What is a Business Landline?
In 2026, a "landline" is no longer just a wire in the wall. It's your business's professional identity, customer trust signal, and your essential connection—especially with the PSTN switchoff deadline approaching. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what business landlines are, how they work, and why your UK business needs one.
📑 Quick Navigation
Jump to any section:
Simple Definition: What is a Business Landline?
The straightforward answer first
A business landline is a fixed telephone number assigned to your business that receives and makes calls. Unlike a personal mobile number, it's designed to be professional, trustworthy, and shared across your team. In 2026, most business landlines work through the internet (VoIP technology) rather than copper wires, meaning you can answer calls on any device—your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or desk phone.
📌 Key Point: A business landline is your professional phone identity. It builds customer trust, appears more legitimate than a mobile, and prepares you for the UK's transition away from old copper phone lines by December 2025.
Traditional vs. Virtual Landlines: What's the Difference?
Understanding the evolution of business phone systems
The Traditional Landline (PSTN - Now Obsolete)
Until recently, all UK business landlines used the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)—a system of copper wires, physical telephone exchanges, and dedicated hardware that's been in place for over 100 years.
How Traditional Landlines Work:
- Physical copper wires run from the telephone pole to your business premises
- A grey box on the wall (or a "master socket") houses the connection
- Calls are routed through local and national telephone exchanges
- You need a desk phone plugged into the wall socket to make/receive calls
- Limited flexibility—the phone is tied to that physical location
❌ Why Traditional Landlines Are Being Retired: The copper infrastructure is expensive to maintain, inefficient, and incompatible with modern business needs. The UK government and BT have mandated a complete switchoff by December 2026.
The Virtual Landline (Cloud-Based, Modern)
A virtual landline uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to transmit calls as data over the internet. There's no physical infrastructure—just software and cloud servers.
How Virtual Landlines Work:
- Your business number exists in the cloud, not on wires
- Calls are converted to digital packets and sent via your internet connection
- Answer calls on any device: mobile, laptop, tablet, or desk phone
- Route calls to multiple people simultaneously or use intelligent call rules
- Complete location independence—work from anywhere
- Significantly cheaper than traditional systems
✅ Why Virtual Landlines Are the Future: More affordable, flexible, mobile-friendly, and future-proof. Virtual landlines don't require physical infrastructure and scale easily as your business grows.
How Does a Business Landline Actually Work?
A step-by-step breakdown of the technology
Customer Dials Your Number
A customer or client dials your business landline number (e.g., 0161 123 4567). The call is routed through the telephone network.
Cloud System Receives the Call
Your virtual landline provider's cloud system receives the incoming call. It recognizes the number belongs to your business and checks your call routing rules.
Intelligent Routing
Based on your settings, the system routes the call. For example: ring your mobile during 9am-5pm, ring your colleague's phone simultaneously, or send to voicemail after 5pm.
You Receive the Call
The call arrives on your configured device (mobile, laptop, or desk phone). You answer as usual, and the conversation is transmitted over the internet.
Call Recording & Analytics
Optionally, the call can be recorded, transcribed, or logged. You get analytics on call duration, missed calls, busiest times, etc.
What You Need for a Virtual Landline to Work:
- ✅ Internet Connection: Minimum 1 Mbps upload/download speed (most UK broadband is sufficient)
- ✅ A Device: Smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desk phone (you probably already have these)
- ✅ VoIP App or Phone Diverting: Either an app (like Team-Connect's app) or automatic call diverting
- ✅ Your Landline Number: Either a new number or your existing BT/Virgin number ported to the system
The UK PSTN Switchoff: Why Your Business Needs to Act Now
What's happening and why it matters to you
⏰ December 2026 Deadline
All analogue phone lines in the UK will be switched off. If you don't migrate to a digital solution, your business phone will stop working.
What is the PSTN?
The Public Switched Telephone Network is the 100+ year old copper wire infrastructure that traditional landlines rely on. It's outdated, expensive to maintain, and being retired by BT , Openreach , and other UK providers.
Why is the UK Doing This?
Cost: Maintaining old copper is expensive. Efficiency: Digital systems are more reliable and flexible. Future-Proofing: Digital infrastructure supports modern business needs like video calling, AI receptionists , and mobile working.
What Happens if You Don't Switch?
By December 2026, your current traditional landline will cease working. Your business will lose its phone system entirely. No incoming calls, no outgoing calls. This applies to every business in the UK.
