My BT Landline Is Being Switched Off – What Are My Options in 2026?

If your BT landline is being switched off, you don’t have to give up your home phone. The UK’s old analogue telephone network is being replaced by digital technology, which means landline calls will increasingly be made using an internet connection instead.

For BT customers, one option is to move to BT Digital Voice. But that isn’t your only choice. You can switch to an independent digital landline provider such as Phonely, go mobile-only, or consider a phone service bundled with another broadband provider.

In short, if your BT landline is being switched off, your main options are:

1. Stay with BT and move to BT Digital Voice.
2. Switch to an independent digital landline provider such as Phonely.
3. Stop using a landline and rely on a mobile phone.
4. Switch your broadband and home phone to another provider.

You may also be able to keep your existing home phone number when switching provider, so receiving a switchover letter doesn’t necessarily mean losing the number friends and family already know.

Here’s what each option means and what you should consider before making a decision.

Why is my BT landline being switched off?

The UK’s traditional telephone network is undergoing one of its biggest changes in decades.

Traditional landline calls have historically travelled over the Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN. Telecoms providers are retiring this analogue technology and replacing it with digital phone services that use an internet connection.

BT says it expects to switch off the old analogue network by the end of January 2027.

That doesn’t mean landline phones themselves are disappearing.

Instead, the technology behind them is changing. If you want to continue having a home phone, digital technology will carry your calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

For many households, using the phone itself can still feel very similar: you pick up the handset, dial a telephone number and make a call.

The important difference is what happens behind the scenes.

You can read more about the wider change in our guide to the UK digital landline switchover.

What happened to the December 2025 deadline?

You may have previously read that the UK’s analogue telephone network was due to close in December 2025.

That was the original target, but the industry extended the timetable. BT now says it plans to retire its analogue network by the end of January 2027.

So, if you’ve found older articles referring to December 2025, don’t assume you’ve missed the deadline.

Providers are continuing the migration throughout 2026, moving customers to digital services ahead of the final switch-off.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, also provides guidance for consumers on the move from traditional landlines to digital technology.

Which areas are affected by the BT landline switch-off?

This isn’t a change limited to one town or region.

The move away from the analogue network is UK-wide. However, providers may move individual customers at different times.

If you’re a BT customer, BT should contact you about your own switchover and explain what you need to do.

Rather than relying on a general date you’ve seen online, check correspondence from your current provider for information about your individual service.

The wider telecommunications industry is also preparing for the transition. UKTIN, the UK Telecoms Innovation Network, provides information about developments in the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure.

BT landline being switched off? What happens if you do nothing?

Receiving a letter saying your BT landline is being switched off doesn’t usually mean your telephone will suddenly stop working the following day.

If BT is migrating your service to Digital Voice, it should provide instructions explaining what will happen and when.

BT says customers who move to Digital Voice can continue using their existing number and that the migration itself does not carry an additional charge.

However, you shouldn’t ignore correspondence about the change.

If you want to continue using a home phone, it’s worth deciding which digital landline option is right for you before the analogue network disappears.

This is particularly important if your existing telephone line is also used by equipment such as:

• a telecare or personal alarm;
• a burglar or security alarm;
• a medical device;
• a fax machine; or
• another device connected to the telephone socket.

These devices may not automatically work in the same way after the move to a digital service.

Your BT digital switchover options

There isn’t one answer that’s right for every household.

The best BT digital switchover option depends on whether you want to stay with BT, how often you use your landline, whether keeping your existing number matters and whether other equipment relies on your phone line.

Option 1 – Stay with BT Digital Voice

The most straightforward option for an existing BT customer may be to move to BT Digital Voice.

Digital Voice is BT’s replacement for its traditional home phone service. Instead of sending calls over the old analogue telephone network, BT delivers them digitally using your broadband connection.

BT says that customers being migrated to Digital Voice can continue using their existing number and that the migration itself does not carry an additional charge.

Many customers can also connect an existing telephone to the phone port on a compatible BT Smart Hub.

This may suit you if you’re happy with BT and simply want to follow its migration process.

But you don’t have to stay with the same provider simply because the network is changing.

Option 2 – Switch to a BT Digital Voice alternative like Phonely

If your BT landline is being switched off and you’d prefer to look beyond BT, another option is to move your home phone to an independent digital landline provider.

Phonely is a BT Digital Voice alternative designed for people who still value having a home phone but want a straightforward digital landline service.

Like other modern digital landline services, Phonely requires an internet connection. Your calls travel digitally rather than over the old analogue PSTN.

This option can be particularly appealing if the switchover has prompted you to reconsider whether your existing phone package still suits you.

Before choosing a provider, compare things such as:

• monthly price;
• call allowances and charges;
• contract terms;
• scam and nuisance call protection;
• customer support;
• equipment requirements; and
• whether you can transfer your existing telephone number.

You can view Phonely’s digital landline plans to compare your options.

Option 3 – Go mobile-only

You don’t have to replace your old landline with another landline at all.

For households that rarely use their home phone, the digital switchover may be an opportunity to become mobile-only.

This can work well if everyone in the household is comfortable using a mobile and you have reliable indoor mobile coverage.

