Voice
Switching broadband when you need a landline
How digital voice, number retention and care alarms change a broadband switch.
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Last fact-checked 8 September 2026.
A landline is no longer automatic
Many full-fibre products are broadband-only. If you need a phone number, say so on the order. Digital voice over the broadband connection is not the same as a traditional analogue line, especially during a power cut.
Numbers and dependent devices
If you want to keep a number, request it as part of the switch. If a burglar alarm, pendant or monitored device uses the line or a specific router, speak to that supplier before anything changes.