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Do you need a landline for broadband?
Updated 14 May 2024
Landline phones have become magnets for unwanted calls from salespeople, spammers, and scammers. For many, that landline remains unused, only there because we need it for broadband. But can you ditch the landline and save some money? In this guide, we take a look at your options.
Do I need a landline for broadband?
There was a time when a landline was essential for every home, but nowadays, most of us rely on our mobile phones for calls. So many are wondering if they still need their landline for their broadband connection.
Technically you don't need a landline to have broadband, but packages that require you to have or get one do tend to be the cheapest. So it could still be worth getting a landline connection, even if you don't intend to use it.
Our Broadband comparison tool considers both broadband-only deals and packages that include a landline, so you can work out the cheapest option for you.
Which providers offer broadband without a landline?
Most broadband packages have traditionally required you to have a line as the broadband is ultimately delivered down it. However, the way broadband is delivered to your home is changing.
In preparation for the switch away from the old copper wire broadband to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or 'full fibre' by the end of 2026, more providers are offering broadband-only packages. These packages tend to not include a landline altogether or include a digital landline service.
Providers offering broadband without a landline include (click the links to compare deals from that firm):
- Virgin Media
- BT
- Plusnet
- Hyperoptic (covers London)
- Gigaclear
- Community Fibre (covers London)
Is it cheaper to get broadband without a landline?
You may think not taking out a landline package would be cheaper, but oddly enough, broadband packages that include a landline are often cheaper than standalone broadband-only options.
However, if you don't anticipate using a landline at all, it's worth comparing the costs of standalone broadband (broadband only) and broadband with a landline to determine which option is cheaper for you as it can vary. You can do this by using the 'phone line rental' filter in our Broadband comparison tool.
What if I haven’t got a phone line?
If you don't currently have an active phone line, and it's cheaper to go for a package that offers one, you may need to arrange for a line installation with your chosen provider. Some providers offer installation services as part of their package, while others may charge an additional fee.
If you're unsure, you can contact your provider to discuss the process and costs that might be incurred.
Is there any reason to keep a landline?
Before ditching your landline, it's worth being certain you don't need one. If you do opt for broadband-only, you won't be able to use a phone to make and receive calls, even in an emergency.
Whether you need one or not all depends on your situation. If you are an older person, with no mobile phone living in the countryside, you may need the peace of mind of having a landline on hand if you need to contact the emergency services.
Yet, if you live in a block of flats and are constantly on your mobile, you likely don't need a landline as you'll always have your mobile to hand should it be required.
Landlines may also be a good option if you live in an area with poor mobile reception, especially indoors. A landline in this scenario would give a more consistent connection.
Some personal alarms, also known as telecare equipment, still rely on a landline connection to work. These are designed to alert emergency services in the event of a fall or accident.
But using a landline regularly can be expensive, especially if you don't have any calls included with your package, for example, evening and weekend calls. If that's the case, you'll pay for each minute you use, which can add up. See our Cheap Mobile Finder tool to see if you can save money by taking out a new mobile deal.
Types of broadband only packages
As technology evolves, broadband-only deals are becoming more common. There are three main options for broadband without a landline.
Fibre broadband
In most cases, most broadband-only deals are available to those in areas where fibre to the premises (FTTP) has been rolled out. This is where fibre optic cables run directly from the broadband exchange right into your home, avoiding the need for a copper phone line.
It's available to around 60% of households right now, with a target of reaching around 85% of households by December 2026. Enter your postcode into our Broadband Unbundled tool to compare FTTP deals.
Alternatively, Virgin offers broadband-only deals if you're in the 60% of the country that it covers. With Virgin, the connection is delivered through its own cable network, rather than a copper phone line. Check if you can get it and compare Virgin deals via our tool.
If you're not able to get FTTP or Virgin in your area, you can still get broadband-only deals, but the options are a lot more limited. Here, you'll have the broadband running into your home via the old copper wires, but you won't be able to plug a landline in.
Use our Broadband comparison to compare all options. And if you're paying for a landline you don't use currently, you could try haggling with your provider for a better deal.
Mobile broadband
If you live in an area with good mobile signal, you may want to consider mobile broadband. It will use either the 4G or 5G mobile network to provide you with internet connectivity, so there's no landline or wires. The network will usually give you either a dongle or hub which will act as your router so you can connect to it via Wi-Fi.
With mobile broadband, download speeds can fluctuate due to router positioning, distance from the nearest mobile mast and time of day. For 4G, you should expect speeds ranging from 10 to 50Mbps, which is enough for most online activities.
In contrast, 5G offers significantly higher speeds of around 150Mbps and is even capable of reaching up to 1,000Mbps, though 5G coverage is not as extensive as 4G just yet.
Fixed wireless broadband
In certain areas, fixed wireless broadband, also known as fixed wireless access (FWA), is available, which uses radio signals to provide internet access. It's a viable alternative for those who can't get a traditional landline.
In Hull, for example, wireless provider Connexin offers an alternative to the local monopoly provider, KCOM.
Before committing to any broadband package, carefully compare the options available to ensure you're getting the best value for your needs. Don't forget to consider factors like speed, data limits, contract length, and additional fees.
What is the best landline and broadband package?
The best broadband and line package varies depending on individual needs, location, and preferences. To find the right package for you, start by assessing your specific requirements and priorities.
Consider factors such as internet speed, which is measured in megabits per second (Mbps), customer service, budget, and contract length. If you're not sure what internet speed you need, see What broadband speed do I need?. Our How to find cheap broadband deals guide takes you through our full list of tips to find the best option for you.
To compare different packages available in your area, you can use our Broadband comparison tool and use the filters to find the right deal for you.
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