Last Updated on October 29, 2025
Are landlines being phased out?
Landlines have always been a foundational part of business and personal communications.
They have been here for decades. However, with fast-paced technology at our service, the landscape is rapidly changing.
In the UK, the traditional landlines are being phased out as providers have now shifted to more modern and digital solutions.
For business owners, this shift brings both challenges and opportunities to explore.
This is where services like Air Landline come in. Air Landline offers a reliable, professional, and future-proof alternative to traditional landlines.
That too, without the need for the internet or expensive setups.
You can start your trial with Air Landline today if you want to ensure your business stays connected through the transition.
Why Are Landlines Being Phased Out in the UK?
The UK’s traditional landline phone network relies heavily on copper wire technology.
The disadvantages of these copper-based systems are that they are outdated and expensive to maintain.
No matter how advanced they get, they will fall short when trying to meet the modern demands for speed, flexibility, and reliability.
What this has resulted in is that now telecom providers are transitioning all landline telephone services to digital, internet-based solutions.
BT initially planned to do it by 2025. This includes VoIP too. This has marked the beginning of the landline switchover, leaving no option for businesses but to adapt.
With Air Landline, businesses have a future-proof option to keep their professional image, all while maintaining their landline number.
In simple terms, this means staying connected without relying on any outdated infrastructure.
Air Landline offers a cordless phone alternative for making calls over broadband.
Air Landline gives assurance to businesses that they will remain connected even as traditional systems are phased out.
The Big Switch Off — When Will They Be Phased Out?
The “Big Switch Off” is already in progress. It was initially expected that by December 2025, all traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines would be fully retired.
At the same time, some landline service providers, including BT, have taken the lenient approach by stretching the deadline to 2027, likely.
They want to make the transitional phase easier for their customers.
If your business still depends on a traditional landline, then you need to act quickly. You can give a try to Air Landline.
We make sure that your communication is maintained without any interruption. Air Landline also allows you to easily port over your existing number.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
There are several reasons that are driving the phase-out of traditional landlines:
- Outdated Infrastructure: Copper networks are unable to keep up with advanced technology. They have also become costly to repair.
- Digital Demand: Businesses want service providers who offer fast and flexible, internet-based solutions.
- Environmental Goals: Keeping the environmental issues in consideration, modern networks are more energy-efficient.
- Technological Advancement: The voice quality and advanced features that Digital networks offer are unmatched.
Air Landline is positioned at the forefront of all these changes as we offer a reliable, internet-free landline service that ensures your business communication stays consistent and professional.
What Will Replace Landlines?
The news is out that Landlines are being replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and cloud-based phone systems.
These new technologies route calls over broadband or mobile data instead of traditional copper lines.
The consumer would not be affected and would get the same or even better output.
This is where businesses need to explore Air Landline.
We offer a unique alternative: your landline number can ring directly to your mobile phone or device. Want to know what makes us the best?
Air Landline offers this service without requiring an internet connection! It’s a simple, reliable upgrade that does not catch any of the technical headaches.
How Many Homes Still Have Landlines in the UK?
Taking into account the latest reports, approximately 40% of homes in the UK still have a traditional landline system.
Although the usage is steadily declining, the fact remains that a large number of homes and businesses still rely on traditional landlines.
For businesses, maintaining a landline number remains critical as they cannot afford to compromise on professionalism and customer trust, even as the technology shifts.
By choosing Air Landline, you can keep your trusted number active. We make sure your clients and customers can reach you without confusion during this time of national transition from landlines.
What Are My Options?
When you’re faced with the phase-out of traditional landlines, you can opt for any of the following options:
- Air Landline (Recommended)
- You can easily port your existing number to Air Landline.
- You can also buy a new Air Landline number if needed.
- 7-Day trial to test the service risk-free.
- You get the ease of keeping your landline number without internet or complicated systems.
- BT Digital Voice
- You would need an internet connection.
- This option is tied to BT service plans.
- VoIP Services from Other Providers
- They usually require a stable, high-speed internet connection.
- Other service providers come with hidden charges of complex installations and maintenance.
- Mobile-Only Communication
- Your business will lose the image of professionalism that a fixed landline number offers.
- This option is not ideal for many businesses.
- Hosted PBX Systems
- PBX systems require an expensive setup and ongoing costs.
- They are more suited to larger companies.