What's the Solution?
Switch to a virtual business landline before the deadline. You can keep your existing number (via porting), ensure zero downtime, and gain the benefits of a modern, flexible system.
📅 PSTN Switchoff Timeline
- Now (Jan 2026): Migration period active. Providers are supporting switchovers.
- End of 2025: All traditional lines must be switched off.
- Action Required: Contact your provider or Team-Connect TODAY to avoid service interruption.
Why Your UK Business Needs a Business Landline
Real, tangible benefits beyond the basics
🤝 Trust & Professionalism
Research shows UK consumers are 65% more likely to trust and call a business with a landline number.It signals establishment and legitimacy.
👥 Team Collaboration
Share one business number across your entire team. Route calls intelligently so the right person picks up, or have everyone answer together.
📱 Mobile Freedom
Answer calls on your phone, laptop, or desk phone.Work from home, the office, or the client site—your landline follows you.
⏰ Work-Life Balance
Set business hours and auto-divert after-hours calls to voicemail or an AI receptionist.Separate business from personal clearly.
💰 Cost Savings
Virtual landlines cost from just £8-15 per month—often less than traditional lines.No installation fees, no line rental, no long contracts.
🔢 Flexible Numbers
Get a number in any UK area code (020 for London, 0161 for Manchester, etc.).Keep your existing number via porting.
📊 Analytics & Insights
See detailed call logs, missed calls, busiest times, and caller information. Make data-driven decisions about staffing and strategy.
🚀 Easy Scaling
Need more phone lines as you grow? Add team members instantly in the cloud.No infrastructure changes needed.
Feature Comparison: Business Landline vs. Alternatives
| Feature | Virtual Landline | Traditional Landline | Mobile Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | £8-15✓ | £20-30✗ | £20-50✗ |
| Professional Appearance | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Future-Proof (Post-PSTN) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Obsolete by Dec 2025 | ✓ Yes |
| Multi-Device Answer | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Team Sharing | ✓ Easy | ✗ Difficult | ✗ Difficult |
| Call Recording | ✓ Yes | ✗ Limited | ✗ Limited |
| Location Independent | ✓ Fully | ✗ Tied to premises | ✓ Fully |
| Works with AI Receptionist | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Installation Required | ✓ 5 minutes | ✗ 2-3 weeks | N/A |
| Number Porting (Keep Current Number) | ✓ Yes | N/A | ✗ Difficult |
Who Uses Business Landlines? Real Examples
🔧 Tradespeople & Contractors
Plumbers, electricians, and builders need a professional number that follows them to job sites. Virtual landlines ring their mobile during work hours, voicemail after 5pm.
💼 Service Businesses
Accountants, lawyers, and consultants use landlines to appear established and trustworthy.They can share one number across the team.
🏠 Real Estate Agencies
Estate agents display a professional local number (e.g., 020 for London) on property listings, even if the business operates from anywhere.
📞 Customer Service Teams
Support teams use landlines with call routing, queuing, and recording—essential for professional customer service.
🏪 Retail & E-Commerce
Online shops need a phone number for customer support. Virtual landlines integrate with CRM systems and customer databases.
👨💼 Solo Entrepreneurs
Freelancers and solo founders get a professional image without expensive infrastructure. Appear like a larger business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Everything you need to know about business landlines
What exactly is a business landline?
A business landline is a fixed telephone number assigned to your business (not a personal mobile). It's designed to be professional, can be shared across your team, and routes calls to multiple devices. In 2025, most landlines work via VoIP (internet-based calls) rather than copper wires, making them flexible and affordable.
Do I need a physical phone desk phone to use a business landline?
No. You can answer calls on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or traditional desk phone. Most businesses use their existing mobile phone with a VoIP app or automatic call diverting. There's no need to buy special equipment.
What's the difference between a landline and a virtual landline?
A traditional landline uses physical copper wires (the PSTN).A virtual landline uses the internet (VoIP) and lives entirely in the cloud.Virtual landlines are cheaper, more flexible, don't require physical installation, and aren't tied to a specific location.
What is VoIP and how does it relate to business landlines?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.It converts voice calls into digital data packets sent over the internet.Modern business landlines use VoIP technology, which is why they work on your phone, laptop, or any device with an internet connection.
Why should my UK business have a landline instead of just a mobile?
