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 This way, you can move home and keep your landline number without relying on outdated copper lines.
The Challenge: Traditional Landlines Are Ending
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.
Can You Keep Your Existing Landline Number?
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.
The Solution: Moving to VoIP (Digital Landline)
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:
- Keep your existing number – so friends, family, and services can still reach you.
- Works anywhere with broadband – take your service with you when you move house, or even when you travel.
- Usually cheaper – VoIP services often come with lower monthly costs and more flexible call packages than traditional landlines.
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.
Steps to Keep Your Landline When Moving House
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:
- Get in touch with Plexatalk
Instead of dealing with your old provider, come straight to us. We’ll begin the process of porting your landline number over to our VoIP service so you can keep it when you move. - Understand how number porting works
Porting your landline number usually takes around 7–14 days. Once the transfer is complete, your old phone service — and in some cases, your broadband if it’s tied to the landline — may be disconnected. That’s why it’s important to plan your timing carefully. - Set up VoIP at your new address
All you need is a broadband connection. You can plug your current home phone into a simple VoIP adapter, or use a compatible digital handset. Setup only takes a few minutes. - Test your new line
Once porting is complete, check that your number is working as expected on the new service. At this stage, you’ll be fully switched over and can rely on your new digital landline without worrying about copper switch-off deadlines.
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.
Common Questions
Do I need a new phone?
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.
Will it work during a power cut?
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.
What about broadband bundles?
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.
Why Choose Plexatalk for Your Landline Move
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:
- Simple number transfer process
We handle the porting process from start to finish, so you can keep your existing number without the hassle of chasing providers. - Affordable, flexible packages
Our residential VoIP plans are designed to be cost-effective, with options to suit every household — often cheaper than traditional landline bundles. - UK-based support team
Need help setting up or have a question about your service? Our friendly UK-based support team is here to assist you every step of the way. - Works nationwide
Because our service runs over broadband, you’re no longer tied to copper networks or local exchanges. Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, you can take your landline number with you.
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.
Port Your Number Today
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.