Last Updated on February 2, 2025
As one of the preferred providers of VoIP and virtual phone numbers in the UK we see an enormous amount of traffic to us from businesses and individuals that are comparing VoIP vs Landline and asking whether now is the time to switch.
Aside from the cost benefits and all the extra advanced features you get with Air Landline’s VoIP numbers, which we’ll touch on soon, BT Openreach intends to switch off the old PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) in January 2027.
The decision, taken about 5 years ago, to phase this network out was taken on the basis that transmitting voice calls and information over the internet rather than dedicated telephone lines was much more productive, cost-effective and easier to maintain.
When thinking about whether it’s worth switching from landline to VoIP, you may not make that decision immediately, but you should be aware that in about 2 years, you won’t actually have much choice.
Don’t worry, however, we think that it’s a positive change and one that benefits businesses and individuals and we’ll go through those reasons here.
Overview: is switching from traditional landlines to VoIP worth it?
Ultimately, switching from landline to VoIP sooner rather than later represents a wise choice for businesses and individuals.
It’s much cheaper, it’s just as reliable as a traditional landline, and it comes with tons more features as well as being future proof.
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using an internet connection rather than a traditional phone line.
Instead of transmitting voice signals through copper wires, VoIP converts them into digital data packets and sends them over the Internet.
This makes it a cost-effective and versatile solution for both personal and business communication, offering features like video conferencing, call forwarding, and voicemail-to-email services.
How does VoIP work?
VoIP works by taking and converting your voice into digital signals and transmitting them over the internet.
When you make a call, the VoIP system compresses your voice into small data packets, sends them to the recipient via an internet connection, and then reassembles them into sound.
You can use VoIP with a huge range of different devices, such as a desk phone, a computer or a smartphone.
If you transfer your traditional landline service to a VoIP provider like Air Landline, we can divert landline calls to your mobile as a mobile call, meaning that you don’t need an internet connection, just enough phone signal (reception) to receive a call.
Cost of VoIP
This will vary between providers and will depend on whether you’re planning on making outbound calls as well as inbound.
With Air Landline, you pay £9.99 + VAT per month for your number and advanced features such as call recording, welcome greeting, holding music and much more.
If you want to make calls using your virtual number, you can buy an add-on that costs £7.99 + VAT per month for unlimited calls to UK landlines and mobiles.
The sound quality of VoIP calls
With Air Landline, we forward incoming calls to your mobile phone, Air Landline doesn’t need internet, App or desk phone as we divert incoming calls to your actual mobile number, for free.
You can also use your number of internet-enabled devices as well as WhatsApp Business.
In the same way that you’ll get great quality calls as you do on a mobile or internet-enabled device you’ll get great quality calls with Air Landline.
Examples of VoIP numbers
VoIP (Voice over IP) numbers are widely used in the UK by businesses and individuals for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
They operate over the internet by sending voice calls as data packets rather than over a dedicated phone line, offering the same functionality as traditional landlines but with added benefits like mobility and scalability.
Here are some examples.
- Business VoIP Numbers:
020 (London area code)
Businesses often use VoIP numbers with local area codes to appear professional and establish a regional presence.
If your business is based, for example, in Kent, but you do a lot of business in London, it may make sense for you to claim a London number
- Virtual Local Numbers:
Example: 0161 (Manchester area code)
A Manchester-based VoIP number, for example, could allow businesses or individuals to maintain a local identity in Manchester, even if they’re operating elsewhere in the UK or globally.
- UK Freephone VoIP Numbers:
Example: 0800
Freephone (toll-free) numbers powered by VoIP are popular for customer support lines, offering a professional touch while reducing call costs for customers.
However, it should be noted that businesses that offer 0800 numbers pay the call fees.
From a visual perspective, there is no discernible difference between a VoIP number and a traditional UK landline or mobile number.
For example, A VoIP number with a +44 20 prefix will look identical to a London-based landline.
There’s no way to identify whether a call is coming from a VoIP number unless explicitly stated by the caller.
