How to get broadband without a landline: your 2025 guide

For years, getting broadband meant you also had to have a landline – even if you never used it. But things have changed. Getting broadband without a landline is not only possible, it’s now the standard way of doing things.

The world of home internet has moved on, and you no longer need to pay for an old-fashioned phone line to get online. This guide will explain why, explore your best options for an internet without landline connection, and help you choose the perfect package for your home.

The big switch off: why you don’t need a landline anymore

The simple reason you don’t need a landline is that the UK’s phone network is getting a major upgrade. The old copper wire network, known as the PSTN, is being switched off for good. This means all home phone and internet services are moving over to a fully digital system.

Because of this nationwide change, every broadband package is now effectively a broadband only deal. New internet connections no longer rely on an active phone line, which means a simpler, more reliable service for you.

You can learn more about the details of this change and what it means for you on our landline to digital switchover page.

Your internet without landline options

So, what are the best ways to get online now? There are a few great choices, and the best one for you will depend on where you live and what you need.

1. Full fibre broadband: the gold standard

If you want the fastest, most reliable connection available, this is it. Full fibre broadband uses a fibre-optic cable that runs directly into your home, giving you a lightning-fast connection that’s completely separate from the old phone network.

• Pros: It offers incredible speeds that give you enough bandwidth for the whole family. It’s perfect for streaming in 4K, competitive gaming, and seamless working from home. It’s the ultimate future-proof home broadband connection.
• Cons: Full fibre is being rolled out across the UK at pace, but it’s not available everywhere just yet.

2. SoGEA broadband: when full fibre isn’t available

If you can’t get full fibre at your address yet, don’t worry, you can still get fantastic no landline broadband. SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) uses the existing fibre network that runs to your local street cabinet, with copper cables covering the final hop to your home. Although this uses existing infrastructure, it still comes without a phone service – it’s a broadband only package.

• Pros: It has great availability across the UK, offering superfast speeds that are still excellent for browsing, streaming and working from home.
• Cons: While it’s fast, SoGEA can’t reach the top-tier speeds that full fibre can offer.

3. Mobile broadband: internet on the go

Mobile broadband uses 4G or 5G mobile signals to provide WiFi without landline. You simply use a special router with a SIM card inside to create a wireless network for your home.

• Pros: It’s incredibly quick and easy to set up – just plug it in and you’re ready to go. It’s also portable which makes it a great option for renters, students, holiday makers, or anyone needing a temporary internet solution.
• Cons: The speed and stability depend entirely on the mobile signal in your area. It can also come with data limits and may not be as reliable as a fixed line for heavy-duty use like online gaming.

What if I still want a home phone?

Getting rid of your landline doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your home phone. There’s a perfect modern solution in Digital Voice.

Digital Voice lets you make and receive calls through your broadband connection instead of the old copper wires. The call quality is crystal clear, and in most cases, you can even keep your existing phone and phone number.

Finding the best value broadband only deal for you

It can be tempting to just look for the cheapest broadband only deal, but the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best value. True value comes from a combination of a fair price, a reliable service, and support you can count on when you need it. Unexpected price rises and poor service can quickly turn a cheap deal into a frustrating and expensive experience.

Here’s what to look for to find the best value package:

1. Get the right speed for your home: First, check what’s available at your address. Then, think about how you use the internet. A household full of streamers and gamers will need a faster connection than someone who just browses websites and sends emails. Paying for speed you don’t need isn’t great value, but a slow connection can be a false economy if you’ve not given proper thought to how much speed you really need.

2. Check for real quality: A great broadband provider gives you more than just a connection. Look for an award-winning reputation for service, the promise of no in-contract price rises, and excellent customer support based in the UK. You’ll find all three of these in Zen, and they really do make a difference to your experience.

3. Choose a provider that puts you first: The best broadband only deals come from providers that care about their customers. At Zen, we’re committed to providing a reliable, high-speed connection backed by our award-winning support team. We believe in fair, transparent pricing – which is why our Contract Price Promise guarantees no in-contract price rises for every Zen broadband customer.

Ready for broadband without a landline?

Getting great home internet is now simpler and better value than ever. With the landline no longer a requirement, you can choose a straightforward broadband package that gives you everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

The future of connectivity is here. Check your postcode today to see the best broadband without a landline deals available in your area.