Products & Offers
7th January 2025
Nearly 6 million UK households still have landline phones, but most of us rarely use them. So, why is the thought of losing your landline number holding you back from switching broadband providers? It’s a common concern. Many people are stuck paying for something they don’t need because they worry switching providers will mean losing that number they’ve had for years. But let’s break this down to see how you can keep it and if it’s really worth keeping—or if it’s time to move on.
Keeping your landline number when you switch
The fear of losing your landline number is understandable, especially if it’s linked to important services or contacts. But here’s the good news: there’s a way to switch broadband providers and keep your number intact.
Thanks to something called Number Porting, most providers will let you transfer your landline number when you make the switch. It’s like taking your mobile number with you when you change networks.
At Grain, the process is seamless—just make sure to tell us that you want to keep your number when you sign up. We’ll do the legwork for you. Easy!
But let’s be honest—Is it time to ditch the landline?
The reality is, landlines are dying out. In 2025, the UK’s copper landline network is being switched off. That means in just a few years, all landline connections will be moved to digital VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services. If your landline number can’t be ported when you switch providers, maybe that’s a sign it’s time to go fully mobile. After all, most of us already rely on our mobiles for everything, and keeping a landline means paying for line rental—an unnecessary charge for something you barely use. Many apps now mean you can use your phone to make voice, or video calls, over wi-fi – so calling UK or international friends and family is easy and cost effective – all you need is good broadband.
At Grain, we don’t charge line rental, so if you do decide to keep your landline, you won’t be hit with unnecessary fees. Unlike other providers that tack on extra costs, we keep things simple.
Actionable steps to take now
f you’re ready to make the switch, here’s a quick checklist to help you get started:
- Check if you can port your landline number: Ask your new provider during sign-up. If you can, great! If not, it’s time to consider if you really need it.
- Embrace mobile-only: If you’re like most people and barely use your landline, switching to mobile-only could save you some serious cash.
- Switch to a broadband provider that doesn’t charge for unnecessary extras: Grain offers fast, reliable broadband with no hidden line rental fees—because why pay for something you don’t use?
Change can be daunting, but in this case, it might actually be freeing. By letting go of that old landline, you’re not just switching broadband—you’re switching to a faster, more streamlined way of staying connected. Why not give it a try? You could end up saving more than just your phone number.