Home Phone

Digital Voice UK: What You Need to Know

Digital Voice is the new standard for home phones in the UK. Instead of using the old copper phone line, your calls travel over your broadband connection. Here is what that means for you.

Important: Digital Voice needs power and broadband to work. Emergency calls (999/112) may not work during a power cut or broadband outage. If you or someone in your household relies on a phone line in an emergency, please tell us so we can discuss back-up options.

How Does Digital Voice Work?

Digital Voice uses your broadband connection to make and receive phone calls. Your phone plugs into your broadband router rather than a wall socket. The technology is called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and it delivers clearer, more reliable calls than the old analogue system.

You keep your existing phone number and can use your existing handset — just plug it into the phone port on your router.

Why Is the UK Switching to Digital Voice?

The traditional copper phone network (PSTN) is being retired across the UK by 2027. Every provider — BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and others — is moving customers to digital phone lines. This is not optional; the old network is being physically switched off.

Digital Voice offers better call quality, more features, and is cheaper to maintain than the ageing copper infrastructure.

What Do I Need?

To use Digital Voice, you need:

An active broadband connection (Digital Voice requires broadband to work)
A compatible router or ATA where required; the order journey confirms whether equipment is supplied and any charge
A standard home phone handset (most existing phones work)

OCCTA Digital Home Phone

OCCTA Digital Voice may be added to eligible broadband services. Current monthly price, call allowance, equipment requirements, number-porting availability and any out-of-bundle charges are shown before acceptance.