This seamless appearance makes VoIP numbers ideal for businesses and individuals seeking flexibility and professionalism without compromising on familiarity when using VoIP to make outbound calls as well as receive inbound calls.
What is Landline?
A landline is the traditional name given to a handset telephone that’s connected to a property via a wired connection to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
These were characterised by being given area codes depending on their geographical location.
Those taking out a landline number with a phone provider weren’t given a choice over this area code as this was used to direct calls to the correct place in the country via wires, cables and exchanges.
As time has gone on and this technology has almost completely faded, the landline has become a metaphor for any phone service that has a local area prefix on its number.
Previously, the PSTN network of cables, copper and fibre wiring carried calls as well as broadband signal, making it less efficient than the new VoIP network that will be in place after January 2027 which will transmit voice calls via data packets over the internet.
How does Landline work?
Calls are transmitted via copper or fibre cables from your property.
These cables run from your home or office to a nearby telephone exchange, which acts as a central hub for routing calls.
When you speak into a landline phone, your voice is converted into analog electrical signals.
These signals then travel through the connected cables to the telephone exchange. The exchange uses a system of switches to determine the destination of the call.
If you’re calling another landline, the exchange routes the call through its network of wires to the recipient’s line.
The analog signals are transmitted along the cables to the receiving phone, where they are converted back into sound waves that the recipient can hear.
How much does a landline cost?
Most providers no longer offer this as a service to new customers as the technology will be retired in the next few years, however, classically a line rental of around £20 per month was charged, as well as a pence-per-minute rate for landline calls to other landline users and mobile users.
Some offer call bundles, so a typical call bundle and line rental package was somewhere around the £25-£30 mark for residential customers and more for business customers.
This hugely depends on the provider, features, and call bundles.
The sound quality of landline calls
Typically, landline calls are considered good quality because they don’t suffer from interference from other lines, through poor signal or from fluctuations in internet connection.
Examples of Landline numbers
Landline numbers come in exactly the same format as VoIP numbers, so 0208 for London, 0161 for Manchester, etc, as well as 0800 numbers.
03 prefix numbers are national prefixes and aren’t fixed to any particular location in the United Kingdom.
Again, from the person receiving the call’s point of view, there’s absolutely no difference between a VoIP and a landline call.
Key differences between VoIP and Landline
Whilst it’s not possible to tell the difference between a VoIP or landline calling you, there are differences for the end user of the number.
- Better reliability – VoIP numbers are more reliable than landline numbers not only because they’re future-proof (PSTN is being switched off soon) but also because they can be used and forwarded in multiple formats. Air Landline, for example, forwards these calls to your mobile, but you can also receive them through internet enabled devices as well as WhatsApp Business
- More advanced features – With Air Landline, for example, you get a welcome message, hold music, call recording and unlimited call forwarding, all included in your monthly subscription
- No contract – With Air Landline, we don’t tie you into a contract, unlikely landline providers whose contracts are typically 18 months+. Not only that, but we also don’t charge any hidden fees and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Benefits of switching from landline to VoIP
Switching from a traditional landline to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
Here’s why making the switch can be a smart choice for businesses and residential customers:
Cost Efficiency
For UK businesses and individuals, VoIP is a cost-effective solution. Traditional landlines can be expensive, particularly for long-distance or international calls as well as charging line rental fees.
VoIP services often provide cheaper call rates or even unlimited calling packages.
Additionally, VoIP eliminates the need for costly infrastructure like physical phone lines, further reducing expenses.
For businesses it’s especially useful to not have to pay for expensive infrastructure when all of their telecommunications requirements can be done in the cloud or in Cloud PBX.
Flexibility and Mobility
Air Landline’s VoIP service allows you to make and receive calls anywhere with a phone signal, which is perfect for the UK’s growing remote-working culture. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, your number stays with you.
This mobility is invaluable for small businesses or freelancers who need to remain accessible while on the move.
You can also change the call forwarding rules on your number at any time to another number, or you can set a priority list of who the call gets delivered to first and then diverts to.
