Power cut help
The digital landline switchover: a simple checklist
Every UK landline is moving onto broadband as the old copper network is retired. Here's what to do so nothing catches you out.
On this page
What's happening
Openreach and other networks are retiring the old analogue phone network (PSTN). Home phones are moving to digital services, such as Digital Voice, which run through your broadband hub.
For most people, the phone number and handset stay the same. The big difference is that the line now needs power at home.
Your checklist
1. Plug your phone into the hub (or the adapter your provider sends).
2. Tell your provider if you use a telecare alarm, so they can test it.
3. Keep a corded phone, because cordless bases need mains power.
4. Add backup power for the hub, so the line survives power cuts.
5. Check other devices that use the phone line, such as burglar alarms or card machines.
LineKeeper™ Hub Battery Backup
4+ hours of backup · fits in 60 seconds · free UK delivery · 90-day money-back
From £89
Who should act first
Older relatives, anyone with a pendant alarm, and homes with poor mobile signal rely on the landline most. They're the people a power cut affects most.
Beware of scams
Your provider won't charge you to switch you to digital, and won't ask for bank details on an unexpected call. If in doubt, hang up and call the number on your bill.
How long will the backup last?
LineKeeper has a 74 Wh battery. A typical UK broadband hub uses roughly 10 to 15 watts, which gives 4 hours or more. Powering a separate fibre box as well, or an older hub that uses more power, shortens that. Fewer connected devices make it last longer.
For comparison, providers only have to offer a solution that lasts at least 1 hour. Many UK power cuts, especially in storms, last longer than that.
| What LineKeeper is powering | Typical runtime |
|---|---|
| Modern broadband hub only | 4+ hours |
| Hub plus separate fibre box | Less than hub alone |
| Older or high-power hub | Less than 4 hours |
| Provider minimum (Ofcom guidance) | 1 hour |
Is LineKeeper right for your home?
It's a good fit if: your phone now plugs into your broadband hub; someone at home relies on the landline or a pendant alarm; mobile signal is weak where you live; or you buy for a parent who lives alone.
It's not the right fit if: your hub's plug label doesn't say 12V; you need to power a computer, TV or fridge (LineKeeper is made only for hubs and fibre boxes); or your alarm already has its own mobile (SIM) connection and you don't use the landline.
Not sure? Try it for up to 90 days. If it doesn't suit you, send it back for a full refund.
How to fit it, step by step
- Charge it. Plug LineKeeper into the mains and let it charge fully. It stays plugged in from then on.
- Check the plug label. Look at the label on your hub's power plug. If it says 12V, LineKeeper fits.
- Connect the hub. Unplug the hub's power lead from the hub, plug it into LineKeeper, then plug LineKeeper's output lead into the hub.
- Add the fibre box if you have one. If a separate white Openreach box on the wall also has a power lead, use the splitter lead in the box to power both.
- Plug in a corded phone. Keep 1 corded phone plugged into the hub's phone socket. Cordless bases need mains power, corded phones don't.
- Test it. Switch the socket off at the wall. The hub lights should stay on and you should still get a dial tone.
LineKeeper™ Hub Battery Backup
4+ hours of backup · fits in 60 seconds · free UK delivery · 90-day money-back
From £89
Sources and further help
- Openreach: the UK move to digital phone lines
- Ofcom: phones, broadband and power cuts
- Age UK: help with the digital landline switchover
How we write our guides
Written by the LineKeeper team in plain English. We check facts against Ofcom, Openreach and provider guidance, and update guides when the rules change. We sell the LineKeeper Hub Battery Backup, and we say when it isn't the right fit. About us.
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Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to common questions about digital switchover landline.
Do I need a new phone for the switchover?
Usually not. Most existing phones work when plugged into the hub. Cordless phones still need mains power at the base.
Will I keep my phone number?
In most cases, yes. Your provider will confirm this before switching you.
Do I need an engineer to fit it?
No. Fitting takes about 60 seconds: move the hub's power lead into LineKeeper and plug LineKeeper into the hub. No app, no settings.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes. Every order has a 90-day money-back guarantee and free tracked UK delivery.
Keep your line on through the next power cut
From £89 (was £178). Free tracked UK delivery, 90-day money-back, fits in 60 seconds.
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