Published: 3 March 2026 • Compare The Networks
With the PSTN switch-off in 2027, UK businesses must decide: keep a landline (which will run over VoIP) or switch to a virtual landline? Here is a full comparison.
Cost Comparison
| Cost | Virtual Landline | Traditional Landline |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rental | £6-10/mo Cheaper | £20-30/mo |
| Installation | £0 (instant) | £50-150+ |
| Hardware | None (use your mobile) | Phone + router |
| Annual cost | £72-120 | £240-360+ |
| Saving | Save £120-240/year with virtual Up to 70% | |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Virtual | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic number (01/02/03) | Yes (any UK area) | Yes (local only) |
| Answer on mobile | Yes Key Advantage | No |
| Works during power cut | Yes (mobile network) | No (needs broadband post-2027) |
| Setup time | Minutes | Days/weeks |
| Port existing number | Yes | N/A |
Who Should Switch to Virtual?
- Sole traders and freelancers wanting a professional number
- Home-based businesses needing a separate business line
- Estate agents needing local numbers on listings
- Anyone preparing for the 2027 PSTN switch-off
Who Might Need More Than a Virtual Landline?
If you need call queues, extensions, auto-attendant, or outbound calls showing your business number, you need a VoIP phone system rather than a virtual landline. See our VoIP vs virtual landline comparison.
Get a Virtual Landline Quote
Switch from your expensive landline and save up to 70%. Keep your existing number.
Get Your QuoteQ: Can I keep my existing landline number?
Yes. Port your geographic number to a virtual provider in 5-10 working days with no downtime.
Q: Will a virtual landline work if my internet goes down?
Yes — calls forward to your mobile, which uses the mobile network. After 2027, a traditional landline will NOT work without internet.