark of legitimacy — a signal that a business could be reached reliably. By the 1960s and 70s, advances like direct-dial long distance and touch-tone phones sped up communication, making landlines central to day-to-day operations.

The Golden Age of the Office Phone

The 1980s and 1990s marked the golden age of the business landline. Every serious office had multiple lines, switchboards, and eventually ISDN connections that allowed for clearer voice and even early forms of digital data transfer. The copper-based PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) was the nervous system of commerce, carrying not just calls but the perception of professionalism.

A Symbol of Professionalism

If a company didn’t list a landline number, it raised eyebrows. It wasn’t just a tool; it was a symbol of credibility, permanence, and trust. For decades, landlines defined what it meant to be “open for business.”

What a Landline Used to Offer Businesses

Professional Credibility

For decades, a published landline number was shorthand for stability. Customers associated it with a physical office, permanence, and the kind of reliability that a mobile number or pager simply couldn’t match.

Reliability in a Crisis

Traditional copper lines had one huge advantage: they kept working even during power cuts. While the lights might go out, the phones still had a dial tone. That resilience made landlines a lifeline for companies that needed to stay connected no matter what.

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

There was no setup beyond plugging in a handset. A clear dial tone meant you were ready for business. Compared to today’s digital systems, the low learning curve was part of the appeal — anyone could use it instantly.

The Customer Trust Factor

When customers saw a fixed business number, they felt reassured. A landline gave the impression that a business was established and accountable. For many years, it wasn’t optional — it was expected.

Why Landlines Are Becoming Obsolete

Rising Maintenance Costs

Copper-based infrastructure is expensive to maintain. As fewer people use traditional landlines, the cost of keeping the network alive has become harder to justify. Service providers are shifting resources toward modern, scalable technologies like fibre and IP networks.

The 2027 PSTN & ISDN Switch-Off

In the UK, Ofcom and BT have already set a firm deadline: by January 2027, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN lines will be permanently switched off. No extensions, no exceptions. Businesses that haven’t moved away from copper lines by then will be forced to migrate. Similar timelines are in motion across Europe and beyond.

Shifting Demand and Habits

Consumer behaviour has changed dramatically. Most customers now use mobiles, apps, and VoIP services as their default communication tools. Businesses have followed suit, adopting cloud-based phone systems that offer more features at lower cost. With fewer people relying on landlines, demand has dropped to the point where the old model simply doesn’t make sense anymore.

What Happens After the Switch-Off?

The Business Impact

For companies still relying on landlines, the 2027 switch-off won’t be a gentle nudge — it will be a hard stop. Traditional numbers tied to copper lines will simply cease to work, cutting off customer calls and disrupting day-to-day communication.

Knock-On Effects Beyond Phones

It’s not just phones at risk. Many alarm systems, door entry intercoms, fax machines, and even older card payment terminals are connected to the PSTN. Once the copper network is decommissioned, these services could fail without an upgrade, creating hidden vulnerabilities for unprepared businesses.

The Alternatives on Offer

Consumers will be migrated to BT’s “Digital Voice” service, which routes calls over broadband. For businesses, the equivalent is VoIP or SIP trunking — cloud-based solutions that offer more flexibility and features than a landline ever could. The key is that every organisation, no matter its size, needs to plan ahead and make the switch before the deadline.

The Risks of Going Mobile-Only for Your Business

Perception Problems

Running a business off a single mobile number can make a company look small or even unreliable. Customers often expect a dedicated business line and may hesitate to call if all they see is a personal-looking mobile number.

Missed Calls, Missed Opportunities

Mobiles are convenient, but they’re easy to miss. A single missed call could mean a lost lead, an unhappy client, or a damaged reputation. Unlike business systems with call queues or routing, a mobile-only setup offers no safety net.

No Shared Features

Without a central number, there’s no way to transfer calls, share a voicemail inbox, or route customers to the right person. Staff either juggle calls on their own devices or pass phones around — neither of which scales well.

Personal Numbers Exposed

When employees rely on mobiles, they often end up giving out personal numbers. That blurs the line between work and private life and creates privacy issues for staff.

Coverage Headaches

Poor signal can mean dropped or patchy calls. For a customer, that’s frustrating and unprofessional, especially when they expect clear, reliable communication.

Business Alternatives to a Traditional Landline

Virtual Landline Numbers

For businesses that want the credibility of a geographic number without being tied to copper wiring, a virtual landline is the simplest option. Calls to your chosen number can be redirected straight to a mobile — so customers see a professional business line, while you keep the flexibility of answering on the go. With Plexatalk (or via our self-service platform Landline Cloud you can set this up instantly, keeping the same trusted number while working entirely from your mobile.

