For decades, a home phone meant a copper line from the telephone exchange. That network is now being retired, and home phones are moving to digital lines that run over your broadband. If you are getting full fibre, you may be wondering whether you still need a home phone, how it works, and whether you can keep the number you have had for years.
This guide explains how a digital home phone works with full fibre broadband, what to check before you add one, and what you need to know about power cuts and 999 calls.
Why home phones are going digital
The old copper telephone network is being switched off. Ofcom has confirmed a deadline of 31 January 2027 for Openreach lines. Other networks have not yet set their own dates. Full fibre does not use a traditional phone line at all, so if you want a home phone with full fibre, it will be a digital line. You may hear it called VoIP, which stands for voice over internet protocol, or a digital landline.
How a digital home phone works
A digital phone line sends your calls over your broadband connection rather than a copper wire. To you, it still works like a normal landline: you have a phone number, people can ring you on it, and you can make calls from it. There are a few ways to use it.
- Plug a phone into your router. Many routers have a phone socket, so a standard home phone can plug straight in.
- Use an adapter. An adapter connects your existing phone to your broadband if your router does not have a phone socket.
- Use an app. You can make and take calls on your mobile, tablet or computer using your home number.
- Send calls to your mobile. Some services let calls to your home number ring your mobile instead.
The right choice depends on how you use your phone. If someone in your home prefers a familiar handset, plugging in a phone is simplest. If you are rarely at home, an app or call forwarding may suit you better.
Keeping your number
Many people want to keep a number that friends, family and services already know. Moving your number to a new provider, known as number porting, is a regulated right in the UK.
- Ask when you order. Tell your new provider you want to keep your number, and they will arrange the transfer.
- Do not cancel first. Let the new provider move the number before your old phone service ends.
- If it has already ended, Ofcom's switching guidance says you can usually still move a number within one month of cancelling, so act quickly.
Be careful if you switch broadband and do not take a phone line with your new provider. Your existing number may end when your old service stops. If you might want the number later, keep it by transferring it as part of your order. Our switching page explains how changing provider works.
Choosing a call plan
Digital phone lines are usually sold with a choice of call plans. Before you choose, think about who you call and how often.
- Calls to UK landlines and mobiles. Check which calls are included in the plan and which are charged by the minute.
- International calls. If you call family abroad, look at the rate for each country you call.
- Special numbers. Calls to some service numbers are charged differently, so check the rate table.
- Light use. If you rarely use the phone, a smaller plan may be all you need.
Our call rates page sets out what calls cost on each plan.
Introductory discounts and price rises
Some phone plans come with an introductory discount for the first few months. With Cyber Fibre, any introductory discount on a phone plan is shown in pounds and pence before you order, along with what you will pay once it ends. Under Ofcom's rules, any price rise built into a new contract must also be set out in pounds and pence at the point of sale. Our guide to price rises in pounds and pence explains more.
Power cuts and 999 calls
This is the most important difference between a digital line and the old copper phone. Old copper lines carried their own power from the exchange, so a simple corded phone could keep working in a power cut. Digital lines depend on your broadband equipment, which needs mains power.
- In a power cut, your digital phone will not work unless you use an app on a mobile with its own signal.
- If your broadband is down, calls over the line will also stop. Ofcom requires providers to explain this to customers.
- Keep a charged mobile for emergency calls.
- Keep your address up to date. Make sure the address registered for your line is correct, so emergency services know where you are.
If anyone at your address relies on the landline, has no mobile signal, or has a telecare or personal alarm, tell your provider. Ofcom's power cut guidance requires providers to offer such customers at least one free solution that gives at least one hour of access to emergency services in a power cut. Ofcom also warns that some telecare alarms may not work properly on a digital line, so speak to your alarm provider too. Our power cuts page and extra help page explain how we can help.
Adding a phone line with Cyber Fibre
Cyber Fibre offers one digital phone line with each full fibre broadband connection. You can keep your current number or choose a new local one, and you can use a phone plugged into your router, a phone or adapter from us, or our free app. You choose a call plan when you check your address and order.
If you need several numbers or phones, for example for a small team, our sister company Virtual Voice Office offers team plans.
Check your address
Check your address to see the full fibre packages and phone plans available at your home, or call our team in Sunderland on 0191 543 3432 if you would like to talk it through.