Is my landline already digital?

Last reviewed: 2026-03-04

Why it matters

If your line has already been migrated, you may not need to do anything further for the phone itself. But you still need to check that devices connected to the line, such as telecare alarms, burglar alarm communicators, and fax machines, are working correctly on the new system.

If your line has not been migrated yet, you have time to prepare. Either way, the checks below take a few minutes.

Check where your phone plugs in

This is the quickest way to tell.

• Plugged into the wall socket: your phone cable goes from the handset base into a square BT-style socket on the wall. This is the traditional analogue setup. Your line probably has not been migrated yet.
• Plugged into the router: your phone cable goes from the handset base into a port on the back of your broadband router (usually labelled "Phone" or "Tel"). This means your calls are travelling over broadband. Your line has been moved to digital voice.

If your phone still plugs into the wall socket but you have full-fibre broadband (FTTP), the wall socket may no longer be connected to the old network. Your provider can confirm this.

Check your provider account

Log into your phone or broadband provider's website or app. Look for any of these terms on your account or recent correspondence:

• "Digital Voice" (BT's name for the service)
• "VoIP" or "Voice over IP"
• "IP Voice"
• "Internet calling"

If you see any of these, your line has been switched.

If your account still says "PSTN", "analogue line", or "traditional phone service", you have not been migrated yet.

Check your bill

Some providers list the service type on the monthly bill. Look for a line item that mentions "Digital Voice" or "VoIP". If the bill only mentions "line rental" with no service type specified, it may still be analogue. Contact your provider to confirm.

Check whether your area has been migrated

Openreach publishes a list of exchanges that have been migrated or are due for migration. Your provider can also tell you whether your exchange has switched.

Even in migrated areas, some customers may not have been moved yet. The exchange migration and individual customer migration happen at different speeds.

If your line is already digital

• Check that all devices connected to the line are working. Pay particular attention to telecare alarms, burglar and fire alarm communicators, and payment terminals.
• Make a power-cut plan. Your phone now depends on mains power and broadband.
• If you use a cordless phone, check that you have a way to make calls during a power cut. Will my phone work in a power cut?

If your line has not been switched yet

• You will be contacted by your provider before the migration happens. You should not need to do anything until then.
• Use the time to identify all devices that use your phone line.
• Run the device risk checker to see which ones may need attention.
• If you rely on a telecare alarm or other life-safety device, tell your provider now. They are required to take this into account when planning your migration.