Multiple reasons: (1) Research shows UK consumers are 65% more likely to trust a landline number. (2) You can share one number across your team.(3) Set business hours and separate work/personal life.(4) Mobile-only businesses appear less professional.(5) Landlines are required for the PSTN transition by December 2026.
What is the PSTN switchoff and why does it matter?
The PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is the old copper wire phone system used since the 1950s.By December 2025, BT and other UK providers are switching this off entirely.Every business must move to a digital alternative (like virtual landlines) or lose their phone system completely.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes! This is called "number porting." If you have an existing BT, Virgin, Sky, or other provider's number, we can migrate it to our cloud system.You won't lose your established business number or customer relationships. Porting typically takes 5-7 working days.
How does call routing work?
You set rules for where calls go. For example: "Ring my mobile during 9am-5pm, ring my colleague simultaneously, or send after-hours calls to voicemail." You can have calls ring multiple people at once, ring in sequence, or route based on caller ID, time, or day.
What internet speed do I need for a virtual landline?
You need a stable, reliable internet connection with minimum 1 Mbps upload and download speed.Most UK broadband packages (3 Mbps+) are more than sufficient.If your internet drops, calls can automatically divert to your mobile as backup.
How much does a business landline cost?
Virtual landlines start from £8-15 per month with no setup fees or long-term contracts.Traditional landlines cost £20-30 per month plus line rental. Pricing depends on your features (recording, call queuing, AI receptionist integration, etc.).
Can I get a London (020), Manchester (0161), or Glasgow (0141) number even if I'm not based there?
Absolutely! Geographic flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of virtual landlines.You can have a London 020 number even if you're based in Cornwall. This signals to customers that you're established in their area, which builds trust and can improve call rates.
Do you record calls? Is that legal in the UK?
Call recording is legal in the UK provided you inform the caller. You must play a message like "This call may be recorded for quality and training purposes." Recording is optional—you can enable or disable it at any time. It's useful for training, compliance, and dispute resolution.
What happens if my internet goes down?
You can set up automatic failover routing. If your internet drops, calls can automatically divert to your mobile phone or a backup number.Additionally, most providers offer backup 4G/LTE connectivity for a small monthly fee.
Can a virtual landline integrate with my existing business software?
Yes! Virtual landlines can integrate with CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot), accounting software (Xero, FreshBooks), and business tools (Teams, Slack, Zapier).You can see caller information, log calls automatically, and sync voicemails.
How quickly can I set up a business landline?
You can set up a virtual landline in as little as 5 minutes.If you're porting an existing number, it typically takes 5-7 working days.There's no physical installation, no engineer visit, and no downtime—you switch over when you're ready.
Is a virtual landline reliable? What about call quality?
Quality VoIP providers like Team-Connect use redundant cloud infrastructure and offer 99.9% uptime guarantees.Call quality is excellent on good broadband—often better than traditional phones.Some providers offer HD voice, background noise cancellation, and echo reduction.
What support is available if I have problems?
Good providers offer phone, email, and live chat support during business hours.Many offer 24/7 support for critical issues.You'll get onboarding help, training on features, and ongoing technical support to keep your system running smoothly.
Ready to Switch to a Modern Business Landline?
Don't wait until the PSTN switchoff deadline.Get a professional landline with Team-Connect in just 5 minutes.
New customers get a 14-day free trial. No credit card required.
Related Resources
🤖 Virtual Receptionist UK
Pair your business landline with an AI receptionist that answers calls 24/7, books appointments, and handles customer inquiries automatically.
Learn More📱 VoIP Landline Explained
Deep dive into VoIP technology, how it differs from traditional systems, and why it's the future of business communications.
Learn More📞 Business Phone Features
Explore advanced features like call recording, IVR, call queuing, and integration with your existing business tools.
View FeaturesKey Takeaways: What You Need to Remember
📌 The Essentials
- ✅ A business landline is a professional phone number for your business that works on any device (mobile, laptop, desk phone).
- ✅ Modern landlines use VoIP (internet), not copper wires. They're flexible, affordable, and location-independent.
- ✅ Virtual landlines are the future. The PSTN switchoff deadline is December 2025—every UK business must migrate.
- ✅ Consumers trust landline numbers more. Research shows 65% higher trust compared to mobile-only businesses.
- ✅ You can keep your existing number. Number porting allows you to migrate your current BT/Virgin number to a virtual system.
- ✅ Virtual landlines cost £8-15/month, significantly less than traditional systems at £20-30/month.
