can I have broadband without a phone line?

published: 21st March 2022 updated: 5th March 2026

table of contents

You may be aware that the traditional landline is being switched off. Initially, this was scheduled for 2025 but has currently been delayed until 2027 due to the continued rollout of alternative technology and support for vulnerable communities that rely on their landline.

If you’re worried about what you will do without a landline, that’s perfectly understandable. As a core method of communication this could be a big change! The good news is that there are alternatives available such as a digital phone line which ensures you can stay in contact with your friends, family and community, and keep hold of your existing landline number!

find out more about digital phone lines

so, what does this mean for broadband?

Historically, broadband has always relied on the landline system so if you’re wondering if you need a landline for broadband or if no landline broadband exists, then stick with us as we unpack what you need to know about the future of broadband!

who needs a landline anyway?

Thanks to the constantly evolving tech in our pockets, not many people use a landline telephone anymore. Previously, all homes were connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) which was also the same network used to deliver your broadband. Households were charged a line rental fee to connect their phone and/or broadband to a provider such as BT as part of their contract.

A survey held by YouGov in 2025 indicated the 41% of UK adults do have a landline and 92% of adults with a home phone got it included in their broadband package. Data from GoCompare shows that between 2021 and 2025 there has been a 115% increase in people ordering broadband without a phone line1.

So, the big question you might be asking yourself now that you simply aren’t using a landline is ‘can I get broadband without a phone line?’

do you need a landline for broadband?

The simple answer is no!

Thanks to the development of mobile phones, apps that allow 100% internet-based calls and the invention of full-fibre broadband, a landline isn’t necessary to make calls.

So why pay for line rental?

why did you need a landline for broadband in the past?

Delivery of broadband into your home used to rely on the old copper phone network. As an existing network, most providers used the Openreach network that was connected to almost every home!

The emergence of fibre broadband meant that faster internet was delivered to the green cabinet on your street and then completed the journey to your home through the traditional copper phone cables. Even in a digital age, those line rental fees stick around because, at the end of the day, you’re still paying ‘rent’ on the old-school copper pipe feeding into your house.

how can I get broadband without a phone line?

Full-fibre broadband is delivered to your home without using the traditional phone network. Instead of fibre cables stopping at the green cabinet, fibre cables also connect the green cabinet to your home, allowing you to enjoy faster broadband speeds and improved reliability.

Full-fibre is a modern technology that was produced intentionally for data transmission, which copper networks were never designed for.

why choose broadband without a phone line?

Choosing full-fibre broadband is an easy choice that everyone is making. Not only are you using the most modern broadband technology but the benefits of full-fibre greatly outweigh the benefits of having a traditional telephone line. From improved reliability to faster speeds, full-fibre broadband keeps up with modern life; whether you’re gaming, streaming, using smart devices, surfing or working from home.

Although some broadband providers include the cost of line rental within your monthly cost, it’s something you simply do not have to pay for, whether you’re using it or not.

The emergence of digital phone lines use fast full-fibre technology to deliver a clearer connection for crystal-clear calls, they’re often cheaper than the average line rental cost and you can keep your existing landline number. If you’re using an older physical landline phone, you may need to upgrade to allow your broadband router to be plugged into your phone cradle. Plus, many digital phone line services come with an app meaning you can answer your landline even if you’re out of the house from your mobile – that means you’ll never miss an important call again!

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to digital phone lines, at toob we partner with Phonely. Their friendly team are on hand to answer any queries you may have on digital landlines ahead of the landline switch off.

discover Phonely

Ready to find out more about ultrafast broadband without a phone line?

check out full-fibre broadband deals from toob

check your postcode

previousnext

1GoCompare order data from 2021 to 2025