Switch broadband without a landline: a practical 2026 UK guide

1. Why broadband without a landline is the natural 2026 default

Broadband-only services have moved from niche choice to natural default in 2026 thanks to several converging trends. Most UK households now use mobile phones for the vast majority of voice calls; the PSTN switch-off scheduled 31 January 2027 per Ofcom and gov.uk is forcing the legacy copper phone network into retirement; SoGEA and FTTP technologies remove the technical requirement for a phone line; plus broadband-only services typically save £15-£25 per month on line rental per The Unite Group. This section covers the practical drivers.

• Most households don't use the landline anyway. Mobile phones handle the vast majority of UK voice calls in 2026; many households haven't plugged a corded phone into a wall socket for years. Paying line rental for an unused service is increasingly hard to justify.
• PSTN switch-off forcing the change. Per Ofcom, BT has taken the decision to retire its PSTN by January 2027 and other providers using the BT network must follow the same timescale. Per gov.uk, over two thirds of UK landlines have already been upgraded to VoIP, with the upgrade being delivered by the telecommunications industry in a phased approach for full completion by January 2027.
• SoGEA technology removing the requirement. Per The Unite Group, SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access; in plain English it is broadband delivered over the same fibre-to-the-cabinet infrastructure your business or home probably already uses, but without requiring a traditional phone line. Per Connection Technologies, SoGEA broadband collapses what used to be two products into one with no phone line and no line rental charge.
• FTTP infrastructure scaling. Per Ofcom mid-2024 data via Landlord Broadband, over two-thirds (69 percent) of residential premises in England have access to full-fibre broadband with gigabit-capable coverage reaching 84 percent of properties. FTTP is broadband-only by design; no phone line is required.
• 5G home broadband providing plug-and-play alternative. Three 5G home broadband at approximately £16 per month for 150 Mbps is one of the cheapest UK 2026 broadband options; no engineer visit; setup typically same-day; transferable between addresses without engineer visit; no installation, no drilling, no landline involvement at any stage.
• Substantial monthly savings. Per The Unite Group, businesses can save £15-£25 per month by removing line rental; per Connection Technologies, traditional FTTC at approximately £30 per month plus £18 line rental (£48 per month) compares unfavourably with SoGEA at approximately £32-£50 per month with no line rental charge.
• Same broadband technology and speeds. Per The Unite Group, SoGEA uses exactly the same physical infrastructure (fibre to the cabinet plus copper to the premises) but removes the phone line requirement; you get the same speeds (up to 80 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload) without paying for a landline you don't use.
• Future-proofing. Per The Unite Group, SoGEA does not depend on the PSTN, so your broadband is unaffected by the 2027 switch-off; full VoIP compatibility means SoGEA works seamlessly with hosted VoIP platforms making it the natural broadband choice for households or businesses already using internet-based calling.

2. The PSTN switch-off and what it means for landlines

The PSTN switch-off is the planned retirement of the UK's legacy copper telephone network by 31 January 2027. Understanding the timeline and the practical implications helps you choose the right broadband-only path.

