BT voice, commonly referred to as BT Digital Voice, is BT's new home phone service designed to replace traditional landlines. Powered entirely by your broadband connection, it represents a significant shift from analogue phone lines to a digital, internet-based communication system.
Understanding BT Digital Voice
BT Digital Voice is BT's answer to the UK's nationwide move away from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by 2025. This means that traditional copper phone lines, which have historically carried both voice calls and broadband, are being phased out. Instead, your home phone service will now operate using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, sending calls as data over your internet connection.
This service is a crucial part of modernising home communication, offering enhanced call quality and a range of integrated features that were not possible with older analogue systems.
Key Features and Benefits
BT Digital Voice comes with a variety of features included, making it a comprehensive solution for modern home phone needs.
Included Features:
- Call Protect: A powerful tool designed to block nuisance and unwanted calls, giving you more control over who contacts you.
- Voicemail: Easily manage missed calls with an integrated voicemail service, accessible from your home phone.
- Call Waiting: Receive notifications for incoming calls while you are already on the phone.
- Call Diversion: Divert incoming calls to another number, ensuring you never miss an important conversation.
- Three-Way Calling: Hold a conversation with two other people at the same time.
Benefits of Digital Voice:
- Future-Proof Technology: Aligns with the ongoing nationwide upgrade to a fully digital network.
- Enhanced Call Quality: Digital calls can offer clearer audio compared to older analogue lines.
- Integrated Features: A suite of call management tools are often included as standard.
- Simplified Connectivity: Fewer wires and simpler setup as your phone connects directly to your broadband hub.
How It Works
With BT Digital Voice, your phone no longer plugs into the traditional wall-mounted phone socket. Instead, it connects directly into your broadband hub (router). If you have existing cordless phones, their base station will also plug into the hub.
Traditional vs. Digital Voice
To illustrate the difference, here's a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Traditional Landline (PSTN) | BT Digital Voice (VoIP) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | Dedicated phone socket | Broadband hub (router) |
| Technology | Analogue (copper lines) | Digital (internet protocol) |
| Power Reliance | Independent (often works in power cuts) | Relies on electricity for hub and phone |
| Features | Basic calling | Advanced features like Call Protect, Voicemail |
Important Considerations
While BT Digital Voice offers numerous advantages, there are a few important points to be aware of:
- Power Cuts: Since the service relies on your broadband connection, it will not work during a power outage unless you have a battery backup unit for your hub and phone. BT often provides specific advice or devices for vulnerable customers.
- Compatibility: Most modern handsets are compatible. However, older corded phones might require an adapter to connect to the digital hub. Services that rely on your landline, such as alarm systems or medical alert devices, may need to be checked for compatibility with a digital voice service.
- Migration Process: BT will typically contact customers directly to arrange the transition to Digital Voice, which is often a straightforward process. For more detailed information on the service, you can visit the official BT Digital Voice page.
