Does broadband need a phone line?

Broadband is essential for modern life, but a common question remains: do you need a phone line for broadband? Traditionally, broadband connections were bundled with phone lines, as services were delivered over copper wires. However, with new technologies now widely available, many providers, including Hey!Broadband offer home broadband without requiring a landline.

Do you need a landline for broadband?

The short answer: not anymore. Traditional broadband services like ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) used to rely on phone lines to deliver internet access. However, with the growth of fibre-optic broadband, you can now get a connection without a landline.

Full fibre broadband operates entirely over fibre-optic networks, meaning there's no need for a traditional phone line. This fundamental shift has transformed how we access the internet.

The old copper phone line infrastructure is actually being phased out. The UK's traditional telephone network is switching off, with providers moving to digital phone services that run over broadband connections rather than separate phone lines.

Broadband options that don’t require a landline

Several types of broadband options available today don't need a phone line. Understanding your choices helps you select the right service for your needs.

Fibre broadband

Full fibre broadband delivers high-speed connections directly to your home via fibre-optic cables. Unlike traditional ADSL, which uses copper phone lines, fibre doesn't rely on phone lines at all, resulting in dramatically faster download and upload speeds.

This makes fibre ideal for streaming, gaming, and working from home. If you choose a full fibre service like Hey!Broadband, you won't need a landline.

Full fibre's symmetrical speeds mean uploads match downloads, perfect for video conferencing, cloud backup, and content creation. The connection quality remains consistent regardless of how many neighbours are online, unlike older copper-based services.

Cable and mobile broadband

Cable broadband uses coaxial cables (the same type used for TV services) to deliver internet. Like fibre, cable doesn't require a traditional phone line, though availability is limited to areas where cable infrastructure exists.

Mobile broadband uses the mobile network to provide internet access. With mobile broadband, you connect via 4G or 5G signals, so do you need a phone line for the internet at home with this option? No.

This can be excellent if you need broadband where traditional phone lines or fibre-optic cables aren't available. Mobile broadband offers flexibility with pay-as-you-go plans available, though data caps and variable speeds during peak times are common limitations.

Why do some providers still require a phone line for the internet at home?

Some providers continue bundling phone lines with broadband, even when technically unnecessary. Several reasons explain this practice.

Legacy infrastructure: Older broadband technologies like ADSL and FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) genuinely need phone lines to function. These services use existing copper telephone wires for the final connection to your home, making the phone line infrastructure essential. Revenue generation: Phone line rental generates additional monthly revenue for providers. Even if you never use the phone service, you're paying for line rental. Bundling strategies: Some providers structure their pricing to make phone line bundles appear better value than broadband-only deals.

Benefits of switching to broadband-only deals

Choosing broadband without a phone line offers several advantages beyond simply avoiding line rental fees. Cost savings: Eliminating phone line rental can save £15-20 monthly. Faster speeds: Full fibre broadband-only deals typically offer much faster speeds than phone line-dependent services. Simplified billing: One service means one bill. You're not managing separate charges for broadband and line rental, making monthly expenses clearer and easier to budget. Future-proof technology: Full fibre represents the future of UK connectivity. Investing in fibre now means you're on infrastructure that will serve your needs for years, whilst copper phone networks are being phased out. Better reliability: Fibre-optic cables are less susceptible to interference, weather damage, and degradation than copper phone lines, resulting in more reliable connections with fewer dropouts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my home phone number without a landline?

Yes, you can keep your home phone number without a traditional landline through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP services let you make and receive calls using your broadband connection instead of a physical phone line.

At Hey!Broadband, we offer VoIP as an optional add-on to our broadband packages. You'll enjoy crystal-clear calls over your fibre connection whilst eliminating traditional line rental costs. You keep your existing phone number, dial normally, and receive calls just like a traditional home phone, but everything runs through your internet connection. VoIP offers advantages beyond cost savings. Call quality is often superior to old copper lines, and you can use your home number on multiple devices.

Is it cheaper to have broadband without a phone line?

Generally, yes, getting broadband without a phone line is cheaper. You avoid paying phone line rental for a service you might not use. Traditional broadband plans relying on landlines bundle the line rental cost with internet charges. If you don't need a landline, you're essentially paying for unused service. With broadband-only plans, you pay solely for internet connection without extra charges for phone line infrastructure.

Can I get broadband-only if I'm currently with a provider like BT or Sky?

Yes, you can switch from providers like BT or Sky to broadband-only services. One Touch Switch (OTS) makes the process simple. Your new provider handles everything, including contacting your old provider and coordinating the switch.

If you're still in a contract, you might face early termination charges, though these may be worth paying to access better service and lower monthly costs. At Hey!Broadband, our contract buyout team can assess your situation and potentially offer free months or bill credits to offset early termination fees.

Check whether full fibre is available at your address. If available, switching to a modern full fibre service without phone line requirements often provides better speeds and lower costs than continuing with traditional phone line-dependent broadband.

At Hey!Broadband, we offer full fibre broadband packages that don't require phone lines, with speeds up to 900 Mbps and no mid-contract price rises. Our VoIP add-on is available if you want to keep a home phone service without traditional line rental costs.

Call our UK-based team on 0330 822 2878 to discuss your options, or check availability in your area on our website.