The 2027 landline switch-off: do you really still need a home phone?

With the old copper phone network being phased out over the coming months, you might find yourself asking a very reasonable question: do I still need a home phone?

Most of us are never more than arm’s length away from our mobiles. So the idea of a fixed line might feel a little outdated. But before you ditch the landline for good, it’s worth thinking about the everyday moments when you might just find yourself reaching for it.

And whatever you decide to do with your home phone, there’s an ideal option. But more on that later.

Why a home phone still matters

While we rely on our mobiles for almost everything, there are still some everyday situations where a trusty home phone can save the day.

Dodging signal blackspots

We’ve all been there. You’re waiting for an important call, and you have to wander into the kitchen or stand by a window just to get a decent mobile signal. A home phone gives you a clear, reliable connection anywhere in the house – no wandering required.

Depending on where you live, and what mobile network you’re on, lack of signal might be a real issue for you. With a digital landline, as long as you have a working home broadband connection, you also have a working phone service – as simple as that.

Saving your battery

Long catchups with friends and family can drain your mobile battery quickly. And if you’ve ever glanced at your phone screen just as you’re rushing out, only to see that red battery indicator, you’ll understand the frustration. Using a landline for long chats means your mobile stays fully charged for when you need to leave the house.

Keeping the family number

A lot of us have had the same home phone number for decades. It’s the reliable contact method that doctors, schools and older relatives know by heart. Plus, you’ll never miss a call because it’s recharging upstairs or left on silent in a coat pocket.

The simple upgrade: what is Digital Voice?

The good news is that keeping your home phone is simple. Whatever you’ve read, landlines aren’t going anywhere; they’re just getting a modern upgrade.

Because the old copper lines are retiring, your voice service will now run smoothly over your broadband connection. This is called Digital Voice.

Find out more about how Digital Voice works here.

If you’re wondering whether you’ll lose your number during the digital switch, the answer is no. When you make the switch to Digital Voice, the process is seamless, and you’ll be given the option to keep your existing phone number.

Once you’re set up, all you need to do is plug your phone into your Zen FRITZ!Box router (you should have an adapter in the box but let us know if you need a spare one). Your FRITZ!Box then acts as a dedicated digital telephone hub, keeping everything running perfectly. You can even pair a clever digital handset with your router for the ultimate home phone setup.

What if you definitely don’t want a home phone?

If you haven’t used a landline in years and are happy to rely on your mobile, that’s absolutely fine. In fact, dropping your phone service completely opens up another exciting option.

Without a voice service, you’re free to take our Full Fibre Max package. This comes with an eero router, which is built purely for ultimate broadband performance rather than handling phone calls. It gives you a stronger, faster WiFi connection for everything you do online – from smooth streaming in the lounge to working without interruptions in the home office.

If you haven’t already got full fibre, or you fancy a speed boost, check your postcode here to see if Full Fibre Max is available at your address.

Beating the 2027 rush

The traditional phone network will be switched off for good in January 2027. While that might sound like it’s a long way off, the closer we get, the busier the nationwide switchover process will become.

The sooner you make the switch, the better. Upgrading now means you get to beat the rush, secure your services, and enjoy a better connection today. Whether you want to keep your home phone with Digital Voice, or drop it entirely for Full Fibre Max, the time to act is now.

Visit our digital switchover page to find out more, check your postcode, and get your upgrade sorted today.