Do You Still Need a Landline for Broadband in the UK? What to Know Before You Sign Up
- Jamie Reid - Credit, Loans & Everyday Money Writer
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Not long ago, getting broadband in the UK almost always meant signing up for a home phone line — even if you never picked up the receiver. But things have changed. With more providers offering broadband-only deals and fibre networks expanding, the question many households ask now is: do you still need a landline for broadband?
This guide explains everything you need to know — including which broadband services still require a phone line, which don’t, and how to find the best deal based on your location and needs.
Why Landlines Were Traditionally Required for Broadband
For years, most UK broadband connections used the Openreach telephone network — the same infrastructure used for landlines. This meant:
Broadband was delivered via copper telephone cables
A landline rental was bundled into the deal, whether you used it or not
You had to pay for both broadband and line rental
This was known as ADSL or standard fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) broadband. While these connections are still available, newer technologies are removing the need for landlines altogether.
Can You Get Broadband Without a Landline in the UK?
Yes — you can now get broadband without a landline if you choose the right type of connection. The key is choosing a provider that uses alternative infrastructure, such as:
1. Full Fibre Broadband (FTTP)
This uses fibre-optic cables directly to your home, skipping the copper phone lines entirely.
No landline required
Faster speeds (up to 1Gbps or more)
More reliable connection
2. Cable Broadband
Providers like Virgin Media operate their own fibre and coaxial network, separate from Openreach.
No need for BT or Openreach line rental
Bundles available with or without TV/phone
3. 4G or 5G Home Broadband
A wireless router connects to a mobile signal instead of physical cables.
Ideal for rural areas or mobile households
No landline or engineer installation required
Coverage and speed vary by location
Read our guide on: How to Choose the Right Broadband Package
Which UK Broadband Providers Don’t Require a Landline?
Here are popular broadband options that don’t require a landline:
Virgin Media – Offers broadband-only packages across much of the UK
Hyperoptic – Full-fibre broadband, no landline required
Community Fibre – London-based full-fibre provider
BT Full Fibre – Some BT fibre plans no longer need a phone line
Vodafone Pro II Broadband – FTTP packages without landline
EE Full Fibre – Offers landline-free plans for fibre customers
Three 5G Home Broadband – 5G-powered wireless broadband
Sky Full Fibre – Now offering broadband without the need for a landline on select packages
Important: Availability depends on where you live. Use a postcode checker on provider websites to confirm coverage.
What About Broadband Deals That Still Require a Landline?
Some broadband plans still require a phone line because they rely on Openreach’s older FTTC network. These deals are widely available and may be the cheapest option in areas without full-fibre access.
Providers that often include or require a landline:
BT (standard fibre and ADSL packages)
Sky (legacy deals)
TalkTalk (FTTC plans)
Plusnet
These plans may appear cheap upfront but often include line rental in the price, so be sure to check the total monthly cost.
How Much Can You Save Without a Landline?
You might assume broadband-only is cheaper, but this isn't always the case.
Consider the following:
Many “with landline” deals offer introductory discounts, making them temporarily cheaper
Some full-fibre providers charge premium rates for ultra-fast speeds
However, if you never use a home phone, broadband-only plans often represent better long-term value
To save the most:
Compare broadband-only deals against landline bundles
Look for providers offering contract-free or short-term plans
Avoid paying for features you don’t need (like call packages or TV bundles)
Read our guide on: How to Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Read our guide on: Budgeting Tips for Students
Unique Insight: Beware the Copper Switch-Off
BT Openreach has begun phasing out the UK’s traditional copper telephone network as part of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off, planned to be completed by the end of 2025.
What does this mean?
Landline-based broadband will be replaced with full fibre and digital phone services
New customers may no longer be offered copper-based plans
If you currently use ADSL or FTTC, you may be upgraded or moved to full fibre
Tip: If you're moving home or switching provider soon, opt for full fibre now to avoid disruption later.
You can find more on this at https://www.openreach.com/upgrading-the-uk-to-digital-phone-lines
How to Switch to Broadband Without a Landline
Switching is straightforward:
Check availability with your postcode on comparison sites or provider websites
Choose a deal that uses full fibre, cable, or 4G/5G networks
Schedule installation — some may require engineer visits, others are plug-and-play
Cancel your landline if it’s no longer needed (don’t forget to transfer your number if important)
Use the Ofcom broadband checker to compare options:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep my broadband and get rid of the landline?
Yes — but only if your provider offers a broadband-only service. If you're still on an ADSL or FTTC plan, you'll need to switch to full fibre or cable.
Is broadband without a landline slower?
Not at all. In fact, full fibre and 5G options are faster than most landline-based connections.
Is broadband without a landline available everywhere?
No — full fibre and cable networks are still expanding. If unavailable in your area, you may be limited to landline-based broadband for now.
Do I still need a landline for Virgin Media broadband?
No. Virgin Media offers broadband-only packages that don’t require a landline or phone number.
Is it cheaper to get broadband without a landline?
Sometimes. It depends on the provider, speed, and offers available. Always compare the total monthly cost, including any hidden fees or installation charges.
Final Thoughts
The days of being forced to pay for a landline you never use are coming to an end. With full fibre and mobile broadband expanding across the UK, it's now easier than ever to get fast, reliable internet without the added cost of line rental.
If your area is eligible, consider switching to a broadband-only provider to cut down costs and futureproof your setup. And as the UK moves away from copper networks, this shift is not only cheaper — it’s inevitable.
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