The retirement of the UK's old analogue phone network, and the move to digital services that run over broadband, can affect your landline and any devices that historically relied on the phone line. This includes the landline itself, some alarm systems, telecare devices, and certain other equipment that used the analogue connection. The short answer is that your landline number can usually be kept, but how it connects changes, and some devices may need checking or updating to work with the digital service.
The reason to check is that not everything that worked over the old analogue line will automatically work the same way over digital voice. Some devices are unaffected, some need reconfiguring, and some may need replacing, so it is worth knowing which is which for your home.
This guide explains which devices may be affected, why the change matters, and the practical checks to make. Because arrangements are managed by providers and can vary by device, confirm the details for your situation with the relevant providers.
What changes with the switch-off?
With the switch-off, phone services move from the analogue network to digital voice, which runs over your broadband connection. In practice, the landline typically plugs into your router or a digital adapter rather than the traditional wall socket, and the call travels as data. Your phone number can usually be retained.
This change affects more than just the phone, because some devices were designed to use the analogue line to communicate. As the line changes to digital, those devices may behave differently. In addition, digital voice depends on mains power and broadband, whereas the old analogue line drew power from the network, so behaviour in a power cut can differ.
Understanding this helps you see why a check is worthwhile. The switch-off is not only about the phone you make calls on; it is about anything that used the phone line, which is why it pays to review your devices.
Which devices might be affected?
Several types of equipment have historically used the analogue phone line and may be affected. The table below lists common examples and what to consider for each.
| Device | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Landline phone | Connects via the router or adapter after the change |
| Alarm systems | Some use the phone line to send signals |
| Telecare devices | May need checking or replacing for digital |
| Other connected equipment | Anything that dialled out over the line |
The table shows that the landline, alarm systems, telecare devices, and other equipment that communicated over the phone line are the main things to check. Some of these will work with digital voice without issue, while others, particularly older alarm or telecare equipment, may need updating or replacing to function reliably.
If you are unsure whether a device used the phone line, it is worth checking, since some equipment dialled out over the line in ways that are not obvious. The provider of each device can usually tell you whether it is compatible with digital services.
Why does the change matter for these devices?
The change matters because a device that silently stops working could cause problems, especially if it is something you rely on for safety or security. An alarm or telecare device that depended on the analogue line might not send its signals the same way over digital voice unless it is compatible or has been updated.
The power-cut difference adds to this. Because digital voice needs mains power and broadband, devices that depend on it may not work during a power cut in the way the old analogue line did. For safety-critical equipment, this is an important consideration, and back-up arrangements may be needed.
Checking in advance avoids discovering a problem at the worst moment. By confirming which devices are affected and addressing them before your service is migrated, you reduce the risk of a gap in something important, such as a home alarm or a telecare device.
What should you check and do?
The practical steps are straightforward. First, ask your phone provider when your service will move to digital voice and how your landline will connect afterwards. Confirm that your phone number will be kept. Then, for each device that used the phone line, check with its provider whether it is compatible with digital services or needs updating or replacing.
Pay particular attention to alarm and telecare devices, and ask about how they will work in a power cut, since this is a key difference. If anyone in your household relies on a device for safety, make sure your providers are aware, as providers are expected to take particular care with vulnerable customers.
Because arrangements vary by device and are managed by the relevant providers, confirm the details rather than assuming. Acting before your service is migrated gives the best chance of keeping important devices working through the switchover.
Frequently asked questions
Will my landline still work after the switch-off?
Yes, but how it connects changes. The landline typically plugs into your router or a digital adapter rather than the wall socket, and the call travels over broadband. Your number can usually be kept. Confirm the details and timing with your phone provider.
Will my home alarm be affected?
It might, if the alarm used the analogue phone line to send signals. Some alarms work with digital voice, while others may need updating or replacing. Check with your alarm provider whether your system is compatible with digital services before your line is migrated.
What about devices I am not sure used the phone line?
It is worth checking, since some equipment dialled out over the line in ways that are not obvious. The provider of each device can usually confirm whether it is compatible with digital services, so contact them if you are unsure whether a device is affected.
What happens to these devices in a power cut?
Because digital voice depends on mains power and broadband, devices that rely on it may not work in a power cut as the old analogue line did. Ask your providers about power-cut arrangements, especially for safety-critical devices like alarms and telecare.
Conclusion
The move from the old analogue phone network to digital services can affect your landline and any devices that relied on the phone line, including some alarms, telecare devices and other connected equipment. Your landline number can usually be kept, but how it connects changes, and some devices may need checking, updating or replacing, with power-cut behaviour an important consideration. Check each affected device with its provider and act before your service is migrated. Because arrangements vary and are managed by providers, confirm the details for your situation with the relevant providers.