Yes. By 2027 landlines in the UK are being switched off for ever. So household landlines for both residential addresses and businesses will stop working permanently.
Why Are Landlines Being Switched Off?
Copper landlines are over 100 years old and haven’t changed much in that time. They’re now expensive and difficult to maintain, and no longer meet modern communication needs like video calling.
With time running out, small business and residential households are looking for an alternative – the main one being VoIP (short for Voice over Internet Protocol).
What Is VoIP?
VoIP digital phone systems are similar to traditional home landlines but instead of the sound being transmitted using copper wires it’s sent in digital ‘packets’ over the internet. So all you need is a stable internet connection (Wifi, 4G or 5G) and you’re good to go.
VoIP phone systems also come with some big benefits, like call recording, call divert and more. In fact, with bOnline you get over 45 features free with your monthly package – take a look.
Do I Need To Sign Up To A VoIP Provider?
Yes. bOnline only works with small and micro businesses and start-ups. However, if you’re a UK resident and are looking for a VoIP provider, there are plenty out there. A quick Google search is a good place to start.
I Run A Small Business From Home – Can I Sign Up For VoIP With bOnline?
Of course! We work with thousands of sole traders, freelancers and small businesses and would love to have you on board.
Many people get started by trying us for free, before then switching to one of our low-cost, fixed monthly packages.
Can I Use VoIP to Dial 999?
Yes, you can use VoIP to dial 999 for the emergency services, but there are certain things to bear in mind. Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP depends on your internet connection and power supply, so if there’s a power cut or broadband outage, emergency calls may not work. You must also make sure your address details are correctly registered with your VoIP provider, as this helps emergency services locate you. For full reliability, many people keep a mobile or backup method for 999 calls.
Don’t Forget Your Free Trial
Run a small business? We offer a totally free 7-day trial so you can test out our VoIP digital phone system and see if it’s right for you. There’s no obligation to sign up with us once your trial is finished and we don’t even ask for your credit card details. It’s the best way to discover all 45+ business-friendly features on offer, including call menus, call divert, hold music, access to call analytics data, CRM integration, call recording and much more. You literally have nothing to lose!