• The deadline. Per Ofcom and gov.uk, the technology underpinning the landline network (the Public Switched Telephone Network, PSTN) is being switched off by the telecommunications industry by January 2027. Per ISPreview UK March 2026, BT (EE) revealed that over 3 million UK households have successfully migrated to Digital Voice ahead of the legacy phone switch off.
• What's being switched off and what isn't. Per Think IT, only the PSTN phone service is being removed; copper lines still exist and can also handle broadband connections via SoGEA. Per Uswitch, those who still have a copper or part-copper broadband connection will be converted to SoGEA which uses the same FTTC connection but supplies the landline through broadband signal rather than analogue voice.
• Why it's happening. Per gov.uk, legacy telecommunications networks such as the PSTN have been in operation for decades and have reached the end of their serviceable life; the PSTN is failing due to lack of parts and increasingly environmental factors such as storms or heat-related faults. Per Ofcom, 2024 saw a 45 percent increase in the number of PSTN incidents reported with over 2,600 major incidents on the PSTN in 2024/25.
• Replacement technology: VoIP / Digital Voice. Per gov.uk, the industry will upgrade landline services to new digital technologies using the internet such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Digital Voice, or All-IP telephony. Per Which?, BT calls its digital voice service "Digital Voice"; you may also see digital voice services referred to as VoIP, IP voice, or branded versions such as 'Sky Voice' or 'TalkTalk Voice'.
• The two transitions are separate. Per ISPreview UK, PSTN to VoIP/Digital Voice migration is completely separate from copper (ADSL/FTTC) to full fibre (FTTP) migration; it's perfectly possible to migrate from PSTN plus FTTC to SoGEA (broadband only over copper) plus Digital Voice.
• Provider-led migration. Per Ofcom, customers don't need to do anything until their provider contacts them to tell them their service is changing; providers including BT, Sky, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, KCOM, plus other major UK ISPs are working through their customer migrations.
• Power outage considerations. Per The Unite Group and Think IT, Digital Voice will not work during a power cut. If you're in an area with limited mobile signal or you don't have a mobile phone, you should get in contact with your provider as soon as possible; back-up battery units should be available, and your provider should be able to provide these. Per Think IT, BT advises calling 0330 1234 150 for power-outage support.
• Vulnerable customer protections. Per Ofcom, providers should support vulnerable customers including those who are dependent on their landline phone to make calls in a power cut; communications providers have been working with local authorities to identify telecare users.

3. SoGEA: FTTC speeds without the phone line

SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. Per The Unite Group, in plain English it is broadband delivered over the same fibre-to-the-cabinet infrastructure your business or home probably already uses, but without requiring a traditional phone line. Per Connection Technologies, SoGEA collapses what used to be two products into one with no phone line and no line rental charge. This section covers SoGEA in detail.

• Same broadband technology as FTTC. Per The Unite Group, SoGEA uses exactly the same physical infrastructure (fibre to the cabinet plus copper to the premises) but removes the phone line requirement; you get the same speeds (up to 80 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload) without paying for a landline you don't use.
• Single order versus separate phone line plus broadband. Per Connection Technologies, before SoGEA ordering broadband was a two-step process: first you needed an active PSTN telephone line, then broadband was layered on top. Even if your business had moved all its calls to VoIP and never used the landline, you still paid line rental (typically £15-£20 per month) just to keep the broadband running. SoGEA removes that requirement.
• Pricing advantage. Per Connection Technologies, SoGEA broadband pricing is competitive with (and often cheaper than) traditional FTTC when you factor in the removal of line rental. A traditional FTTC connection at £30 per month plus £18 line rental (£48 per month) compares with SoGEA at £32-£50 per month for the same speeds with no line rental. Per The Unite Group, businesses can save £15-£25 per month by removing line rental.
• Same speeds and reliability. Per The Unite Group, because SoGEA uses the same Openreach infrastructure you get identical performance to traditional FTTC. Per Connection Technologies, the connection tends to be more stable with fewer fault points (one less service running over the copper).
• Future-proof. Per The Unite Group, SoGEA does not depend on the PSTN so your broadband is unaffected by the 2027 switch-off. This is a key advantage for households or businesses on FTTC who don't want to fully upgrade to FTTP yet but want to be ready for the PSTN switch-off.
• Plusnet's SoGEA leadership. Per broadband.co.uk's PSTN switch-off guide, Plusnet is currently one of the very few big named providers not offering a Digital Voice service. In 2023 Plusnet moved all of its fibre services over to SoGEA which means its FTTC customers are already no longer reliant on telephone lines using copper wires for voice; its service is fully digital.
• Most major UK ISPs offer SoGEA equivalent. BT, EE, Sky, NOW Broadband, Vodafone, TalkTalk, Zen Internet, plus other major UK ISPs offer broadband-only options based on SoGEA technology where the underlying line is FTTC. Where your address has FTTP available, the FTTP packages are typically offered by default; where only FTTC is available, SoGEA broadband-only is the typical landline-free option.
• Compatible with VoIP. Per The Unite Group, SoGEA works seamlessly with hosted VoIP platforms, making it the natural broadband choice for households or businesses already using internet-based calling. If you want to keep your existing landline number, port it to a VoIP service (Phonely, Plexatalk, SecondRing, plus other VoIP providers per broadband.co.uk).