However, think carefully before getting rid of a home phone that is still regularly used.

For example, some people prefer giving family, friends, doctors and other services a permanent household number rather than a personal mobile number.

A home phone can also be useful for older relatives who find a familiar handset easier to use.

Option 4 – Get a fibre-bundled landline from another broadband provider

Another way to replace a BT landline in the UK is to move your broadband and phone package to a different provider.

Providers such as Sky and TalkTalk offer broadband packages that can include home phone services.

As with BT Digital Voice, modern home phone services generally use digital technology rather than the old analogue PSTN.

This may make sense if you’re already considering switching broadband provider.

However, don’t compare packages solely on the advertised monthly price. Check contract length, future price increases, call charges and exactly what’s included before switching.

BT landline being switched off? Think about scam calls too

If your BT landline is being switched off, scam-call protection is another factor worth considering when choosing your next provider.

Fraudsters can still attempt to contact people by phone, including by impersonating trusted organisations.

That’s why call protection should be one of the features you consider when comparing digital landline providers.

Phonely CallGuard is designed to help protect customers from unwanted and suspicious calls, adding an extra layer of reassurance to your home phone.

Remember that legitimate organisations should not pressure you into handing over passwords, banking details or security codes unexpectedly over the phone.

Be particularly cautious if someone calls claiming that your landline is about to be disconnected unless you make an immediate payment.

If you’re unsure, hang up and contact the organisation using a telephone number you know to be genuine.

Can I keep my number after the BT landline switch-off?

In many cases, yes.

If you’ve had the same home phone number for years, keeping it may be one of your biggest concerns about changing provider.

BT says customers who move from its traditional service to BT Digital Voice can retain their existing number.

If you decide to switch provider instead, you may also be able to transfer – or “port” – your existing number.

At Phonely, you can transfer your existing landline number rather than starting again with a completely new number.

This can save you the hassle of updating friends, family and organisations with new contact details.

It’s best to arrange the number transfer before cancelling your existing service, rather than cancelling first and trying to recover the number afterwards.

What if I have a telecare alarm or medical device?

This is one area where you should not simply switch services without checking first.

Some telecare alarms, medical pendants and other devices use technology designed for an analogue telephone line.

Ofcom advises customers to tell their communications provider about devices that rely on their landline and check whether those devices will work with the digital network.

If you or someone you’re helping uses a telecare alarm:

Contact the telecare provider before making changes to the telephone service.

Tell both your phone provider and telecare provider what equipment is installed and confirm that it will continue to operate correctly after the switchover.

This is particularly important when arranging a service for an elderly parent or another person who relies on their landline for additional support.

What equipment do I need for a digital landline?

The exact equipment depends on the provider you choose.

With many digital landline services, your telephone connects to a router or an adapter rather than directly to the traditional telephone socket in the wall.

You will also need a working internet connection for a digital landline service such as Phonely.

Check your equipment before switching

That doesn’t necessarily mean replacing your familiar telephone handset when you move to a digital landline. Depending on the service and equipment, your existing handset may still work.

Before switching, check:

• whether your existing phone is compatible;
• where your router is located;
• whether you need an adapter;
• whether extension sockets will still work;
• whether alarms or other connected equipment are compatible; and
• what happens during an internet outage or power cut.

The final point is particularly important.

What happens to a digital landline during a power cut?

Traditional corded analogue phones could often continue working during a local power cut because the telephone line supplied their power.

Digital landlines rely on powered equipment such as a router, so they normally won’t work if the property loses power unless suitable backup arrangements are in place.

Ofcom requires providers to ensure that customers who rely on their landline to contact the emergency services can access an appropriate backup solution.

BT, for example, offers battery backup equipment for customers who need additional resilience.

How to switch without the hassle – step by step

If you’ve received a BT switchover letter, you don’t need to make a rushed decision.

Follow these steps instead.

1. Read your BT letter carefully

Check your proposed switchover date and exactly what BT says is changing.

2. Check everything connected to your phone line

Look beyond the telephone itself. Check for alarms, telecare equipment and other devices that may use the line.

3. Decide whether you want to stay with BT

You can move to BT Digital Voice, but you can also compare alternative providers before deciding.

4. Compare digital landline services

Consider price, contract length, included calls, customer service, scam-call protection and equipment.

5. Check whether you can keep your number

If keeping your existing home number matters, confirm that it can be transferred before cancelling anything.

6. Arrange your new service

Your chosen provider should explain what equipment you need and how the switch will work.

7. Test your phone after the switch

Make an outgoing call and ask someone to call your home number to make sure everything is working properly.

If you use a telecare or alarm device, follow the provider’s instructions for testing that separately.

Frequently asked questions about BT landlines being switched off

Looking for an alternative to BT Digital Voice?

The analogue network may be disappearing, but the home phone isn’t.

If your BT landline is being switched off and you’d like to keep a familiar home telephone service, you can compare your options rather than assuming you have to give up your landline or automatically stay with your existing provider.

Phonely provides a modern digital landline service for UK households, with straightforward plans and the option to transfer your existing telephone number.

Compare Phonely plans or learn more about transferring your existing home phone number.