Keep Your Landline Phone Number with This Useful Guide

Vikki BournerWritten by Vikki Bourner, on 24 Apr, 2024. Last updated 23 Jan, 2025

Did you know that over 20.7 million homes have transitioned to full fibre and home VoIP services (digital voice) and all before the 2027 deadline? If you’ve not made the switch yet, you might wonder, if and when you do, “Can I keep my cherished landline phone number without any hassle?” The answer is a resounding Yes! For some, this will be welcome news. Especially when changing your landline number comes with the anxiety-inducing chore of informing friends, family, your GP, and utilities etc of the fact.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to retain your landline number when switching to digital voice or VoIP services, ensuring a seamless transition for you and your loved ones.

Number porting: The key to keeping your number

If your current provider is switching you to residential VoIP then you won’t need to do anything to keep your current number, they will just enable it to be virtual.

When you switch to a new phone service provider, you can utilise a process called number porting to keep your existing number. In most cases, it’s straightforward as you will see from the Phonely testimonials below:

John E Asbestos told us: “Quick and easy set up. Works reliably on Starlink. Number “ported” from BT no problems.”

An anonymous customer reported: “After weeks of trying to port our house number after we had moved house, and thinking I had lost it, I tried Phonely.
These folks went above and beyond. From Kelly in Sales to Zoe in support, nothing was too much trouble. Long story short, our old house number lives to see another day! Thanks team! Brilliant service.”

Graham Brooke wrote: “I have just switched recently, it is a big saving if you only need a phone and to keep your old number. It was very easy to switch.”

Phonely's 5 star porting review.

The process of phone number porting

Wondering how you go about porting your number? Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to simplify the process for you:

Step 1: Sign up for a new service

During the signup process with your new provider, you’ll usually asked if you’d like to keep your existing landline number.

  1. Choose VoIP plan: Select the VoIP plan that best fits your needs.
  2. Enter personal details: Provide accurate information to ensure a smooth porting process.
  3. Opt for number porting: When prompted, choose the option to port your existing landline number.

Step 2: Complete the LOA form

When you choose to port your number, your new provider will provide you with a Letter of Authorisation (LOA) form. At Phonely, our LOAs are prefilled in a digital format, making the process super simple. All you need to do is:

  1. Review the Information:
    • Verify details: Check the prefilled information and update any outdated information.
    • Add your information: Add your personal information, ensuring it’s the same as what your provider currently holds.
  2. Digitally Sign:
    • Electronic signature: Use the secure platform to sign the LOA form electronically.
    • Submit the form: Once signed, just press submit.

This method takes just a few minutes, but if online forms aren’t your cup of tea, at Phonely we can provide you with a paper copy for you to amend, sign and send back to us in the post. Just give our friendly team a call to organise this for you.

Step 3: Wait for the transfer

Once the LOA is submitted, your new provider will handle the transfer while you carry on with your life. The process typically takes anywhere from 7 to 31 days, during which your service remains uninterrupted.

  1. Provider Coordination: Your new provider communicates with your current provider to initiate the transfer.
  2. Progress Updates: You will receive notifications about the status of your porting request.
  3. Completion Confirmation: Once the transfer is complete, you will be informed, and your number will be active with the new VoIP service.
A man submitting his online porting form.

The eligibility of phone number porting UK

Previously, moving a PSTN number to another PSTN line due to relocation was restricted by geography. For example, if you moved from Norfolk to Yorkshire, you couldn’t keep your number. Today, geographic limitations no longer apply when transferring a PSTN landline number to a digital voice system (or changing digital voice providers). However, there are still cases where your number port request may be denied.

  • If the information (e.g. name and address) you give your new provider doesn’t match that which your current provider holds.
  • If you have outstanding debts with your current home phone provider.
  • If you are locked into a contract with your current provider. Some will let you buy yourself out of it.
  • If you do not have an active internet connection. In this case, you will not be able to use VoIP services.