4. FTTP fibre-to-the-premises broadband-only options

FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises) is broadband-only by design; no phone line is required. Per Ofcom mid-2024 data via Landlord Broadband, over two-thirds (69 percent) of residential premises in England have access to full-fibre broadband with gigabit-capable coverage reaching 84 percent of properties. This section covers the major FTTP options for landline-free broadband.

• Openreach FTTP. Used by BT, Sky, Vodafone, TalkTalk, EE, Plusnet, NOW Broadband, Zen Internet, plus many other UK ISPs. Openreach is investing £15 billion to roll out full fibre broadband across the UK aiming to reach 25 million homes and businesses by December 2026 (and potentially 30 million by 2030).
• CityFibre wholesale FTTP. Used by Vodafone Pro II up to 2.2 Gbps, Sky Gigafast, TalkTalk Future Fibre, Zen Internet, Cuckoo, Giganet, iDNET. CityFibre is the third-largest UK full fibre operator with approximately 4.7 million UK premises and 4.5 million ready for service per ISPreview March 2026.
• Hyperoptic. UK-wide altnet specialising in MDU (multi-dwelling unit) buildings. Per Opensignal December 2025, Hyperoptic serves 1.9 million UK premises with top-five Ofcom customer satisfaction. Symmetric upload speeds at every tier from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps; monthly rolling contracts available; Hyperoptic Fair Fibre social tariff at £12/mo for 50 Mbps for qualifying households.
• Community Fibre. London-only altnet. Per Opensignal December 2025, Community Fibre outright tops Download and Upload Speeds, Consistent Quality, Reliability Experience, plus jointly leads in Video Experience in London.
• Gigaclear. Rural-focused altnet with substantial UK rural FTTP coverage; particularly strong in rural Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Devon, Berkshire, plus other rural counties.
• YouFibre. UK altnet with growing footprint; symmetric speeds at higher tiers; competitive pricing.
• Toob. Altnet operating on CityFibre wholesale plus its own builds; per toob, 900 Mbps symmetric with the toobpromise (fixed price for contract term). Active across CityFibre footprint including Swindon, Slough, plus other CityFibre locations.
• BeFibre. UK altnet with regional builds plus partnerships with major networks.
• brsk. UK altnet with strong Manchester, Leeds and Bradford, plus wider regional presence; per Opensignal December 2025, brsk shares the top position across all metrics in Manchester and Leeds and Bradford. Recently merged with YouFibre per ISPreview.
• Netomnia (4th Utility). UK altnet with strong MDU presence; 4th Utility specialises in apartment block broadband with monthly rolling contracts.
• Ogi. Welsh altnet with substantial Wales coverage including Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, plus rural Wales builds.
• Other regional builders. Various smaller altnets and regional builders (Truespeed in South West, Voneus in rural England, plus dozens more) provide FTTP broadband-only services in specific regions.

5. Virgin Media cable broadband-only options

Virgin Media O2 (joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefonica) operates extensive UK cable network broadband-only options. Virgin Media's cable network uses DOCSIS 3.1 technology with speeds up to approximately 1.1 Gbps; the Nexfibre joint venture (with InfraVia and Liberty Global) is rolling out XGS-PON full fibre to extend Virgin Media's footprint and upgrade existing areas through Project Mustang.

