Big changes to our telephones are on the way—traditional landlines across the UK are being upgraded to digital. That means most calls will soon be made over a broadband connection.
The digital landline is designed to be safer, smarter, and more reliable. Your phone number will stay the same, and most, if not all, handsets will still work. Switching over is free and won’t cost you anything, providing you aren’t changing your tariff or contract. Most providers now offer “social tariffs” for households on low incomes, so make sure you ask your provider about these.
But it’s not just phones—devices like lifeline/telecare alarms, pendants, and burglar alarms also use landlines. These will need to be checked and possibly updated.
What’s changing?
If you already have broadband, your phone will plug into your router instead of the wall socket. Easy!
No broadband? No problem.
You can keep using your phone and devices as usual. Phone companies are working on solutions to keep everyone connected and will contact you when it’s time to switch.
Before Switch Day
- let your phone provider know if you have extra needs, poor mobile signal, or frequent power cuts.
- Check what’s plugged into your landline—especially lifeline/telecare or alert devices.
- Ask your provider if your equipment will work with a digital line.
- Need help? Reach out to your social care team or phone company.
- On switch day, just move your phone cable from the wall socket to the router.
Power cut worries?
If you rely on your landline and can’t use a mobile, your provider can offer a free battery backup so you can still call emergency services. Ask your device provider about backup options too.
Spread the word!
Share this info with family, friends, neighbours, and carers. A little heads-up goes a long way.