What to check before you port your number

There are a few things that you should be aware of before you port your number to avoid surprises.

  • Most providers, like Phonely, don’t charge to port your number, but your current provider might charge a release fee. Check with them for details.
  • There shouldn’t be any but confirm with your new provider that there will be no service downtime during the number transfer.
  • If you are using the PSTN then to move to digital voice you will need an internet connection. If you’re paying your current provider for that service and would like to maintain it, inform them that it’s just your landline service that you’d like to cancel and not your broadband.
  • And, we know we mentioned this previously, but before switching providers, determine if you’re under contract with your current one. If so, you can usually pay to terminate it –  just find out the cost first.
Your quick porting checklist

Why port my landline number to VoIP now?

You could wait until the 2027 deadline, however, VoIP offers numerous benefits beyond just keeping your phone number:

  • Cost Savings: VoIP services often come with lower monthly bills compared to traditional landlines.
  • Enhanced Features: Enjoy features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, automatic call blocking, robust scam protection and more.
  • Flexibility: Manage your calls from anywhere with an internet connection.

Frequently asked questions

How do I keep my landline number?

You can keep your landline number by porting it to your new VoIP or digital voice provider. This process, known as phone number porting, allows you to keep your existing number when switching services.

Can I keep my landline after 2025?

Initially, the PSTN was due to be switched off in 2025. Now that deadline has been extended until the end of January 2027. Come that time, you will need to move your landline over to a digital voice service to continue to use your home phone. You may find that between now and then, your current provider will ask you to switch. This cannot be enforced if you are considered vulnerable. If you are not vulnerable, you will have to switch to residential VoIP.

Can you keep your landline phone number when you move?

Yes, you can keep your landline phone number when you move by porting it to a new provider. This process is managed by your new service provider to ensure a smooth transition.

Is there any reason to keep a landline phone?

Absolutely! Maintaining a landline phone offers several benefits that mobile devices may not provide:

  • Dependability: Unlike mobile phones, landlines remain operational during severe weather conditions and they don’t depend on battery life so continue to function even if mobile networks are compromised.
  • Superior call clarity: Landline connections generally provide clearer audio quality with fewer instances of dropped calls, giving you stress-free conversations.
  • Enhanced emergency response: In critical situations, landlines can deliver more precise location details to emergency services compared to mobile devices, meaning quicker and more effective assistance.
  • Consistent connectivity: In regions where mobile signal strength is weak or unreliable, landlines guarantee uninterrupted calling without the frustrations of dropped or failed connections.
  • Cost efficiency for households: For families with multiple members, maintaining a single landline can be more budget-friendly than managing several individual mobile plans, particularly when it comes to long-distance calls.
  • User-friendly operation: Landlines familiarity and ease of use, which is especially beneficial for seniors or individuals who prefer simpler technology, as they don’t require regular charging or complex settings.
  • Increased security: Landline systems are less vulnerable to cyber threats and hacking attempts compared to mobile phones, providing a more secure means of communication.

Can I transfer landline number to VoIP?

Yes, you can transfer your landline number to VoIP through the phone number porting process. Porting is typically handled by your new provider, who will coordinate with your current provider to organise a pain-free transfer.

Your 3 steps to number porting.

Final thoughts

Keeping your landline number while transitioning to VoIP or digital voice services is both easy and advantageous. Through the phone number porting process, you can maintain your existing contact information, avoiding the hassle of notifying everyone about a new number. This guide has walked you through the eligibility criteria, step-by-step porting process, and common troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Switching to home VoIP not only allows you to keep your landline number but also offers cost savings, enhanced features, and advanced security measures such as those offered by Phonely’s CallGuard. These benefits make VoIP a compelling choice for both personal and business communications.

By understanding the porting process and preparing adequately, you can discover uninterrupted communication and take full advantage of the modern features that VoIP services provide. Whether you’re upgrading your current service or switching providers, maintaining your landline number ensures continuity and reliability when you’re using your phone.

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