In short
A VoIP landline is a landline phone number and service delivered over a broadband connection instead of a traditional copper phone line, often called a digital landline. The phone plugs into the router or a small adapter, the number stays the same and calls work as before, but the service needs power and a working broadband connection.
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VoIP landline meaning
"Landline" used to mean a copper pair from the exchange with a phone socket on the wall. A VoIP landline keeps everything the caller sees, the number, the ring and the dial tone, and changes what happens underneath: the call is carried as data over broadband using VoIP.
That is where every UK landline is heading. Openreach says that on 31 January 2027 all traditional phone lines will be going digital, and that digital phone lines usually work through a broadband router rather than a wall socket. So a VoIP landline, a digital landline and a digital phone line all describe much the same thing: a phone line delivered as a service over an internet connection.
A VoIP landline is usually one number on one phone. A VoIP phone system goes further, with extensions, groups, menus and apps for a whole team. Both use the same technology; the difference is how much call handling sits on top.
How a VoIP landline connects
There are four common ways to connect a phone to a VoIP landline service:
- A router with phone ports. Many routers supplied with digital phone services have one or two phone sockets and a built-in adapter, so an ordinary corded or cordless phone plugs straight in. Our guide to the VoIP router explains the settings that matter.
- An analogue telephone adapter (ATA). A small box that connects to the network and gives you a standard phone socket, for existing phones and analogue devices. See VoIP adapter.
- An IP desk phone. A phone that plugs into the office network, often powered over the network cable, and registers to the service directly. See VoIP handsets for business.
- An app or softphone. The same number on a laptop or mobile, which keeps working when you are away from the desk.
The first two let you keep phones you already own. The last two add flexibility, and most business services let you use several at once on the same number.
What changes and what stays the same
| Stays the same | Changes | |
|---|---|---|
| Your number | You keep it; it can usually be ported to the new service | It is no longer tied to one copper line, so it can ring wherever you choose |
| The phone | Many corded and cordless phones work through a router phone port or an adapter | IP desk phones and apps become options |
| Making and receiving calls | Dial tone, ringing and dialling work as before | Features such as voicemail to email or diverts are often managed online |
| Power | - | Openreach notes digital phone lines need power to work, so plan battery or UPS backup |
| Broadband | - | Calls depend on the broadband connection and the router |
| Emergency calls | 999 and 112 calls should work from every number | Keep the registered address for each number correct, including for home workers |
| Analogue devices | Some work through an adapter | Alarms, lifts, door entry, card terminals and fax need checking one by one |
Fax machines deserve a mention: Microsoft says fax is not available through Teams Phone or Calling Plans, and support varies on other platforms, so we can check each fax line with you before you switch.
Not sure which option fits? Ask us
Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right option for your organisation, with a quote.
Power cuts, alarms and special lines
Two things catch people out when a landline becomes a VoIP landline.
Power. Openreach says digital phone lines "rely on power and broadband, so they may not work during a power cut unless you have a backup power solution". If anyone relies on the landline, for example someone with poor mobile signal or a telecare device, tell your provider so it can arrange battery back-up. In an office, a UPS for the router, network switch and key phones keeps calls going through short outages, and mobile apps carry on over mobile data.
Devices on the line. Openreach lists alarm systems, CCTV, payment card terminals, door entry systems, lift emergency phones and fire alarm monitoring as equipment to review, and advises speaking to the equipment supplier about compatibility before you switch. Some devices work through an adapter; others need a digital or cellular alternative from their supplier.
Our sister site's alarm and special lines checklist works through those devices, and business-broadband.org.uk explains what the digital switchover means for your broadband.
VoIP landline or a VoIP phone system?