• Virgin Media M125 Broadband Only. Approximately £27 per month for 132 Mbps; the cheapest cable-network entry option; broadband-only from order placement.
• Virgin Media M250. Around £30-£33 per month for 264 Mbps; broadband-only.
• Virgin Media M500. Around £36-£40 per month for 516 Mbps; broadband-only.
• Virgin Media Gig1. Around £43-£48 per month for 1.1 Gbps; broadband-only; available widely across Virgin Media-served UK postcodes.
• Virgin Media Gig2. Around £55-£65 per month for 2 Gbps; broadband-only; available in some upgraded postcodes through Project Mustang Nexfibre infill.
• Volt cross-product benefits. Volt is Virgin Media O2's cross-product offering: combining Virgin Media broadband with O2 mobile gives doubled mobile data plus other benefits. This isn't a landline bundle so doesn't conflict with the broadband-only positioning.
• April 2026 mid-contract rises. Virgin Media applies different April 2026 mid-contract rise structures: £4 per month for new contracts and £3.50 per month for in-contract customers from April 2026. Virgin Media Essential Broadband (the social tariff) is exempt from mid-contract rises.
• Virgin Media's full FTTP upgrade. Per Virgin Media O2, the company committed to invest at least £10 billion over 5 years in the UK and announced in July 2021 that it will upgrade its entire fixed network to FTTP technology with completion in 2028, capable of delivering symmetrical 10 Gbps download and upload speeds and beyond. Future Virgin Media services will be FTTP rather than cable.

6. 5G home broadband as the simplest landline-free option

5G home broadband is the simplest landline-free option in 2026: no engineer visit, no installation, no drilling, no underlying infrastructure required beyond a power socket and 5G signal at the address. This section covers the major UK 5G home broadband options.

• Three 5G home broadband. Approximately £16 per month for 150 Mbps is one of the cheapest UK 2026 broadband options. No engineer visit; setup typically same-day; transferable between addresses without engineer visit; 5G hub provided by Three. Particularly attractive for short-tenancy households, students, households unsure whether to commit to a fixed broadband contract, plus households where landlord permission for installation is uncertain. Performance depends on 5G signal at the address; check Three's coverage checker before ordering.
• EE 5G home broadband. Pricing typically around £30-£40 per month for unlimited 5G home broadband; Smart 5G Hub included. EE leverages substantial UK 5G investment. Particularly attractive for households already on EE mobile (combined billing, EE customer service, plus EE's strong UK 5G coverage).
• Vodafone GigaCube 5G. Vodafone's 5G home broadband proposition; pricing typically around £30-£35 per month. Particularly attractive for households already on Vodafone mobile.
• O2 5G home broadband. O2's 5G home broadband leverages the O2 mobile network (now part of Virgin Media O2). Particularly attractive for households on O2 mobile or Virgin Media O2 Volt cross-product benefits.
• 4G as fallback. Where 5G signal is limited (typically rural areas), 4G home broadband from major UK operators offers continued coverage at slightly lower speeds (typically 30-100 Mbps). Three, EE, Vodafone, plus O2 all offer 4G home broadband as alternatives.
• Mobile data SIM in dedicated routers. For maximum flexibility, mobile data SIMs in dedicated routers (or hot-spotting from a smartphone for occasional use) provide broadband-like service with zero installation requirements; Smarty, iD Mobile, Three, plus other major UK MVNOs offer competitive mobile data SIMs.

7. Major UK ISP broadband-only packages compared

Comparing major UK ISP broadband-only packages helps surface genuine value across the market. This section provides a comparison-style overview of the most popular broadband-only options across UK ISPs.

8. Keeping your phone number through Digital Voice if you want to

Switching to broadband without a traditional landline doesn't mean losing your phone number if you'd like to keep it. Per thinkbroadband, you can keep your telephone number through Digital Voice (VoIP) services. Per gov.uk, the industry will upgrade landline services to new digital technologies using the internet such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Digital Voice, or All-IP telephony. This section covers your options for retaining landline calling capability.