Choosing Air Landline will keep you out of worry as it helps maintain a simple, affordable and professional presence.
Can I Refuse to Have BT Digital Voice?
BT Digital Voice is a new service package offered by BT. This package intends to replace traditional landline services.
BT Digital Voice operates over a broadband connection, using internet-based VoIP technology to make calls.
Yes, you can refuse BT’s Digital Voice service.
However, if you refuse it without arranging an alternative, you will be left without a landline service when the copper network is switched off in the UK eventually.
You can check Air Landline as it provides a better option.
We allow you to keep your landline number active and flexible without being tied to BT’s broadband or other internet devices.
Can I Just Have a Landline Without Internet?
Yes! Air Landline is one of the very few services that actually allows you to keep your landline number without needing internet access.
So this is how Air Landline operates: Our service works without any interruption by forwarding calls to your mobile or any device you prefer.
For this service, we don’t ask our customers to have WiFi or broadband.
How to Port Over Your Existing Number to Air Landline
Porting your number to Air Landline is very simple and secure.
Step 1
Sign up for the Air Landline’s 7-day trial.
Step 2
Then, email us your current landline number and provide basic information about your existing provider.
We’ll then contact your current telecom provider to port your number.
The transfer process typically takes 2-4 weeks, but it’s mostly just liaising with your old provider through formal processes in the background, so it depends on how quickly they respond.
Step 3
We’ll email you a link to upload your transfer documents
That’s it, we’ll take care of the rest! Once we’ve verified your documents, we’ll submit the transfer request to your current provider.
You can find the full details here.
How to Get Started with Air Landline’s Trial
You can test Air Landline completely risk-free by signing up for a trial.
Step 1 – Get a landline number from any UK area code
Because your virtual number is held in the cloud, it means you can choose any UK area code you like.
For example, if you’re based in London but need a number for clients in Manchester to get in touch with you, then you can select a 0161 area code.
We’ll then generate the rest of your number for you.
Step 2 – Decide where you’d like your calls diverted to
With a virtual phone number, you can forward your calls to any mobile or static number you like, alternatively, you can have it forwarded to devices with an internet connection.
Many of our clients choose to have them forwarded to their mobile phone number because they can have a personalised welcome message and call recording, and can also have the number forwarded to multiple mobiles.
Step 3 – That’s it! You’re all set to start using your virtual number!
Once you’ve been through our simple and easy sign-up process for our 7-day trial, you’ll receive an email with your new number and instructions on how to log in.
Feel free to test your phone number by calling it. From there, you can then take a look through all the fantastic features, such as recording your own welcome message, unlimited call forwarding, call recording and much more!
How Do I Get Rid of My Landline but Keep My Number?
By switching to Air Landline, you can get rid of your expensive and outdated physical landline phone service while keeping your number active.
Air Landline simply forwards calls to your mobile or preferred number. After this, you will never miss an important call.
Your customers will continue to recognise your trusted business number.
So, in short, this digital service allows you to eliminate the broadband and phone limitations of traditional systems. Plus, with Air Landline, you’re reducing the risk of scams that target outdated systems.
You get free protection for your data and information.
Our service is powered by digital technology, ensuring ease of use as part of the transition away from older landline infrastructure in the UK. All in all, you get to enjoy the freedom of keeping your phone number, without the need for traditional landline setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to keep your worries at bay:
However, they expect that all customers will transition to digital alternatives or lose service by 2027.
This makes it easy to keep your established business number without any interruption.
Calls will be forwarded directly to your mobile.
However, the need for landline numbers will remain strong, particularly for businesses.
Air Landline ensures that landline numbers continue in a new, flexible form.
Our easy porting process keeps the number without causing any confusion for your customers.
We make this possible by eliminating the need for expensive line rentals or internet packages that are tied to your landline service.
This makes sure business continuity even when the internet or power is down.
Summary — Are Landlines Being Phased Out?
It is an undeniable fact that traditional landlines are now being phased out across the UK.
The Big Switch Off will see all copper-based landline services retired.
However, this shift doesn’t mean businesses will have to lose the professional advantage of a landline number.
Air Landline provides an expert, easy-to-use and cost-effective solution for maintaining your business identity.
You will get seamless call forwarding and the flexibility today’s companies need.
So, don’t wait for the switch-off to impact your operations. It’s better to prepare yourself beforehand.
You can start your trial with Air Landline today and keep your business connected and ready for the future.