New research has revealed that the humble landline phone – once a staple of every British household - is fast becoming an antique relic, with only 15 percent of UK homes using it regularly.
The UK is preparing for the switch-off of the traditional landline system and it could see fewer homes owning and using a landline home phone.
Zen Internet’s survey, conducted by Censuswide ahead of the switch to digital phone technology, discovered that more than half (52%) of Brits still have a landline, and older generations believed they gave “better call quality” and “a more personal feel”, but the reality is that most landlines now sit unused, collecting dust as households juggle multiple smartphones.
The main reasons cited for keeping a landline is as a backup in case of poor mobile reception (41%) or to stay in touch with elderly relatives who prefer the traditional dial tone (39%).
Only a third of Britons do intend to take (or have already) the digital voice alternative to the landline when the switch over occurs, with 29% still unsure and only 34% saying they won’t keep a phone connection other than mobile.
Interestingly, 44% of 25- to 34-year-olds are choosing to keep a landline when the switch off happens.
Zen’s survey found that only a third (34%) can remember friends' or family members’ landline or mobile numbers, while many struggle to recall even one mobile number, despite carrying a phone packed with hundreds of contacts.
Stephen Warburton, Managing Director at Zen’s retail division (pictured) said: “Our survey highlights some real concerns.
“Half (46%) of landline users worry that removing home phones could lead to more loneliness, particularly for older generations. Two-thirds (66%) also fear that without landlines, grandparents and elderly neighbours will struggle to stay connected.
“As for the switch to Digital Voice, there’s still widespread uncertainty. According to our survey, over a third (34%) of Brits have little or no understanding of the impending shutdown, with confusion highest among women (41%) and younger generations.”
Warburton added: “As an industry we’re working hard to ensure a smooth transition to the new digital technology and our recent research also helps us understand what help people need to make the digital switchover.”