• Digital Voice from your existing provider. Per Which?, BT calls its digital voice service "Digital Voice"; Sky has "Sky Voice"; TalkTalk has "TalkTalk Voice"; you may also see digital voice services referred to as VoIP, IP voice, or other branded versions. When migrating to broadband-only with the option to retain landline, your existing provider typically offers a Digital Voice add-on at no or low extra cost.
• Number portability. Per gov.uk, you can typically keep your existing landline number when migrating to a Digital Voice service through your existing provider. Number portability between providers (where you switch ISP and want to bring the landline number with you) follows the standard UK number portability rules; your new provider arranges porting from the old provider.
• Independent VoIP providers. Per broadband.co.uk, where Plusnet's all-fibre move to SoGEA in 2023 left some customers wanting separate VoIP service options, examples include Phonely, Plexatalk, plus SecondRing. Independent VoIP providers typically charge £5-£10 per month for landline-replacement service with full number portability and standard call rates.
• Connection to the router. Per broadband.co.uk's PSTN switch-off guide, in most cases you'll have to have your phone plugged in either into the back of your Wi-Fi router or into a socket using an adapter. Per ISPreview UK, in most cases such upgrades merely involve a fairly seamless change of service by your ISP, which often results in you needing to connect your home phone into the back of either a broadband router or small Analogue Terminal Adapter (ATA), instead of directly into the NTE5A/B/C socket on your wall or skirting board.
• Sound quality. Per broadband.co.uk, if you have a broadband internet connection, even a relatively slow one, you should find that the sound quality of Digital Voice is at least as good as a mobile phone, and may be even better than a landline.
• Bandwidth requirements. Per broadband.co.uk, you don't need a fast broadband package for Digital Voice; you'll be able to make use of Digital Voice with a basic fibre broadband package. Voice calls use very little bandwidth.
• Power outage considerations. Per broadband.co.uk, Digital Voice will not work during a power cut. Per Think IT and gov.uk, if you rely on your landline for safety reasons (no working mobile service, vulnerability), back-up battery units should be available; your provider should be able to provide these. Per broadband.co.uk, BT advises calling 0330 1234 150 for power-outage support.
• Mobile phone as the simpler alternative. For many UK households in 2026, mobile phones already handle the vast majority of voice calls; the cleanest broadband-only path simply drops the landline entirely and relies on mobile. Where landline calling capability isn't actually used, the simplest option is broadband-only with no Digital Voice add-on.

9. What about burglar alarms, telecare, and other devices?

Some legacy household devices use the PSTN telephone line for connectivity: burglar alarms, telecare devices, door entry systems, fax machines, plus some payment terminals. The PSTN switch-off scheduled 31 January 2027 per Ofcom and gov.uk affects these devices and may require upgrading or reconfiguring. This section covers the practical considerations.

