BT’s plan to replace its ageing copper landline network with its VoIP service, Digital Voice, hasn’t gone as smoothly as intended. Originally due to be completed by the end of 2025, the rollout has been paused several times and may be postponed until 2027 – partly because BT failed to realise the effect the switch-off would have on users of telecare devices. However, many BT customers have already been moved to Digital Voice, albeit without much guidance from the company.
Here we explain how to enjoy the same benefits on your digital phone that you got from your old landline.
Use your own phone with Digital Voice
When you move to Digital Voice, BT will send you a Smart Hub 2 router if you don’t already have one, but you’ll need to provide your own, pictured below left ), Advanced Digital Home Phone (£45 from , also pictured ) or FW500 Hybrid Back Up Phone (£80 from , pictured below ) – or continue using your current landline phone. Just plug this into the phone port on the Smart Hub to make and receive calls as you would normally – BT claims that 99 per cent of handsets are compatible with Digital Voice.
