Do you need a landline for broadband?
Full fibre doesn't use the copper phone line, so you don't need a landline to get it
Source: Ofcom guidance on describing broadband networks, in force from 16 September 2024
Part fibre uses copper wires from the street cabinet to your home. Full fibre runs fibre all the way to your home. Cable uses fibre to your area, then a coaxial cable into your home. 5G and other wireless broadband use a wireless signal instead of a cable.
Source: Ofcom, Choose the right broadband for your needs, last updated 25 August 2026
Landlines are also moving to digital. Most customers are expected to have moved by the end of January 2027.
Source: GOV.UK, UK transition from analogue to digital landlines, checked 13 October 2026
Digital landlines: what's changing
Most homes are expected to move to digital landlines by the end of January 2027. Nobody has to lose their landline because of the change, and a landline-only service will still be available.
You don't need to act until your provider contacts you. Be careful not to confuse this with marketing.
Source: GOV.UK, UK transition from analogue to digital landlines, checked 13 October 2026
Broadband with no cable at all
5G and satellite broadband use a wireless signal instead of a cable to your home, so they don't need a phone line. Ofcom says they can be useful if your wired options are limited, but speeds and reliability can change depending on where you live.
Source: Ofcom, Choose the right broadband for your needs, last updated 25 August 2026
If you want to keep a landline
You can still have a landline-only service without buying broadband.
Source: GOV.UK, UK transition from analogue to digital landlines, checked 13 October 2026
Power cuts
Digital landlines don't work in a power cut unless you have backup power.
Providers should offer at least one way to reach emergency services for at least an hour during a power cut, free for those at risk.
Source: GOV.UK, UK transition from analogue to digital landlines, checked 13 October 2026
If you depend on your landline
If you are a vulnerable consumer or depend on a landline, tell your provider so they can advise how the move could affect you.
Source: GOV.UK, UK transition from analogue to digital landlines, checked 13 October 2026
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What to check
- Has your provider contacted you about moving to a digital landline?
- Do you still use your landline for calls?
- Do you have a telecare device, or anything else that plugs into your phone line?
- What would you do for calls in a power cut?
Sources and dates
- Ofcom, Tackling consumer confusion about broadband technology (guidance in force from 16 September 2024)Published 13 December 2023Full fibre runs on fibre-optic cable all the way to the home.
- GOV.UK, UK transition from analogue to digital landlinesChecked 13 October 2026The move to digital landlines, power cuts, and what to do if you rely on your landline.
- Ofcom, Your landline is going digitalLast updated 26 August 2026BT plans to retire its old landline network by 31 January 2027.
- Ofcom, Choose the right broadband for your needsLast updated 25 August 2026How part fibre, full fibre, cable and wireless broadband reach your home.
Figures on this page are a guide, not advice. They show typical prices for new deals, not what is right for you. Prices and rules change often, so check the details with the provider before you decide.