Switching broadband provider Openreach support

Getting ready for digital phone lines

For your home or business

What is a digital phone line?

A digital phone line lets you make and receive calls over your internet connection, rather than through traditional copper wires. It works much like WhatsApp or video calling apps. Your phone connects to your broadband router (either directly or wirelessly) and in most cases, you can keep using your existing handset.

How will the digital upgrade affect me?

Switching to a digital phone line is usually simple. Your calls will be made over the internet, similar to Zoom or Skype.

By 31 January 2027, all UK providers must move from analogue to digital phone lines. Some providers may upgrade you sooner, especially when you change provider, renew your contract, or update your service.

Check if your home or business is ready for a digital phone line

Use our Fibre checker to see if Full Fibre is available in your area. If it is, you will usually get a digital phone line as standard when you order a phone service. If not, your provider will let you know when it’s time to upgrade.

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Benefits your service provider may offer

Cheaper calls

Calls over the internet may be cheaper than analogue phone lines or even mobile, particularly if you're calling someone abroad.

Add-ons

Your provider may offer cheaper or free access to features that you may have previously paid for. Such as Caller Display, Voicemail, Call Divert, International Call Barring, Anonymous Call Blocking, and other new enhanced services.

Use your landline on-the-go

When you move to a digital phone line you should be able to use your number from any location. Future services could include having different numbers for each member of your family, work and personal calls.

What should I do now?

Contact your service provider. They manage your order or repair and can:

Check the status of your appointment and find out what happens next
Rebook if necessary
Confirm your contact details are correct so you receive updates – check your messages and junk folders in case you've missed anything

For businesses using phone lines

If your business depends on phone lines to deliver services, it’s important to prepare for the switch to digital.

Find out what you need to do

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a digital phone line if I only want to make phone calls?

Digital phone lines use the internet to carry all of your services, including phone calls. We'll be switching off the existing analogue network by 31st January 2027 and most people in the UK will need to have a digital phone line before then. As of September 2023, analogue phone lines are no longer sold to new customers.
Will my existing devices or services connected to my analogue line continue to work?

Changing to a digital phone line means that all of the devices and services connected to your existing phone line will need to be able to work via a router and your service provider may need to provide you with a new one. Some routers may allow you to plug your existing analogue phone handset into the back of them rather than the wall socket. If not you may need to be provided with, or buy, additional or new equipment. When you switch, your service provider should give you more information on what you need to do.

If you have other devices or services connected to your existing phone line, like a car alarm, smoke or security alarm, we recommend you check whether the device or service will work over the new technology. You can check by contacting the company who provided the device or service or by checking the manufacturer's website.
Will my phone number change?

It may do. This depends on the services offered by your service provider. We recommend that you check with them to see what number porting features they have available as part of the move to digital phone lines.
Will my service provider need to access my premises if I switch to a digital phone line?

Usually not, unless you request help. If you're upgrading your broadband at the same time an engineer may need to access the phone sockets within your premise. Your service provider will advise you on what this will involve.
When do I need to switch?

The analogue network will be retired by 31st January 2027 and most UK customers will need to have a digital phone line before then. As of September 2023, we have stopped selling analogue phone lines to new customers to help prepare for this transition.
How do I get a digital phone line?

If you opt for a Full Fibre broadband product, you’ll automatically get a digital phone line if you take a phone service. We're rolling out Full Fibre broadband to 25 million homes and businesses by December 2026. But you can still add a digital phone line to your existing broadband service, even if you don’t have Full Fibre yet.
What if I can't get Full Fibre yet?

If you don't have access to our digital broadband network by January 2027, the good news is you’ll still be able to add a digital phone line to your existing broadband service.

Some service providers may need you to buy additional, or new, equipment so please check when you upgrade to see what you might need to change at your property, and again, if you have any other devices connected to your phone line, such as ATMs, alarms, or healthcare products, you'll need to check their compatibility with your digital phone line.

Use our Fibre checker to see if you are eligible for Full Fibre.