Do you need a landline for broadband?

In essence – no, you don’t need a landline.

However, if you're not in an area with Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), you will need a phone line or coaxial connection to the property.

Let’s break that down…

Do you need a landline to get broadband?

With most broadband providers, you need a physical phone line hooked up to your home in order to get broadband. That’s because your internet is connected through the same copper cabling used to deliver your phone service.

However, depending on which connection types a provider offers, you may not need a phone line at all.

This means that while a lot of the Openreach network still use FTTC, if they offer FTTP connections you can connect to the internet without needing to install or use an existing phone line.

Which providers offer broadband without a landline?

• Virgin Media

• BT

• Plusnet

• Sky

• Hyperoptic

• Community Fibre

• TalkTalk

Remember, availability depends on your postcode, so even if a provider offers landline-free broadband, your address needs to be served by their full-fibre or cable network. Full-fibre coverage is still expanding across the UK, with urban areas typically having better access.

Find out if you're in an area served by FTTP or cable broadband by using our broadband comparison tool. Simply enter your postcode to see available options in your area.

Is it cheaper to get broadband without a landline?

Not necessarily.

Some providers lop a few quid off your monthly bill if you take your broadband without a landline. Others charge the same price whether you include a landline or not. These products are referred to as 'Broadband Only.'

Bear in mind, too, that sometimes a broadband package with a free landline included can cost less than a package from another provider with no phone line.

If your broadband plan comes with a landline but you don't plan on using your home phone, you'll simply be put on a pay as you call plan. That way, you won't pay anything extra, unless you actually use your landline to make a call.

To help you compare broadband with landline, use our comparison tool. Just change the phone line filter to show whatever’s cheapest from each provider, and we’ll show you the lot.