Scalability for Businesses
In the UK, small businesses often need to expand quickly. VoIP makes it easy to add or remove lines as needed without the hassle of installing or removing physical hardware.
This scalability is ideal for growing businesses or seasonal industries where call volume fluctuates.
You can set up forwarding to multiple numbers, hours of operation and different welcome messages depending on your need, meaning your customers will always know where you are when you’re available for them.
Advanced Features
VoIP offers features that traditional landlines simply can’t match.
- Choose your own area code – With Air Landline, you can choose any local area code you want from anywhere in the UK, giving you the options of hundreds of different area codes. All you need to do is select which one you want, and we’ll generate a number quickly and easily.
- Divert your calls – Simply tell us which number(s) you want your new VoIP telephone number diverted to, and we’ll set up call forwarding almost instantly. Not only that, you can quickly and easily change this in your user panel, set up a welcome message, hold music and even call recording if you need it.
- Call Queuing – If you get multiple calls at the same time then you’ll be able to set them into a queue so that you’re not missing calls from customers. You can also assign this to multiple users.
- Local and national numbers – Choose where you’d like your business number to represent you. If you need a local number then we offer all area codes across the UK as a prefix but if you prefer a national number we also offer 0330 numbers that are not fixed to a geographical location.
- Welcome message – You can set a personalised welcome message for your customers to hear as soon as they reach your UK number.
- If you’d prefer the personal touch, then you’re able to record your own voice, which will play automatically. If you’d rather, you can use our AI voice generator to send your message directly to your customers.
- Call management system -Call management is a sophisticated technology solution that enables businesses to effectively handle incoming and outgoing calls. It encompasses a suite of features designed to optimise call handling, including call routing, voicemail, call forwarding and more.
- By integrating call management, businesses can enhance customer service, improve response times, and increase communication efficiency.
- Missed call notifications – If you miss a call, then you’ll get an instant email update from us telling you who called and when so that you can return the call as quickly as possible.
- Custom Greeting – Record your own custom greeting for when customers connect their call or, alternatively you can use AI voice generation or even a voice actor so that your system sounds professional.
- Missed call email alerts – If a customer calls you but doesn’t stay on the line to be answered or go through to voicemail to leave a message, then you’ll get an instant email alert to let you know.
- WhatsApp Business integration – If you’d like the ability to WhatsApp your customers with your Air Landline number, that’s not a problem.
- We can get that set up so that you’re able to interact over WhatsApp Business with your professional business number, which gives far superior and professional service compared to traditional methods.
- Call Recording – Call recording is one of our free features. You can optionally turn on call recording for incoming calls by enabling it on the “Routing” page of the Control Panel.
- Recordings will appear on the “Calls” page of the Control Panel. Recordings are automatically deleted after 30 days, however you can download your call recording directly to your computer before the 30 days if you’d like to keep them.
Local and National Reach
VoIP makes it simple to establish a local presence in any UK city or even internationally.
For instance, you can obtain a London-based number (+44 20) or a Manchester number (+44 161) while operating from anywhere in the world, making it easier for customers to contact you.
If you need a presence anywhere in the UK to reach your customers, then VoIP is a much better solution than traditional landline phones.
Improved Call Quality
VoIP delivers superior audio quality, often better than traditional landlines. Fibre-optic broadband, which is widely available across the UK, ensures clear and uninterrupted calls.
For Air Landline customers, all they need is a good mobile signal and you’ll get calls as crisp and clear as any mobile or landline call.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Switching to VoIP is an environmentally conscious decision. It reduces the reliance on extensive copper wiring and physical infrastructure associated with traditional telephony.
In a time when sustainability is a key focus for UK businesses, this is a step toward reducing your carbon footprint.
Because the network doesn’t need maintenance as much as the PSTN network, it also means less carbon emissions in engineers forced to travel around the network implementing upgrades and repairs
Cons of switching from landline to VoIP
As with any new technology, the initial adaption won’t be without teething issues, and there are always cons to be aware of.
