Is the Landline Dead?

The Future of Business Phone Lines in the UK

For decades, the humble landline has been the backbone of business communication in the UK. It’s how clients reached your office, orders were placed, and deals were made. But times are changing, and fast.

With the rapid rise of mobile-first workplaces, VoIP technology, cloud phone systems, and now the incoming landline switch-off, many UK businesses are wondering:
Is the landline dead?

The short answer: not quite, but it’s certainly on its way out. This article will explore what’s replacing traditional landlines, what this means for UK businesses, and how Phonenumbers.store is helping companies make the leap.

The 2025 Landline Switch-Off: A Defining Moment

In 2017, BT Openreach announced plans to switch off the UK’s traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by December 2025. This includes both analogue and ISDN lines, the long-standing infrastructure behind most business landline systems.

This means that after 2025:

• All landlines will run over IP (Internet Protocol)
• Businesses still relying on traditional phone lines will need to upgrade
• Devices like fax machines, alarm lines, lift phones, and card terminals may also be affected.

In short, the clock is ticking for businesses still operating on legacy landline setups.

Why Landlines Are Being Phased Out

The PSTN is over 100 years old. While it’s been incredibly resilient, it wasn’t designed for the digital age. Maintaining it is costly and inefficient compared to newer, internet-based alternatives.

Here’s why it’s being replaced:

• VoIP (Voice over IP) is more flexible, scalable, and affordable
• Fibre and 5G networks offer better speed and reliability.
• Remote and hybrid work models demand more mobile-friendly systems.
• New tech (AI, automation, CRM integration) doesn’t play well with old copper lines.

Much like floppy disks or dial-up internet, the traditional landline has simply outlived its usefulness.

What’s Replacing Traditional Landlines?

The future of business communication lies in digital, cloud-based systems, specifically:

1. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP systems use your internet connection to make and receive calls. You can plug in a VoIP phone, use a mobile app, or make calls straight from your computer.

Benefits:

• Lower call costs
• No line rental
• Work from anywhere
• HD audio quality
• Scalable for teams of any size

2. Hosted Phone Systems (Cloud PBX)

These are business-grade phone systems managed in the cloud. You get all the features of a traditional office system, extensions, call queues, voicemail, etc., but without the hardware.

Benefits:

• Easy setup with no on-site equipment
• Perfect for remote or hybrid teams
• Integrates with CRMs and helpdesks
• Managed by your telecom provider

What About Your Business Number?

A big concern for businesses making the switch is losing their long-standing phone number. After all, your number may be printed on signage, vans, business cards, directories, and websites.

The good news? You can keep it.

Telecom providers can port your landline number to a VoIP or cloud system, ensuring there’s no disruption for your customers.

Even better, many businesses are using this opportunity to upgrade to custom memorable numbers, making it easier for customers to recall and dial you in a hurry.

For example:

• Plumbers using easy-to-memorise numbers
• Taxis using local memorable numbers
• Estate agents using local, catchy geographic numbers

Memorable numbers give your business an edge, especially in fast-moving, competitive industries.

How Telecom Providers Are Helping Businesses Transition

Modern telecom providers such as Phonenumbers.store aren’t just offering VoIP in a box — they’re actively guiding businesses through the landline switchover with:

• Full consultation to review your current setup
• Number porting to retain existing lines
• Cloud phone systems tailored to your team
• Failover and redundancy options to ensure business continuity
• UK-based support every step of the way

Who’s Still Using Landlines (and Why They Should Rethink It)

While most UK startups and growing SMEs have already embraced VoIP, some legacy businesses and sectors are still holding on to old landlines. These include:

• Law firms with traditional PBX setups
• Medical practices using analogue fax lines
• Local trades relying on single-line BT numbers
• Retailers with alarm or payment systems tied to PSTN

The risk? When the PSTN switch-off happens, these lines may go dark unless they are migrated in time. Now is the moment to modernise, not just to avoid disruption, but to unlock smarter features that enhance productivity and service. Get in touch with us today to discuss your options.

Advantages of Moving Away from Landlines

Still need convincing? Here’s what businesses gain by moving over:

Mobility

Take your business calls on any device, in the office, on the road, or working from home.

Scalability

Easily add or remove users without waiting for engineers or line installations.

Professionalism

Use call menus, on-hold music, voicemail-to-email, and call recording to present a polished image.

Cost Savings

No more line rental, expensive maintenance, or hidden call charges.

Looking Ahead: The New Normal for Business Phones

In the next 2–3 years, digital-first phone systems will become the default, and the idea of a desk phone plugged into a wall will seem quaint. Business owners will expect:

• Seamless integration with CRM and helpdesk software
• AI-powered features like voicemail transcription and smart routing
• One-click call management from mobile or desktop
• Cloud-based control over teams and users

It’s a future that’s already here, just unevenly distributed. The businesses embracing this change now are building an advantage that goes beyond phones; they’re unlocking flexibility, customer satisfaction, and growth.

Final Thoughts

So, is the landline dead?

Not quite but it’s definitely on its way out. With the 2025 switch-off looming and VoIP technology racing ahead, now is the time for UK businesses to take control of their communications and future-proof their phone systems.

Whether you’re a sole trader or a team of 50, there’s a modern, mobile-friendly, cost-effective solution waiting for you and the right telecom provider can make the transition smooth, stress-free, and packed with extra value. Get in contact with the team at Phonenumbers.store today to discuss the transition to digital.