• Burglar alarms. Per Uswitch, many burglar alarm companies have made preparations for the copper phone line switch-off; you may have already been contacted by yours. However, some may not have made the necessary preparations yet. Per Uswitch, contact your burglar alarm provider and ask what their plans are for the copper switch-off; be cautious about charges they might apply for the switchover, and be ready to look elsewhere if you're uncomfortable with any quoted price.
• Telecare devices. Per gov.uk, telecare devices may rely on the PSTN. Per Ofcom, if you identify as vulnerable or have other devices connected to your telephone line such as alarm systems or telecare devices, you need to call your communication provider listed on your bill (BT, Sky, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, KCOM etc.). Communication providers have been working with local authorities to identify telecare users. Per ISPreview UK, special solutions exist for telecare users.
• Door entry systems. Per gov.uk, door entry systems may rely on the PSTN. Per gov.uk, if you are unsure about how a device in your home or business might be affected, contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will remain functional on a digital phone line.
• Fax machines. Per gov.uk and Think IT, fax machines may not be compatible and require upgrade to work with digital lines. For most UK households fax machines are not used; for businesses still using fax, online faxing services (eFax, MyFax) provide internet-based alternatives.
• Payment terminals. Per gov.uk, card payment machines are listed among devices that might not work once you have migrated to a VoIP service; speak to the current supplier for advice on options for replacing or reconfiguring it. For most modern payment terminals, internet-based connectivity (broadband or 4G/5G) is the standard replacement.
• Lifts and emergency intercoms. Per gov.uk, lifts and elevators are listed among PSTN-dependent business devices that need attention. Building managers should arrange upgrades; this is typically a building-level action rather than individual tenant responsibility.
• Healthcare and personal alarm devices. Per Think IT, devices like care alarms, security alarms, and emergency lift phones may not be compatible and require upgrade to work with digital lines. Per Ofcom, contact your provider about your specific devices; specialist solutions exist for vulnerable telecare users.
• Back-up battery units. Per Think IT and broadband.co.uk, Digital Voice does not work during a power cut; back-up battery units protect your broadband NTE and router so you can still make phone calls in the event of a power outage. Per broadband.co.uk, your provider can advise especially if you're vulnerable.

10. Related UK consumer rights (cooling-off, automatic compensation, ADR)

Switching to broadband without a landline interacts with the wider 2026 UK consumer protection framework. Understanding which rights apply helps you take the right next step.

• 14-day cooling-off period. Per CompareFibre, customers have a 14-day cooling-off period after signing any new broadband contract during which they can cancel without penalty. This applies to all broadband-only orders including SoGEA, FTTP, Virgin Media cable, plus 5G home broadband. Per CompareFibre, providers cannot charge exit fees during the cooling-off period.
• Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds. Per Ofcom, the right to exit if speeds fall below the Guaranteed Minimum Speed and aren't restored within 30 days applies to broadband-only services equally to bundled packages. Most major UK ISPs (BT, EE, Plusnet, Sky, NOW Broadband, Vodafone, TalkTalk, Virgin Media, Zen Internet) are signatories per Ofcom. See the BBS guide on leaving broadband early due to poor speeds.
• Automatic Compensation scheme. Per Ofcom, broadband customers receive compensation from their service provider for delayed repairs, missed engineer appointments, and delays with the start of a new service. The April 2026 rate update set the daily rate at £10.74 per day for total loss of service after two working days, £30.49 per missed engineer appointment, and £6.10 per day for delayed start of a new service. This applies to broadband-only services equally to bundled packages.
• Telecoms Consumer Charter (introduced February 2026). Sector-wide Charter setting out minimum customer service standards across UK ISPs. The Charter's commitments apply equally to broadband-only and bundled-package customers.
• End-of-contract notification. Per CompareFibre, providers must send an end-of-contract notification 10-40 days before the deal expires, clearly showing what the customer is currently paying and the best deals available. This is the trigger for considering whether to switch to broadband-only at contract end if you're still on a bundled package.
• One Touch Switch. Per CompareFibre, the One Touch Switch process (launched 12 September 2024) lets customers change provider by contacting only the new provider; BT, Sky, Virgin Media, EE, TalkTalk, Vodafone and all major Openreach-based ISPs support this system. Over 1.6 million households used One Touch Switch in its first year per CompareFibre.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Per Consumer Voice, all UK broadband providers must be members of an ADR scheme (Communications Ombudsman or CISAS). After 8 weeks of unresolved complaint, customers can escalate to ADR for binding adjudication.
• Vulnerable customer framework. Per Ofcom, all providers must support vulnerable customers including those affected by the PSTN switch-off who are dependent on their landline for accessibility, telecare, or emergency communication. Communications providers have been working with local authorities to identify telecare users per gov.uk.
• Consumer Rights Act 2015. Underlying statutory protection: services must be "fit for purpose" and "of satisfactory quality". Provides an alternative legal route where Voluntary Code or specific provider commitments don't apply.

