Can I Keep My Landline Number With Full Fibre? The Complete Guide

Worried that switching to full fibre means losing your trusted landline number? Rest assured, it’s absolutely possible to keep your existing number while enjoying the benefits of full fibre’s faster, more reliable service. Keeping your landline lets you stay in touch with loved ones, all while enjoying the familiarity of your current number.

In this guide, we’ll explain how full fibre works with your landline and show you how Phonely makes the transition seamless. Read on to learn how you can upgrade your service without changing the number you trust.

What Is Full Fibre and How Does It Work?

Full fibre refers to an internet network that uses fibre-optic cables directly to your home. Unlike traditional broadband, full fibre delivers much faster speeds, more reliable connections, and greater consistency in performance. This modern technology is transforming the way we communicate, offering an ideal foundation for digital voice services.

FTTP vs FTTC (SoGEA)

There is often confusion around different forms of fibre connections, so allow us to clarify:

• FTTP stands for Fibre To The Premises. This is where the fibre optic cables connect directly to your house, providing the fastest and most reliable connection.
• FTTC stands for Fibre To The Cabinet. This is where the fibre optic cable is run to a street cabinet, and then copper wires connect to your house. In the case where your copper connection provides internet only, and no active phone line, this is known as SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access).

Digital Voice Explained

Digital voice is simply the next step from traditional landlines. It works by turning your voice into a digital signal and transmitting the calls via the internet, instead of the old copper network. This gives you incredibly clear call quality and a reliable connection. It also opens the door to advanced features like powerful scam protection. With digital voice, you still keep the comfort of your old number while enjoying all the benefits of modern technology.

Why the Transition Matters

Switching to full fibre isn’t just about enjoying faster speeds, it’s about upgrading to a system built for quality, reliability and security. The old PSTN network, which works via the copper lines, is an outdated technology that has been deemed too costly to maintain. With its complete shutdown scheduled for January 2027, it’s clear that moving to fibre and digital voice is essential. This change will keep your communication secure, clear, and ready for the future.

How To Keep Your Number in the Full Fibre Transition

Porting is the process of transferring your existing landline number from your current provider to your new service. It’s important because it ensures you remain reachable by the people who matter most, without any disruption or the hassle of updating your number.

Porting Your Number With Phonely

At Phonely, we make it easy to keep your phone number as you upgrade to a full fibre network. The process is facilitated by a document known as a ‘port form‘ – this form gives us permission to approach your current provider and request to transfer the number. Once you create your account and sign your form online, we will begin the porting process, which can take up to 14 working days. For a detailed description of the full process, click here!

Steps to Ensure a Smooth Transition

For the majority of people, the transition to your new fibre and digital landline providers will be seamless. However, there are certain steps that can be taken to ensure this, and to avoid any unnecessary headaches!

1. Always Fibre First!

It is always best practice to get your new fibre connection in place first, or at least to have an installation date that you will live by, before looking to transfer your number to a digital voice provider. The reason behind this is, often landlines and broadband connections come via the same copper cable – so when a number is transferred and the landline is cancelled, your broadband can inadvertently be cut off along with it. This will leave you without an internet connection and hence the ability to use a digital landline service until your new fibre is installed.

With a future installation date, we can schedule the port to go through as close to this date as possible, minimising any potential downtime for your number and ensuring you aren’t left without an internet connection.

2. Ensure Your Number Is Live

In order to transfer a number, it must still be active or have been active within the last 30 days – any longer than this, and the number will be unavailable to port. To guarantee a straightforward transition, ensure the landline number your are porting is live.

3. Choose the Right Provider

It’s essential to work with a provider that guides you through every step of the transition. With Phonely, you benefit from a seamless process backed by our dedicated UK-based support team. We’re here to answer your questions, provide personalised assistance, and ensure your landline number transfer is smooth, secure, and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Full fibre, combined with Phonely’s digital voice service, allows you to keep your trusted landline number while enjoying the modern benefits of faster speeds, superior call quality, and enhanced scam protection. It’s the perfect solution to transition from outdated technology without losing the familiarity of your current number.

Ready to experience the future of calling? Explore our range of services or get in touch with our friendly UK-based support team for more details. Take the next step toward secure, hassle-free communication with Phonely today.