About the landline switch

TalkTalk's digital landline switch: what to expect

In brief

  • TalkTalk is moving home phone customers off the analogue network as part of the national PSTN switch-off.
  • TalkTalk writes or emails you before your migration date and usually sends a new router and a short setup guide.
  • Your TalkTalk phone number stays the same and most handsets continue to work.
  • If you rely on the landline for emergencies or telecare, tell TalkTalk before the switch and ask about battery backup or a mobile alternative.
  • Fake TalkTalk calls asking for payment or remote access are common. TalkTalk will not ask for either during a migration.

What is TalkTalk doing about the landline switch?

TalkTalk is one of the UK providers migrating landline customers to a digital voice service before the analogue PSTN is switched off in January 2027. After the switch, your calls travel over your TalkTalk broadband connection instead of the copper line. The phone plugs into the back of the TalkTalk router rather than into a wall socket.

Your phone number stays the same. 999 continues to work while the router is on.

When will TalkTalk switch my line?

TalkTalk gives advance notice by post or email, usually at least 30 days before your migration date. If you have a TalkTalk home phone and have not been contacted, call TalkTalk on 0345 172 0088 to ask for your date.

Customers who use telecare, have a registered vulnerability, or depend on the landline for safety should be migrated more slowly. Make that clear when TalkTalk contacts you, and they should pause until a safe alternative is in place.

What TalkTalk sends you

The usual setup pack includes:

For most homes setup is a single cable move and no engineer is needed.

Does the TalkTalk switch cost anything?

No. TalkTalk does not charge for the migration, the equipment they send, or the battery backup for eligible customers. Your plan and call charges do not change because of the switch.

If a device like a telecare alarm or older fax machine has to be replaced because it is not compatible with digital voice, that cost comes from the device supplier, not TalkTalk.

What to ask TalkTalk when they call

Fake TalkTalk upgrade calls

TalkTalk customers are regularly targeted by scam calls that use the digital switch as a pretext. TalkTalk will not:

If a call feels wrong, hang up and call TalkTalk back on 0345 172 0088 using the number on your bill. Report the call to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. More detail in the scams and fake upgrade calls guide.

Common questions about the TalkTalk landline switch

Will my TalkTalk landline work in a power cut?

Only if the router has backup power. TalkTalk supplies a free battery backup unit to customers on the Priority Services Register or those who depend on the landline. The backup typically keeps the phone usable for one to four hours.

Will my TalkTalk phone number stay the same after the digital switch?

Yes. Your existing TalkTalk landline number moves with you to the digital service automatically. You do not need to port, request, or reapply for the number.

Can I refuse the TalkTalk digital voice switch?

Not permanently. The old analogue network is being retired. TalkTalk should pause your migration if you have a safety reason, but you cannot stay on analogue indefinitely. Use the time to get any dependent devices checked or replaced.

Do I need to buy a new phone for TalkTalk Digital Voice?

Usually no. Most corded and cordless phones plug into the TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub's phone port and work fine. Very old or unusual models may not. Your TalkTalk letter should flag any known incompatibilities.