Landline phones have become so obsolete that even one of our director’s Jake Boase’s parents have given up theirs. While many of us increasingly rely on our phones for everything, the UK still has a fully functional landline network, and many people still have at least one phone connected into a socket in their home.
There are 22 million conventional landlines in use in the UK, and they will face significant changes in the not-too-distant future. The network is transitioning to VoIP, and if you don’t have a suitable phone, you may find yourself in trouble.
When does the UK HAVE to move over to VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is on the way, but you don’t have to jump on board just yet (even though we advise to!). However, in December 2025, there will be a technological shift, and traditional landline phones that use analogue technology will be phased out.
The replacement will be a much better internet-based IP, or Internet Protocol, network, which will be much more future-proofed than the current system, which is based on the remnants of the UK’s antiquated copper wire network – though much of that has already been superseded by fibre optic cable, which VoIP takes advantage of.
Why is the UK moving to VoIP?
The improvement is, without a doubt, long needed. While you’ll be able to keep your landline if you want one, there will be plenty of VoIP-compatible landline phones to pick from which will make receiving calls significantly enhanced. The UK’s original telephone network is nearly a century old, and what we have now is a patchwork quilt of wiring that has been spruced up in some parts and completely replaced in others.
The phone and broadband firms have teamed up to devise a clever strategy that will see a completely revamped network launched in December 2025. The initiative is also monitored by the government and the telecoms regulator Ofcom. The good news is that you won’t have to do anything about the landline phone network update; your landline phone provider should take care of everything and notify you when it happens.
While the network will change without you having to do anything, if your existing phone does not allow VoIP, you will need to purchase a new phone.
Will you be able to keep your number?
Although it’s impossible to say for sure, it appears like you’ll be able to keep your current landline number when the network switches to VoIP. If you’ve had the same phone number for a long time, this is great news.
However, as we always say, your phone may need to be replaced, especially if you’ve owned it for as long as your phone number. However, anyone who has updated their landline handset in the recent few years may discover that it will work just fine when the time comes to upgrade.
A new phone can completely change the way you use it, especially with the latest models from Yealink and Mitel that use technology to make it easier to avoid annoying calls. In fact, a number of the phones we tested were able to completely block undesirable callers, so that’s money well spent right there. Even more so if you’re getting calls from scammers on a regular basis.
VoIP landline phones: What you need to know
The fact that VoIP landline phones are being rolled out now that many of us have broadband at home seems reasonable. This is because, in the future, you’ll be connecting your calls via the internet, rather than the ageing copper wire network.
The call quality, which should be crisper and more audible, is one of the primary advantages. You will, of course, require a broadband connection for this to work, so if you haven’t already done so, contact your phone company.
Another thing to keep in mind about phones that rely on broadband, a router, and a power supply to work is that they rely on services being available online. As a result, if you lose electricity, you may be unable to make or receive calls. If you have a backup phone, this isn’t a problem, but if you don’t, it’s something to keep in mind so you know where you are in the event of an emergency.
Why are VoIP phones so good?
Another advantage of having a landline that uses VoIP to connect you is that it is a lot less expensive option to make calls. Of course, you may argue that you’ll need access to the internet, which you might not have had before. On the bright side, having access to the internet is so beneficial that we believe the advantages far exceed any disadvantages.
While it may seem strange that someone today does not have access to the internet at home, we must acknowledge that not everyone wants it or, in some situations, wants it but is unable to obtain it. If that’s the case, you’re probably reading this on your smartphone right now.
But, returning to the cost issue, let’s face it: for many years, phone companies have done quite well by charging you for making calls, whether they are local, national, or international. If you have a lot of individuals you need to talk to on a regular basis, VoIP phones can save you a lot of money over time.
Another advantage of utilising a VoIP phone is that it is far more robust than older phones that were connected using outdated technology and a network made up of a jumble of copper wire and fibre cables.
Water penetration is common on older phone lines, causing interference and frequently stopping your connection in its tracks. While VoIP technology isn’t infallible, it should make your phone connection less sensitive to external interruptions than before.
That could save you money as well, because there’s a lower chance you’ll need to call in an engineer and deal with all the time and aggravation that entails.
VoIP phones typically offer more features and capability, so if you get one of the best landline phone models on the market today, you’ll find yourself with a veritable telecoms powerhouse on your sideboard. That, in the words of an old BT commercial campaign, should mean that it’s ‘nice to chat’ on it once more.
Summary
So as we know, traditional phone lines will be made redundant in 2025 for a new system to come into place. This system will be powered by internet based phones which will heavily involve VoIP. While the need for VoIP is already in demand due to the benefits the system has to offer, the price will increase nearer to 2025 we get.
At ATS Connection we are doing a price fix promise which will mean that for any business who signs up to our VoIP packages, they will not see a price increase due to the demand.
Get in touch