VoIP & Cloud Phone Systems

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is now the gold standard for business telephony. Calls are delivered over the internet and managed in the cloud, unlocking advanced features such as call routing, voicemail-to-email, CRM integration, and call recording. Plexatalk provides the full VoIP setup directly, giving your business everything it needs to look and sound professional — with flexibility to grow.

Hybrid Setups for Maximum Flexibility

Not every business wants to go all-in on mobile or desk phones alone. That’s why hybrid setups are so popular: desk phones in the office, softphone apps on laptops, and mobile apps for staff on the move. Plexatalk offers this kind of hybrid solution, so employees can take calls however they prefer while customers always dial the same trusted business number.

Landline vs VoIP vs Mobile: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Traditional Landline (Copper PSTN)	Mobile-Only	VoIP / Virtual (Plexatalk & Landline Cloud)
Cost	Line rental + install; per-minute packages; typically the most expensive to run.	Mobile plan costs only; cheap to start but limited business features.	Plexatalk: VoIP User £5.99/user/mo + £1/number/mo; call bundles from £7.99–£49.99/mo; special bundle 1 ext + 1 number + 500 mins at £10/mo. Landline Cloud: £10/mo virtual landline that diverts to mobile.
Professionalism	High: familiar business image with a fixed geographic number.	Lower: can look small/informal if only a personal mobile is listed.	High: publish a local or national business number; present as a proper business line.
Reliability	Very reliable; copper often works during power cuts.	Dependent on signal; missed and dropped calls more likely.	Broadband-dependent but robust with options like call failover/forwarding, 4G backup, and mobile apps.
Scalability	Limited; adding lines and hardware is slow and costly.	Minimal; tied to individuals’ devices and numbers.	Excellent; add users, numbers, and features instantly as you grow.
Remote Working	Poor; tied to desk phones and office wiring.	Good mobility, but no central control or shared features.	Built for hybrid: desk phone + laptop softphone + mobile app under one business number.
Features	Basic: inbound/outbound calling, simple voicemail.	Basic: personal voicemail and call forwarding.	Advanced: IVR/menus, ring groups, call routing, voicemail-to-email, recordings, analytics, CRM integrations.
Future-Proofing	Obsolete: UK PSTN/ISDN switched off by Jan 2027.	Will persist, but limited as a sole business solution.	Cloud-based and standards-driven (SIP/VoIP); aligned with post-PSTN networks.

Why This Matters for Plexatalk & Your Readers

• Cost Efficiency: Plexatalk’s VoIP packages and Landline Cloud’s £10/month virtual landline offer all the professionalism without copper-line costs.
• Credibility Without Compromise: Clients get to keep a trustworthy geographic number while ditching legacy infrastructure.
• Flexibility and Readiness for Tomorrow: Whether working from home, on the road, or expanding the team, both services give businesses the tools they need now—and beyond 2027.

Would you like to wrap this up with a brief Conclusion—perhaps reinforcing Plexatalk’s value—and then plan the call-to-action directing readers to your service page or Landline Cloud?

The Psychology of Trust: Why Numbers Still Matter

Mobile Numbers Feel Personal, Not Professional

When a company only lists a mobile number starting with “07,” customers often see it as personal rather than professional. It can feel temporary or small-scale, which may cause hesitation — especially if the caller is considering a larger purchase or long-term relationship. This is why many people still ask, “Do businesses still need a landline?” Even if the copper network is disappearing, the perception of credibility tied to a fixed business number hasn’t gone away.

Geographic & National Numbers Reassure Customers

A geographic or national number immediately signals legitimacy. A local landline-style number suggests roots in a specific area, while a non-geographic (03/08) number can project nationwide reach. For small businesses, a virtual landline is often the best of both worlds: you get the reassuring optics of a fixed number without needing old PSTN lines.

Local vs National: Which to Choose

• Local numbers work best for trades, services, and community-based businesses that want to show they’re part of the neighbourhood.
• National numbers (03/08 ranges) suit organisations looking to serve the whole UK, conveying scale and accessibility.

So while the answer to “Do small businesses still need a landline?” is technically no, what they do need is a number that customers recognise as trustworthy. Today, VoIP and services like Plexatalk make that simple.

Which Businesses Still “Need” a Landline Presence?

Tradespeople

Electricians, plumbers, and builders thrive on local reputation. A geographic landline number reassures customers that you’re established in the community. At the same time, mobility is vital, so a virtual landline that diverts to a mobile is often the best fit.

Professional Services

Solicitors, accountants, and financial advisors still rely heavily on credibility. A published business number projects permanence and trustworthiness. While copper isn’t needed anymore, professional services benefit from VoIP systems that maintain that formal presence while adding call handling features.

