Do You Need A Landline For Broadband

As broadband technology evolves and fibre networks expand across the UK, many people are asking whether they still need a landline to access the internet. For years, a traditional phone line was essential for broadband connections, but things have changed. With newer infrastructure, alternative technologies and shifting service models, the answer is no longer as straightforward.

This article explores whether you need a landline for broadband in the UK, how this depends on your location and provider, and what types of broadband are available without a phone line. It also looks at the costs involved, the future of landlines, and what to consider when choosing a broadband package that fits your needs.

The Traditional Landline and Broadband Connection

For a long time, most UK broadband was delivered via ADSL, which used the copper telephone network to carry data. This meant that having an active landline was a requirement for broadband access, even if you never actually used the phone. The broadband signal was sent down the same cables as your phone calls, and you paid line rental on top of your internet service.

However, this is changing rapidly. Fibre broadband, particularly full-fibre services that run fibre optic cables directly to your home, no longer rely on the copper phone network. As a result, many providers now offer broadband without the need for a landline.

Can You Get Broadband Without a Landline?

Yes, you can get broadband without a landline, but it depends on the type of broadband available in your area. If your home has access to full fibre (FTTP), cable broadband or mobile broadband, you can usually sign up for a broadband-only deal that does not include a landline or require line rental.

Providers such as Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, and certain packages from BT, Sky, Vodafone and EE now offer broadband without a phone line. These services use their own fibre networks or 5G infrastructure to deliver internet access independently of the traditional telephone exchange.

In areas where only standard ADSL or part-fibre (FTTC) connections are available, a landline is still usually required, because the service relies on the old copper phone line to deliver the broadband signal. Even if you do not use the phone, the line is necessary for connectivity.

What Is Full Fibre and Why It Matters

Full fibre broadband, also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), uses fibre optic cables all the way from the exchange to your home. It offers faster speeds, lower latency and better reliability compared to traditional copper-based services. Because it does not rely on the existing telephone network, there is no need for a landline.

The UK government and major providers are investing heavily in rolling out full fibre networks across the country. As availability increases, more households will be able to choose broadband-only packages that do not include a phone line.

If full fibre is not yet available at your address, it may be coming soon. Many providers allow you to check availability on their websites, and Ofcom tracks national coverage as it expands.

Alternative Broadband Without a Phone Line

Besides full fibre, other broadband technologies that do not require a landline include cable broadband, mobile broadband and satellite broadband.

Cable broadband, delivered by companies like Virgin Media, uses coaxial or fibre lines independent of the BT phone network. It supports high-speed internet without needing a phone line.

Mobile broadband uses 4G or 5G networks to provide internet access via a SIM card and router. It is useful in rural areas or for households that want flexibility without fixed-line installation.

Satellite broadband is another option, though it tends to be slower and more expensive. It is primarily used in remote areas where neither fibre nor mobile signals are strong enough for reliable service.

Costs and Considerations

If you choose a broadband-only package, you typically save money by avoiding landline rental. However, some providers bundle broadband and phone together as standard, and the price difference may not always be significant. In some cases, the broadband-only deal may even be more expensive if it is marketed as a premium product.

Also consider whether you still need a home phone. If you rely on it for calls, especially in areas with poor mobile reception, keeping the landline may still make sense. Some broadband packages now include a digital voice service, which uses the internet instead of a traditional phone line.

If you are switching from a provider that uses the Openreach network to one that uses its own infrastructure, such as Virgin Media, your existing phone socket may become redundant. Make sure you understand what will change during installation.

The Future of Landlines in the UK

The UK is currently transitioning away from the old analogue phone network. By the end of 2025, the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) will be switched off, and all phone services will move to digital. This means that landline services will soon require an internet connection rather than a copper wire.

As a result, the idea of needing a landline for broadband will become obsolete. In fact, it is already being phased out by many providers who are promoting digital voice services and all-in-one fibre installations.

In the long term, broadband will be seen as the core utility, with voice services becoming an optional add-on rather than a requirement.

Conclusion

You no longer need a landline to get broadband in many parts of the UK. Thanks to full fibre, cable and mobile broadband technologies, households can now access fast, reliable internet without paying for a phone line they do not use. However, in areas where only copper-based ADSL or FTTC services are available, a landline may still be required for now.

If you are considering switching or setting up broadband, check what services are available at your address and compare the costs of broadband-only packages. As infrastructure continues to improve, broadband without a landline will become the standard, not the exception.