If you have one phone and nothing else, a VoIP landline may be all you need. As soon as several people share calls, a VoIP phone system usually serves you better.
| VoIP landline (single digital line) | VoIP phone system | |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | One number, sometimes two | A main number plus direct numbers for each user if you want them |
| Users | Whoever is near the phone | Each person has an extension, on a desk phone, app or both |
| Call handling | Voicemail and diverts | Hunt groups, queues, menus, opening hours, transfers and reporting |
| Locations | One site | Several offices and home workers on one system |
| Good fit | A lift line, a kiosk, a very small site | Any team that shares calls |
We supply several VoIP phone systems: hosted 3CX, Microsoft Teams Phone, Webex Calling, Forever UC and Forever Teams. BT Cloud Voice is supplied by our sister company Forever Communications through cloudvoice.cloud. If you are replacing several lines at once, our page on the multi-line VoIP phone system shows how many calls can share one connection.
Is a VoIP landline the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
Moving a landline to VoIP
Moving one line or many follows the same broad steps:
- List what you have: every number, what it is used for and anything plugged into it.
- Check the connection: enough upload bandwidth for your busiest moment, and a router suited to voice. See VoIP requirements.
- Keep your numbers: the new provider requests the port from your current one. See port landline number to VoIP.
- Choose devices: keep phones through a router port or adapter, or move to IP desk phones and apps.
- Plan special lines and power: alarms, lifts and card terminals, plus battery or UPS backup.
- Switch over and test: inbound, outbound and emergency calls from every number.
Our full guide to switching from landline to VoIP goes through each step, and VoIP vs landline compares the two side by side.
How we help
Forever Systems can handle the move for you: we can check your lines and devices, test the connection, port your numbers and set up the phones, adapters and apps you need. Desk and DECT handsets can be bought outright or, in some cases, included in your monthly rental, with the options confirmed at quote.
Contact us with a list of your current numbers and anything connected to them, and we can recommend the right digital replacement for each.
How Forever Systems helps you choose a VoIP phone system
We supply and support several VoIP platforms, so we can recommend the one that fits how your team takes calls rather than fitting your business around one product.
- Platform advice across hosted 3CX, Microsoft Teams Phone, Webex Calling, Forever UC and Forever Teams, with SIP trunks for phone systems you already own
- A requirements check of your broadband, network and routers before anything goes live
- Numbers and porting: we can help you keep your existing business numbers and plan the move away from analogue and ISDN lines
- Handsets and headsets that suit each platform, bought outright or, in some cases, included in your monthly rental, with the options confirmed at quote
- Set-up and changes: call flows, users and devices configured for you, and help with moves, adds and changes afterwards
- For BT Cloud Voice, see our sister site cloudvoice.cloud, and for hosted and cloud platforms in depth, cloudphone.cloud
We work with businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations.
Frequently asked questions
What is a VoIP landline?
A VoIP landline is a landline number and phone service delivered over broadband rather than a copper phone line. It is often called a digital landline. The phone plugs into the router or an adapter, and calls work much as before.
Do I need broadband for a VoIP landline?
Yes. A VoIP landline is carried over an internet connection, and Openreach says digital phone lines usually work through a broadband router. If you have a phone line but no broadband, Openreach says your provider will help you find the most suitable digital option. Your existing number can usually be ported across.
Can I use my existing landline phone with VoIP?
Often, yes. Many routers supplied with digital phone services have phone ports with a built-in adapter, and a separate analogue telephone adapter does the same job. Older system phones from an on-site PBX usually need replacing with IP phones or apps.
Does a VoIP landline work in a power cut?
Not without backup power. Openreach notes that digital phone lines need power to work. A UPS or battery backup for the router keeps the line going, and if you rely on your landline, tell your provider so it can arrange battery back-up.
Will my alarm work with a VoIP landline?
It depends on the alarm. Openreach advises checking alarm systems, CCTV, card terminals, door entry and lift phones with the equipment supplier before switching. Some work through an adapter; others need a digital or cellular alternative.
Is a VoIP landline the same as a digital landline?
In everyday use, yes. Both mean a phone line delivered over a broadband connection using VoIP rather than over a traditional copper line. Openreach calls them digital phone lines.
Still have a question about a VoIP landline?
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