11. Practical scenarios: rural household, urban professional, vulnerable customer

This section walks through three typical UK 2026 scenarios to illustrate how switching to broadband without a landline works in practice.

Scenario 1: The rural household with limited 5G needing SoGEA plus VoIP

The Davies family lives in a rural Welsh village (LL postcode area). Their property has FTTC available but no FTTP yet; 5G signal is limited. They currently have a BT FTTC bundle plus phone line on a 24-month contract with 4 months remaining. They want to drop the unused landline at contract end while keeping their existing landline number for occasional family calls.

• Step 1: Wait for end-of-contract notification. Per CompareFibre, BT must send an end-of-contract notification 10-40 days before the deal expires. The Davies family receives this and starts comparing options.
• Step 2: Compare broadband-only options. No FTTP yet so SoGEA is the FTTC-based broadband-only option; per The Unite Group, SoGEA delivers same FTTC speeds without phone line and saves £15-£25/mo. 5G home broadband from Three at approximately £16/mo is theoretically cheaper but signal limitations rule it out. 4G home broadband possible but slower. The family chooses SoGEA-equivalent broadband-only from BT at the existing FTTC speed tier.
• Step 3: Add Digital Voice for landline retention. Per Which?, BT's Digital Voice service delivers landline calling over broadband. The Davies family ports their existing number to Digital Voice through BT. Phone connects to the back of the BT router via the supplied adapter.
• Step 4: Request back-up battery for power outage. Per broadband.co.uk and Think IT, Digital Voice doesn't work during a power cut. The family is in a rural area with occasional storm-related outages; they call BT on 0330 1234 150 per broadband.co.uk to request a back-up battery unit for their NTE.
• Outcome. Total monthly cost reduced by approximately £18 (line rental savings); same broadband performance; landline number retained; back-up battery for power outage protection. Family ready for the PSTN switch-off scheduled 31 January 2027 per Ofcom and gov.uk.

Scenario 2: The urban professional choosing FTTP from Hyperoptic in MDU

Priya lives in a Birmingham MDU (B15 postcode) on a 12-month assured shorthold tenancy. The building has Hyperoptic infrastructure already in place. She wants the simplest landline-free broadband possible with strong upload speeds for video calls and content creation.

• Step 1: Identify Hyperoptic availability. Hyperoptic's wayleave with the building means in-flat installation is straightforward; engineer visit within 7 days. Per Opensignal December 2025, Hyperoptic serves 1.9 million UK premises with top-five Ofcom customer satisfaction.
• Step 2: Choose package. Priya chooses Hyperoptic 500 Mbps symmetric on monthly rolling contract. Symmetric upload at every tier; monthly rolling matches her 12-month tenancy with potential renewal flexibility.
• Step 3: Order and install. Hyperoptic order placed online; in-flat installation arranged within 7 days; service active same day as installation. No engineer hassle for cable entry (existing Hyperoptic infrastructure in the riser).
• Step 4: No landline involvement. Hyperoptic is broadband-only by design; FTTP infrastructure has no PSTN dependency. Priya uses her mobile for all voice calls.
• Outcome. 500 Mbps symmetric service; monthly rolling flexibility; no landline; no installation hassle; ready for tenancy mobility. Priya benefits from Hyperoptic's top-five Ofcom customer satisfaction position with approximately 4 complaints per 100,000 customers per Opensignal December 2025.

Scenario 3: The vulnerable customer with telecare needing battery backup and provider support

Mr Patel is 78, lives alone in his Leicester home (LE postcode), and uses a telecare pendant alarm linked to his landline for emergency call-outs. He's been notified by his current provider about the PSTN switch-off and wants to ensure his telecare continues working.

