If you’re looking to upgrade to fibre broadband, you might wonder whether you can avoid having a phone line. Traditionally, many broadband services relied on phone lines to deliver internet access. However, the landscape is changing, and it’s now possible to get fibre broadband without a phone line in certain cases.
Let’s dive into how fibre broadband works and whether you can skip the phone line.
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What is Fibre Broadband?
Fibre broadband is a faster, more reliable internet connection that uses fibre-optic broadband coverage checker cables instead of the copper wires found in traditional broadband services. This type of broadband offers high-speed internet, making it perfect for activities like streaming, gaming, and working from home. Fibre connections come in two types: FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and FTTP (Fibre to the Premises).
- FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet): Fibre is only run to the cabinet on the street, and your connection uses a copper phone line to reach your home.
- FTTP (Fibre to the Premises): This is a full-fibre connection, where the fibre cables run directly to your home, offering faster speeds and more reliable service.
Fibre Broadband with a Phone Line
In the past, almost all broadband services were delivered over a phone line, even if the connection itself was fibre. If you wanted fibre broadband through FTTC, you still needed an active phone line for the broadband to work.
Fibre Broadband Without a Phone Line
Today, there are broadband providers offering full-fibre broadband (FTTP) that do not require a phone line at all. Since FTTP uses fibre cables to deliver internet directly to your home, there is no need for a traditional phone line. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of fibre broadband without having a landline connection.
Some providers, such as Virgin Media or CityFibre, offer these full-fibre broadband connections, which are becoming more widely available in the UK.
Key Benefits of Fibre Broadband Without a Phone Line:
- No need for a landline: You can enjoy fast, reliable internet without the added cost of a phone line you don’t use.
- Faster speeds: FTTP generally offers faster speeds than FTTC, and there’s less chance of your connection slowing down.
- More flexibility: Without the need for a phone line, you have more options for choosing the right broadband plan that suits your needs.
Things to Consider
- Availability: Full-fibre broadband (FTTP) is still being rolled out in many areas, so availability might be limited depending on where you live. Check with providers to see if FTTP is available in your area.
- Cost: While FTTP doesn’t require a phone line, it can sometimes be more expensive than standard fibre broadband services (FTTC). However, the faster speeds and improved reliability might justify the cost.
- Switching Providers: If you currently have a phone line and want to switch to a fibre broadband service without a landline, make sure to check if your provider offers this option and whether there are any extra installation fees.
Can You Keep Your Phone Number?
If you decide to go for a full-fibre broadband plan without a phone line, you might lose the ability to keep your current phone number. However, some providers offer VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, where you can still make and receive calls using your broadband connection, often at a lower cost.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can get fibre broadband without a phone line, especially if you opt for FTTP services. This option provides faster, more reliable internet without the need for an old-fashioned landline. However, availability and cost can vary, so it’s important to research which providers offer full-fibre broadband in your area.