UK landlines will soon be cut off - BT announces when your home will be affected

26 September 2023 , 10:03

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UK landline switch off (Image: GETTY)

If you rely on a landline to make calls to friends and family there's a big change coming soon. Ageing copper cables are about to be switched off and replaced by VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology which uses the latest broadband technology instead.

This upgrade is aimed at making things clearer and more reliable along with futureproofing the service for years to come.

The majority of UK homes shouldn't notice any major disruption with BT promising that customers simply need to plug their new phones into their broadband routers. However, there are still a lot of households that aren't online and they will now need internet access if they want to make voice calls on their landline phone.

It's clearly a major undertaking to switch everyone over and to help make the move over to VoIP as seamless as possible, BT is making the changes in stages with the firm revealing when the next batch of areas will get the update.

The North West and London will be affected from Autumn 2023. This will then be followed by the West Midlands, the South East, Wales, and East Anglia which can expect the switch in Spring 2024.

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Later next year the North East, Scotland, and the South West make the move.

BT says all customers who are switched over will not pay extra for the new service, but if your existing home phone does not work with digital voice you’ll have to order a new one. The firm says 99% of current handsets will work, though.

“If we’ve not been in touch or visited your area yet, don’t worry. We’ll be in touch when it’s time to switch,” said Lucy Baker MBE, All-IP Director, BT Consumer. “For anyone who has any issues, questions or concerns, then I’d encourage them to get in touch and let us know.”

With some homes still having no broadband access, there are calls to ensure customers of all ages are properly supported throughout the process with fears that the older population who rely heavily on landlines will get left behind.

"There are important advantages to going digital - such as a clearer connection - but it is essential that no-one gets left behind in the move away from traditional landlines,” said Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?

"Vulnerable consumers will need extra support to make the switch. All providers must put clear plans in place to make sure everyone has the help they need - including clear communications, giving proper notice ahead of switching and providing extra assistance if needed."

The full switch to VoIP will take affect from 2025.

Dave Snelling