Can You Keep Your Landline Number When You Switch to Digital Voice or VoIP?

Your phone number is tied to your name, your business cards, your doctor’s records and your family’s phones. Nobody wants to change it. With the UK landline network closing by 31 January 2027, many households and small businesses are moving to digital voice or VoIP, so the question comes up a lot.

Two situations

Your current provider moves you

If BT, Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk or your usual provider migrates you to its digital voice service, nothing changes for your number. It stays attached to your account.

You switch to a new provider or a VoIP service

Here, your new provider carries out a number port. They contact your old provider, request the transfer and set a date for the number to move. You do not usually need to do the technical work yourself.

How number porting works, step by step

1. Choose your new service and confirm that they can host or port your number.
2. Give the details they need, normally the number, the name and address on the account and your current provider’s account details.
3. Keep your old line active. It must stay live until the number has moved.
4. Agree a port date. It usually takes several working days, so allow time and avoid doing it just before a busy period.
5. Test after the port. Make and receive calls, and check voicemail and any extensions.
6. Cancel the old line only after the number has safely moved.

Mistakes to avoid

• Cancelling the old line first. This is the classic way to lose a number.
• Not telling the new provider about extra numbers. Businesses with several numbers need them all listed.
• Forgetting equipment on the old line. Alarms and telecare may need attention, see our guide to alarms and telecare after the switch-off.
• Leaving no gap for voicemail and forwarding. Set them up before the port date.

Geographic numbers and local codes

Numbers that start 01 or 02, such as 01702 for Southend or 01245 for Chelmsford, are called geographic numbers. They are tied to an area. Most VoIP providers can host them, but you should confirm that your provider supports your particular area code before you commit. If you want a local presence without moving a number, you can also get a new local number.

What about business numbers?

Small businesses often have several numbers, a main line and direct dial numbers, and sometimes an ISDN service. The same principles apply, but the port needs more planning, and the new phone system should be configured to receive each number properly. Plan it ahead of the switch-off date, not after.

What a typical move looks like

1. Week 1: you choose the new service, and the provider confirms they can take your number.
2. Week 1 to 2: the provider requests the port and agrees a date. Your old line stays live and working.
3. Port day: the number moves. There may be a short gap, so it is best done at a quiet time.
4. Straight afterwards: you test inbound and outbound calls, voicemail and forwarding.
5. A few days later: once everything is confirmed, you cancel the old line.

For a business with a main number, direct dial numbers and an alarm line, the same steps apply, but each number needs listing and the new phone system must be ready to receive them on the day.

Related reading

If you are just getting started, read what to do before the 2027 landline switch-off and what is VoIP and how does it work. If calls ever sound poor after the move, our guide to VoIP call quality problems and fixes will help.

HomeIT Services handles number porting and the whole move to digital voice for homes and small businesses across Essex. See VoIP phone systems and digital landline setup, or contact us from Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford or elsewhere.