Estate Agents & Property Services

Property businesses often handle a high volume of calls, with frequent transfers between team members. A single mobile won’t cut it. VoIP or cloud systems allow estate agents to maintain a trusted landline presence while managing multiple handovers seamlessly.

Small Businesses & Freelancers

Freelancers and microbusinesses can technically get away with running everything from a mobile, but perception is the risk. Listing only a personal number can make a business look less established. A low-cost virtual landline offers a professional middle ground.

Larger Organisations

For big companies, copper landlines are already obsolete. What they still need is a centralised, multi-user phone system that handles routing, conferencing, and remote working. Here, VoIP platforms like Plexatalk are the only realistic option.

Case Studies: Real-World Scenarios

The Electrician Who Needed Local Trust

A self-employed electrician relied on his mobile for years but noticed fewer calls converting from ads. By switching to a virtual landline with a local number, redirected to his mobile, he projected stability while keeping the freedom to work on the move. His call volume — and customer confidence — quickly improved.

The Solicitor Going Remote

A small law firm wanted to maintain its professional image but allow staff to work from home. Migrating to VoIP meant they kept their long-standing business number while gaining call routing, shared voicemail, and secure remote access. Clients never knew the difference, but the partners enjoyed more flexibility.

The Retailer Preparing for the Switch-Off

A high-street shop used its landline not only for calls but also for its alarm and card machines. With the 2027 PSTN switch-off approaching, the owner moved everything to VoIP and IP-enabled terminals. The result? A future-proof setup, lower monthly costs, and no risk of sudden service loss when the copper is retired.

The Advantages of VoIP for Businesses

Lower Costs

With VoIP, there’s no line rental or copper maintenance to pay for. Calls are carried over the internet, making monthly bills far lower than traditional landlines. Services like Plexatalk even bundle minutes and features into simple, predictable pricing.

Work from Anywhere

VoIP isn’t tied to a desk. Staff can answer calls from a desk phone, laptop, or mobile app — wherever they are. That flexibility is vital for remote work, hybrid setups, and teams constantly on the move.

Scales with Your Business

Adding or removing users is instant. Whether you’re a freelancer who needs a single line or a growing team with dozens of extensions, VoIP scales up (or down) with no installation headaches.

Advanced Features Built-In

VoIP offers tools landlines never could: IVR menus, intelligent call routing, voicemail-to-email, call recording, and more. These features make even the smallest business look and sound professional.

Integrations That Save Time

Cloud phone systems integrate with CRM platforms, Microsoft Teams, and even video services like Zoom. Calls become part of a bigger, smarter workflow instead of an isolated channel.

Future-Proof Beyond 2027

With the PSTN switch-off fast approaching, VoIP isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the only long-term option. Moving now ensures your business avoids disruption and stays ahead of the curve.

Common Concerns About VoIP (and How to Solve Them)

“What if the internet goes down?”

VoIP relies on broadband, but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless in an outage. Many providers, including Plexatalk, offer 4G/5G failover so calls continue seamlessly. Mobile apps can also pick up the slack, keeping you reachable even if the office router fails.

“What about power cuts?”

Unlike copper landlines, VoIP handsets need power. The simple fix is an inexpensive UPS (uninterruptible power supply) battery backup that keeps your phones and router running during short outages. For most small businesses, this is more than enough protection.

“Can I still call 999?”

Yes — but location data doesn’t automatically come from a copper line anymore. The solution is to register your business address with your VoIP provider. That way, emergency services know where to dispatch help when calls are made.

“Will call quality be poor?”

Modern VoIP is crystal-clear when set up correctly. The key is using a business-grade service with QoS (Quality of Service) settings that prioritise voice traffic over other internet use. Plexatalk systems are configured this way by default to avoid glitches and dropped calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Time to Make the Switch

The landline served businesses well for over a century, but its time is up. With the 2027 PSTN switch-off approaching, there’s no reason to invest in copper lines that will soon be obsolete. What hasn’t changed is the need for a professional business number — a point of contact that reassures customers and builds credibility.

For small businesses, VoIP and virtual landlines provide the perfect balance: lower costs, advanced features, and the flexibility to work anywhere without sacrificing professionalism. Whether you’re a sole trader who just needs a local number that diverts to your mobile, or a growing business that requires a full-featured phone system, Plexatalk makes the transition simple.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Keep your landline number and upgrade to VoIP with Plexatalk today.

Call: 0330 057 6699
Email: support@plexatalk.co.uk
Or explore instant setup via Landline Cloud for a quick, self-service option.