A digital landline - often called Digital Voice - is a modern home phone service that works over your broadband connection instead of a traditional copper phone line.
It looks and feels like a normal landline, but the technology behind it is completely different.
The simple answer
A digital landline uses your internet connection to make phone calls, rather than a traditional copper telephone line.
Calls are delivered digitally, similar to how video calls work online.
Why traditional landlines are being replaced?
Traditional landlines rely on:
- Old copper phone lines
- Analogue signals
- Infrastructure that's expensive to maintain
In the UK, these copper-based networks are being phased out and replaced with digital voice services that run over broadband.
How a digital landline works?
With Digital Voice:
- Your phone calls travel over your broadband connection
- Calls are converted into digital data packets
- The service connects through your router or an adapter
- Voice quality is maintained using prioritised data traffic
There's no electrical phone signal - everything is digital.
What equipment do you need?
Depending on your setup, you may need:
- A broadband router that supports Digital Voice
- An adapter to connect an existing handset
- Or a compatible digital handset
In many cases, you can keep your current phone.
Does a digital landline work without broadband?
No.
A digital landline:
- Requires an active internet connection
- Will not work if broadband is down
- Depends on your router being powered on
This is the biggest difference from traditional landlines.
What happens in a power cut?
Because Digital Voice uses broadband:
- Calls stop if there's no power
- Emergency backup solutions may be recommended
- Some providers offer battery backup options
This is especially important for vulnerable users.
Is call quality better than a traditional landline?
In most cases, yes.
Digital Voice typically offers:
- Clearer audio
- Fewer line faults
- More consistent quality
Call quality depends on broadband stability, not line distance.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes.
When switching to Digital Voice:
- You usually keep your existing landline number
- The transfer happens automatically
- There's no need to inform contacts
Number portability is built into the process.
Is Digital Voice more expensive?
Not usually.
Digital Voice:
- Often replaces line rental charges
- Is bundled with broadband packages
- Can reduce overall costs
Pricing depends on the provider and call plan.
Who is Digital Voice best for?
Digital Voice is suitable for:
- Homes with stable broadband
- People who still want a home phone
- Anyone moving to Full Fibre
It's becoming the default home phone service in the UK.
The key takeaway
A digital landline (Digital Voice) is a modern phone service that works over your broadband connection instead of a traditional phone line.
It's the future of home calling - simpler, digital, and integrated with modern broadband.