Your Landline Is Going Digital

The UK's old analogue telephone network is being switched off by 31st January 2027. Home phones will instead run over your broadband connection - often called 'digital voice'.

For most people the change is simple: your phone plugs into your broadband router instead of the wall socket, and you keep your number.

1. Do I need to do anything now?

Usually not. Your phone provider must give you at least four weeks' notice before switching your line, and will tell you what (if anything) you need to do.

2. Check anything else plugged into your phone line

Some equipment relies on the old phone line and may stop working after the switch. Check with the supplier of each of these:

- Telecare or personal alarm pendants

- Burglar alarms and monitored security systems

- Door entry systems, and older fax machines

Council-provided alarms are being upgraded by councils, but privately supplied alarms must be checked with the supplier.

3. Power cuts

Unlike the old phone line, a digital phone will not work during a power cut unless your provider supplies a battery back-up. If you have no reliable mobile signal, use telecare, or rely on your landline in an emergency, ask your provider about a battery back-up unit.

4. Register for extra help

If you are elderly, have a medical alarm or need extra support, ask your phone provider to add you to their Priority Services Register. They can then arrange things like engineer visits or back-up equipment.

5. Beware switchover scams

Genuine providers normally write to you and don't ask for upfront payment for a standard switch. Be wary of unexpected calls asking for payment or personal details 'to switch your line'.

HTS are happy to check your set-up, including what's plugged into your phone line, and help you through the switch.