Potential Compatibility Issues
Switching to VoIP can sometimes lead to compatibility challenges with older equipment.
Devices like fax machines, certain alarm systems, and older telephony hardware may not work seamlessly with VoIP systems without additional adapters or upgrades.
This can result in extra costs or technical adjustments, especially for businesses in the UK relying on legacy technology.
Vulnerability During Power Outages
Traditional landlines often continue to work during power outages because they draw power from the telephone exchange.
However, VoIP systems rely on electricity to power your internet router and devices.
Without backup power, your phone service will not function during a power cut. Luckily, with Air Landline, you only need to have your mobile phone charged to be able to use our service, so whilst some operators are vulnerable to power outages, Air Landline isn’t.
Emergency Call Limitations
Unlike landlines, VoIP systems may not provide precise location data to emergency services in the UK.
While some providers allow you to register your address, calls to 999 or 112 may not automatically transmit accurate location information, which can delay response times in emergencies.
This is being worked on at the moment, and this should be resolved by January 2027.
How to get a VoIP landline number
If you’re ready to join millions of businesses and individuals across the UK by getting yourself a VoIP landline number, then here are three really easy steps to get yourself started.
Choose an Area Code
You’ve got the choice of an area code from anywhere in the UK, or alternatively, you can select an 03 prefix number which isn’t geographically connected to a specific location and is UK wide.
Once you’ve decided on the prefix, you’re ready to move on to the second step.
Enter your Mobile Phone Number and Email Address
Secondly, enter your email address so that we know where to send your new virtual landline number and also provide us with the mobile number you’d like to divert all of your incoming calls.
That’s it! You’re Ready To Get Started!
Within the next few minutes, you’ll be emailed your new number, with your new virtual telephone number now up and running; it’s time to give it a call and test it.
From your customer control panel, you can set a welcome message, forwarding rules, call recording and many other advanced call features.
Is VoIP better than landline
There are many reasons why VoIP is better than traditional landlines, however, the biggest reason to consider VoIP better is that traditional landlines will be switched off in 2027 anyway, so everybody will be using VoIP from that moment and everybody will need to find a VoIP provider.
Aside from that, VoIP is cheaper, quicker, and more effective, and it comes with many more features than landlines.
The ability to record calls, use a phone system menu and provide hold music, for example, already makes it much preferable to the older service.
What do look out for when choosing a VoIP provider
There are hundreds of VoIP providers in the UK offering all sorts of different training packages and this can create some confusion as to what customers should be looking out for.
It should boil down to who gives you the most features inclusive in your subscription, who has the best price, who does what they say and who has the best customer service.
With Air Landline, we’re so confident that we’ll provide you with the best service on the market that we offer a 7-day free trial as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Similarly, we don’t tie you into long-term contracts. Our customers love our service, so we don’t tie anyone into a long-term contract. You’re welcome to stay or leave whenever you like!
Our TrustPilot reviews show why we’re trusted by so many and you can see from the list of features above that we’re offering one of the most comprehensive packages anywhere in the UK.
Is VoIP Cheaper Than a Landline?
With Air Landline Yes, VoIP is cheaper than a traditional landline service.
Prices do vary between providers but Air Landline offer unlimited inclusive call forwarding, whereas some providers may charge up to as much as 30p per minute.
VoIP is, broadly, cheaper than landline, but do make sure that you check what you’re signing up for with Air Landline there are absolutely no hidden fees.
FAQ
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by businesses interested in our virtual landline services.
Summary – VoIP vs Landline
The question and overview of VoIP vs Landline can be answered relatively quickly and easily when we consider the huge amount of features that you get with VoIP calls when compared with landline.
Not just that, in terms of cost and mobility, VoIP platform solutions are far superior to traditional landlines or an analog phone.
Finally, due to BT Openreach turning the old landline and business broadband network off in 2027 and VoIP’s flexibility, all landlines and broadband will become VoIP in the next few years anyway.