- ✅ Setup takes just 5 minutes. No physical installation, no engineer visit, no long contracts.
- ✅ Route calls intelligently. Ring your mobile during work hours, voicemail after 5pm, or multiple team members simultaneously.
- ✅ Work from anywhere. Your landline isn't tied to a physical location—answer calls from home, the office, or client sites.
- ✅ Professional features included. Call recording, analytics, integration with CRM, AI receptionist support, and more.
Common Misconceptions About Business Landlines
Clearing up myths and misunderstandings
❌ Myth: "I need to buy expensive desk phones"
Reality: You can answer calls on your existing smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Desk phones are optional. Most small businesses use their mobiles.
❌ Myth: "Virtual landlines have poor call quality"
Reality: Quality VoIP providers deliver excellent call quality—often better than traditional phone lines. With stable broadband (1+ Mbps), you won't notice a difference.
❌ Myth: "I'll lose my number if I switch providers"
Reality: Number porting allows you to keep your existing number when switching to a new provider.It's a legally protected right in the UK.
❌ Myth: "Virtual landlines are only for remote workers"
Reality: All modern businesses—offices, retail shops, tradespeople, and teams—use virtual landlines.They're the standard now, not a niche product.
❌ Myth: "It's complicated to set up"
Reality: Setup takes 5 minutes.You don't need technical knowledge. Most providers provide step-by-step guidance and support.
❌ Myth: "Traditional landlines are cheaper"
Reality: Virtual landlines cost £8-15/month vs. traditional at £20-30/month.Plus, traditional lines become obsolete in Dec 2025 anyway.
How to Switch to a Business Landline: Step-by-Step
Choose Your Number
Decide whether to get a new number or port your existing one. Select your preferred area code (020 for London, 0161 for Manchester, etc.).
Sign Up (5 minutes)
Create your account with Team-Connect. Provide your business name, contact details, and payment information. No credit card required for trial.
Configure Call Routing
Set up your call rules: ring your mobile during 9am-5pm, voicemail after hours, or share the number with team members. This takes 5-10 minutes.
Download the App (Optional)
Install the Team-Connect app on your smartphone or use automatic call diverting. The app is optional—diverting works automatically without it.
Start Receiving Calls
Your new number is active immediately.If porting an existing number, it takes 5-7 working days. You can start promoting your new business number right away.
Get Support & Training
Our team provides onboarding support, training on features, and ongoing help. You're never alone—support is just a message away.
Why Businesses Are Switching: The Numbers
65%
of UK consumers are more likely to trust and call a business with a landline number vs.mobile-only
70%
of UK businesses are planning to migrate to digital phone systems before the PSTN deadline
Dec 2025
is the PSTN switchoff deadline—after this date, traditional copper lines stop working entirely
50%
cost savings on average when switching from traditional to virtual business landlines
GDPR & Compliance: Your Data is Safe
Data Protection & Security
Team-Connect is fully compliant with UK GDPR , ICO regulations, and industry security standards. Your call data and customer information are encrypted and protected.
What This Means for You:
- ✅ End-to-end encrypted calls and data transmission
- ✅ Secure cloud infrastructure with redundancy and backups
- ✅ GDPR-compliant call recording and data storage
- ✅ Regular security audits and compliance certifications
- ✅ Your data is never sold or shared with third parties
- ✅ Automatic compliance with UK calling regulations
- ✅ Call recording consent management (legally required in the UK)
Simple, Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. No long contracts.Cancel anytime.
Basic Landline
£9.99/month
- ✅ 1 business number (or port existing)
- ✅ Unlimited call minutes
- ✅ Call diverting to mobile
- ✅ Voicemail with transcription
- ✅ Basic analytics
Professional
£15/month
- ✅ Everything in Basic
- ✅ Call recording & storage
- ✅ Multiple team members
- ✅ Advanced call routing
- ✅ CRM integration
- ✅ Detailed reporting
Enterprise
Custom
- ✅ Everything in Professional
- ✅ AI Receptionist (24/7)
- ✅ Unlimited numbers
- ✅ Custom integrations
- ✅ Dedicated account manager
- ✅ SLA guarantee
All plans include: 14-day free trial, no credit card required, cancel anytime, priority support
Ready to Get Your Business Landline?
Join thousands of UK businesses that trust Team-Connect for professional, reliable phone service.Start your free 14-day trial today—no credit card required.
Get Started Free (14 Days)