The UK’s landlines are going digital. This is an industry-wide switch, impacting all landline providers in the UK, not just BT.
BT is working with Carers UK and other charity partners to ensure everyone knows about the changes to landlines and understands the necessary steps and available support for the switch.
Are you ready?
By the end of January 2027, most phone calls will be made over a broadband line. Don’t worry, your landline is here to stay, and you’ll still be able to make calls the same way as you do today but using different technology.
Digital landlines are more reliable, easier to maintain and provide a better service for customers. Your phone number won’t change, and more than 99% of handsets work with the new system.
For most customers, the move to Digital Voice, BT’s new home phone service is as simple as plugging your phone into a router instead of the socket on the wall.
Moving to Digital Voice is free for all customers and offers enhanced scam protection with more than 20,000 scam calls blocked per day.
Supporting customers every step of the way
BT is working closely with Carers UK and other charities and representative groups, who can provide advice on the needs of those most affected by the switch, and as a result, BT is taking a number of steps to give customers the best possible experience.
If you need additional support or identify as vulnerable, you can contact your phone company to let them know so that they can put additional support in place for you and/or the person you care for. BT customers can call 0330 1234 150 for support.
If you use a healthcare alarm or medical pendant which allows you to press for help in an emergency, or a burglar alarm, inform your phone company and check with your equipment provider about any needed upgrades before the switch.
Ensuring no one is left behind
BT wants to reassure customers with additional needs, as well as their carers, that they will be able to take advantage of free additional support options. This includes free battery back-up units or hybrid landline phones, that can switch to a mobile network in the event of a power cut and lets you contact emergency services.
BT is also working with the power companies to establish processes which help them to restore power in a timely manner.
What if I don’t have broadband?
Don’t worry if you don’t have broadband, BT will offer a dedicated landline service, allowing customers to use their landline in the same way they do today.
For more information about Digital Voice, visit bt.com/digitalvoice
