Broadband and Landline Deals 2026 (PSTN Switch-Off Explained)

Broadband and landline deals bundle your internet connection with a phone service, but the nature of that phone service is changing. The UK's copper telephone network (PSTN) is being switched off in 2027, after which all landline calls will run over a broadband connection using VoIP (Voice over IP) technology. BT, Sky, Plusnet, TalkTalk, and Vodafone all offer bundled broadband with Digital Voice (VoIP) phone service as of 2026.

The PSTN Switch-Off: What It Means for Your Landline

Openreach is switching off the old analogue telephone network (PSTN) by the end of 2027. This affects anyone who still has a traditional copper landline or FTTC broadband that relies on a copper telephone line. From 2027, all phone calls will be carried over broadband using VoIP, including services marketed as Digital Voice. Major providers including BT and Sky have been migrating customers to Digital Voice ahead of the deadline. BT's Digital Voice uses your router's phone port and works with most cordless and corded handsets. Key concerns for customers: VoIP phones stop working during a power cut (unless there is a battery backup), and some telecare/alarm systems may not work on VoIP without an adaptor. Providers are required to provide a battery backup unit or alternative for vulnerable customers who rely on their landline for safety calls.

Best Broadband and Landline Deals 2026

Providers offering broadband plus Digital Voice (landline) bundled packages in 2026 include: Plusnet with broadband and phone bundles from around £27/month (12–18 month contracts), offering unlimited evening and weekend calls and rolling monthly after the minimum term — Plusnet scored 89–91% customer satisfaction in 2024–2025 Ofcom surveys. TalkTalk offers broadband and Digital Voice from around £30/month. Vodafone includes a Digital Voice option with its broadband plans, and price is locked until 2027 followed by a fixed £3.50/year rise. BT's most popular broadband-plus-phone bundle includes unlimited calling to UK landlines and mobiles as standard.

VoIP vs Traditional Landline: Key Differences

VoIP (Digital Voice) calls travel over your broadband connection rather than the copper telephone network. In normal use, VoIP call quality is indistinguishable from traditional calls, and most VoIP services are compatible with existing cordless handsets when plugged into the phone port on your router. The main practical differences: VoIP requires a working broadband connection (traditional landlines worked even during a power cut); VoIP can be affected by internet outages; and some older alarm panels, hearing loops, and fax machines may need adapters. The upside: VoIP numbers are fully portable, meaning you can keep your landline number when switching providers. UK providers are required to offer battery backup for vulnerable customers relying on the landline for emergency calls.

Do You Actually Need a Landline Bundle?

Many households have stopped using their landline for calls and are mobile-only. If that describes you, a broadband-only deal (no phone) is usually cheaper than a bundle. The landline element of most bundled packages adds around £4–£10/month. However, if you do want a landline number — for example for elderly relatives, alarm systems, or to retain a long-standing number — a bundled Digital Voice plan from BT, Plusnet, or TalkTalk provides the simplest way to keep a phone number alongside your broadband, with one monthly bill and a single provider for both services.

Compare Broadband Deals at Your Address

Enter your postcode to compare broadband and landline bundles from providers like Plusnet and TalkTalk — with full fibre speeds, Digital Voice phone, contract lengths, and monthly costs all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the PSTN copper network being switched off?

Openreach plans to complete the switch-off of the analogue PSTN network by the end of 2027. After this, all UK landline calls will be delivered over broadband using VoIP (Digital Voice) technology.

Can I keep my existing landline number when switching providers?

Yes. Number porting allows you to keep your existing landline number when switching to a new provider. This applies to both traditional PSTN numbers and VoIP Digital Voice numbers. Ask your new provider to port your number as part of the sign-up process.

Will my alarm system still work after the PSTN switch-off?

Some older alarm panels, telecare devices, and fax machines use analogue phone line connections and may need to be replaced or adapted for VoIP. Contact your alarm company before the switch-off to check whether your equipment is compatible.

Related Guides

Broadband Only Deals · Broadband and TV Deals · BT Broadband Deals · Plusnet Broadband Deals · Are Landlines History?

Methodology

This guide is based on publicly available data from Ofcom, provider websites, and independent sources including ISPreview.co.uk, Thinkbroadband, and Point Topic. Pricing, speeds, and availability were verified in April 2026 and are subject to change. CompareFibre is editorially independent — providers do not pay for placement or influence our recommendations.