Digital Landline Switchover: A Guide for Older People and Their Families
21 October 2026 · By Ethan Fernandes
UK landlines are moving to digital by 31 January 2027. What changes, what to check for phones and personal alarms, what happens in a power cut, and a simple checklist for families.
Quick answer
After the digital switchover, your home phone plugs into your broadband router instead of the wall socket. You keep your number and most phones still work. Check any personal alarm with both providers before the switch, keep a charged mobile for power cuts, and ask about a battery backup unit.
If you or a parent still rely on the home phone, you may have had a letter about "Digital Voice" or the "digital switchover". The UK's old copper phone network is being switched off, with the move due to finish by 31 January 2027. For most people the change is simple, but a few things need checking, especially for older people and anyone with a personal alarm.
The short version: after the switchover, your home phone plugs into your broadband router instead of the wall socket. You keep your number, and most phones still work. Check any personal or telecare alarm with both providers before the switch, plan for power cuts because the phone won't work without power, and keep a charged mobile phone handy.
What Actually Changes
- The phone connects to the router, or to an adapter, rather than the socket on the wall.
- You keep the same phone number.
- Calls work as before, and most existing handsets keep working.
- Old extension sockets in other rooms usually stop working, so phones elsewhere in the house may need to be cordless.
Power Cuts: the Most Important Thing to Plan For
Old landlines worked in a power cut. Digital ones don't, because the router needs electricity. Keep a charged mobile phone in the house as a backup. If someone relies on their landline, for example because they don't use a mobile, ask the phone provider about a battery backup unit.
Personal and Telecare Alarms
Many personal alarms, the pendant or wristband kind that calls for help, use the phone line. Before the switch:
- Tell the alarm provider the line is moving to digital and ask whether the alarm is compatible.
- Tell the phone provider that an alarm uses the line, so they can plan the switch carefully.
- After the switch, test the alarm to make sure it still connects.
The Priority Services Register
Phone providers keep a register of customers who need extra support, such as older people, people with disabilities and those who rely on their landline. Ask to be added. It helps make sure the switch is handled carefully.
Watch Out for Switchover Scams
Your phone provider will write to you about your switch. Be wary of unexpected calls or messages asking for payment or bank details to "keep your line working". If you're unsure, hang up and call your provider on the number on your bill.
A Checklist for Families
- Has the provider written with a switch date?
- Which phones are in the house, and where are they plugged in?
- Is there a personal alarm, key safe alarm or other device using the line?
- Is there a charged mobile phone for emergencies?
- Has the provider been asked about a battery backup unit?
- Is the number on the Priority Services Register?
- After the switch: do calls work in and out, and does the alarm still connect?
How We Handle It
We visit, check every phone and any alarm in the home, connect everything to the router, test calls in and out, and help with battery backup and the Priority Services Register. If you've booked for a parent, we send you a short summary afterwards. See our landline switchover help.
Related Reading
Common questions
No. You keep the same number. The phone simply connects through your broadband router instead of the wall socket.
Not on its own, because the router needs power. Keep a charged mobile as a backup, and ask your provider about a battery backup unit if you rely on the landline.
Yes. Tell the alarm provider and the phone provider before your line is switched, so they can check it's compatible, then test the alarm afterwards.
Usually not. Most phones keep working when plugged into the router or an adapter. Some older or unusual handsets need replacing.
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