Franking machines and the landline switch
In brief
- Franking machines that download postage credit via the phone line will stop working after the switch.
- Most modern franking machines can connect via broadband or Wi-Fi instead.
- Contact your franking machine supplier to check the connection type and arrange an upgrade if needed.
What franking machines do
A franking machine weighs your post and prints prepaid postage marks directly onto envelopes or labels. It saves trips to the post office and gives you a discount on stamp prices.
To work, the machine needs to download postage credit from the supplier. This is where the phone line comes in.
How they connect
Franking machines download postage credit in one of several ways:
- Analogue phone line: The machine dials out over the phone line using a built-in modem. This is common in older machines.
- Broadband / LAN cable: The machine connects to your network via an Ethernet cable and downloads credit over the internet.
- Wi-Fi: Some newer machines connect wirelessly.
- USB: You download the credit file on a computer and transfer it to the machine via USB.
Only the first type, analogue phone line, is directly affected by the digital switch.
Why the switch matters
If your franking machine uses a built-in modem to dial out over the old analogue phone line, that connection may stop working when the line moves to digital voice. The modem signals do not always pass reliably over digital connections, even if voice calls work fine.
When the modem connection fails, the machine cannot download new postage credit. You can still use any credit already loaded, but once it runs out, the machine is stuck until the connection is restored or switched to an alternative method.
How to check your machine's connection type
- Look at the cables. Follow the cables from the back of the machine. If there is a cable running to a phone wall socket (the small square BT socket), it uses the phone line. If the cable runs to your router or a network socket (wider rectangular plug), it uses broadband.
- Check the machine's settings. Most franking machines have a connection or communications menu. Look for settings that mention "analogue", "phone line", "LAN", or "Wi-Fi".
- Check the manual or contact your supplier. If you are not sure, your supplier can tell you over the phone. The model number is usually on a label on the back or bottom of the machine.
What to do
Contact your franking machine supplier
The main franking machine suppliers in the UK are:
- Pitney Bowes
- FP Mailing
- Quadient (formerly Neopost)
Call or email them and ask: "My machine currently downloads credit over the phone line. What are my options for switching to a broadband or alternative connection before the analogue line is switched off?"
They should be able to tell you whether your model supports LAN, Wi-Fi, or USB as an alternative, and whether any hardware changes or upgrades are needed.
Alternatives to the phone line connection
- LAN / Ethernet: If your machine has a network port, you can connect it to your broadband router with a cable. This is the most straightforward switch.
- Wi-Fi: Some models support wireless connection. Your supplier can help with setup.
- USB download: You download the credit file on a computer and load it onto the machine via USB. Workable but less convenient.
- Online postage services: If the machine is old and has no alternative connection, you may find it cheaper to move to an online postage service (such as Royal Mail Click & Drop) rather than replacing the machine.
Plan ahead
Do not wait until the phone line stops working. Contact your supplier now and arrange the change. If your machine cannot be converted, you will need time to arrange a replacement or switch to a different postage method.
If you lease the machine
Many businesses lease franking machines rather than owning them. Check your lease agreement. Your supplier may be required to provide a working connection method for the duration of the lease. Raise the question with them before the analogue line is retired.