• Step 1: Identify vulnerability and PSTN-dependent device. Per Ofcom, if you identify as vulnerable or have devices connected to your telephone line such as alarm systems or telecare devices, call your communications provider listed on your bill. Mr Patel calls his provider and identifies as vulnerable plus mentions the telecare pendant.
• Step 2: Provider arranges specialist support. Per ISPreview UK, special solutions exist for telecare users; per gov.uk, communications providers have been working with local authorities to identify telecare users. The provider's vulnerable customer team handles Mr Patel's case with extended call time and patient explanation.
• Step 3: Contact telecare provider. Mr Patel's family contacts the telecare provider per gov.uk's guidance to speak to the current supplier of the equipment for advice on options for replacing or reconfiguring it. The telecare provider confirms the existing pendant is PSTN-dependent and arranges a Digital Voice-compatible replacement.
• Step 4: Schedule Digital Voice migration with battery backup. The provider migrates Mr Patel from PSTN plus FTTC to broadband-only with Digital Voice including a back-up battery unit per Think IT and broadband.co.uk. The new telecare pendant is configured to work over Digital Voice with battery backup ensuring power-outage continuity.
• Step 5: Confirmation and family briefing. Provider sends written confirmation of the service migration, equipment received, plus emergency contacts. Family members are briefed on the new setup and battery test schedule.
• Outcome. Mr Patel transitions safely to broadband-only with Digital Voice plus battery backup; telecare continues working; all UK consumer protections apply (including the Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds, Automatic Compensation scheme with April 2026 rates, plus the vulnerable customer framework per Ofcom). Family confidence in the new setup.

12. Five questions to ask before switching to broadband without a landline

Before placing a UK broadband-only order in 2026, work through these five questions to confirm the order is right for your situation.

1. What broadband technology is available at my address? Run a postcode check across major UK ISPs and altnets. Most UK addresses in 2026 have multiple options: Openreach FTTP and FTTC; Virgin Media cable plus Nexfibre; CityFibre wholesale (supporting Vodafone Pro, Sky Gigafast, TalkTalk, Zen Internet); altnets including Hyperoptic in MDU buildings, Community Fibre in London, Gigaclear in rural areas; plus 5G home broadband from Three, EE, Vodafone, O2 where 5G signal is strong. See the BBS guide on comparing broadband by postcode.
2. Do I want to keep my landline number? If yes, plan Digital Voice with the same provider (BT Digital Voice, Sky Voice, TalkTalk Voice, etc.) or use an independent VoIP provider (Phonely, Plexatalk, SecondRing per broadband.co.uk). If no, simply order broadband-only without a Digital Voice add-on (the cheapest path). Per Ofcom, mobile numbers may be recycled after a while if not actively used.
3. Do I have any PSTN-dependent devices? Per Uswitch and gov.uk, inventory your home for burglar alarms, telecare devices, door entry systems, fax machines, plus payment terminals. Each PSTN-dependent device needs upgrading or reconfiguring; contact each device supplier per gov.uk. Per Ofcom, identify vulnerability if applicable so the provider arranges specialist support.
4. Do I need a back-up battery for power outage protection? Per broadband.co.uk and Think IT, Digital Voice doesn't work during a power cut. If you rely on landline for safety reasons (limited mobile signal, vulnerability, telecare), request a back-up battery unit; per broadband.co.uk, BT advises calling 0330 1234 150. Per gov.uk, communications providers have been working with local authorities to identify telecare users.
5. Should I switch now or wait? Per ISPreview UK, BT prices for legacy lines are set to double by October 2026; per Ofcom and gov.uk, the PSTN switch-off is scheduled 31 January 2027. Switching now typically saves money compared with waiting. The 14-day cooling-off period under UK consumer regulation applies to all new contracts; if the new service doesn't suit, cancellation within 14 days incurs no penalty per CompareFibre. See the BBS best UK broadband deals (May 2026) guide for current pricing.