Plusnet to axe a major service with thousands of customers affected

Plusnet is set to discontinue its landline services, impacting thousands of customers. The move comes as analogue services are phased out, meaning Plusnet customers will no longer have access to a landline phone and will need to switch providers if they wish to retain one. Plusnet is part of the BT Group.

Telecom providers including BT, Virgin Media, and TalkTalk are currently in the process of decommissioning copper-based phone lines across the UK. This industry-led initiative, not a government scheme, has a nationwide completion deadline of December 2025.

In replacement, landlines will operate digitally, with calls made via a broadband-powered alternative known as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This technology powers audio calls on platforms such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger, and connects through your broadband router.

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BT Group has assured that existing Plusnet customers can continue using their current home phone service until the switch-off.

Following this, those wanting to maintain a home phone service will have the opportunity to access exclusive deals and transition to the digital service. Meanwhile, those who don't wish to keep their home phone service will be offered exclusive access to EE mobile deals, reports the Mirror.

Customers will also have the option to transfer their landline number to the new service. At present, only broadband-only tariffs are available for new Plusnet customers.

The BT Group has yet to officially disclose the exact number of people that will be impacted by this move, but it's estimated to be in the "thousands."

Last year, Plusnet revealed plans to discontinue its mobile service, paving the way for EE to become the BT Group's primary mobile brand.

From May 2023, customers were no longer able to open new mobile deals with Plusnet. However, existing customers have been given the option to switch without penalty - even if they're mid-contract.

These affected customers have also been presented with exclusive mobile deals from EE. Plusnet hasn't confirmed when its mobile services will cease, but told the Mirror that it aims for the transition to be as "seamless" as possible.