- More than a quarter (28%) of Gen Z have a landline phone[1], with one in five using it ‘for decoration’ as part of the retro trend[2]
- While Gen Z adopts landlines as a style statement, just one in five (19%) can recall their childhood home phone number, compared to 43% of millennials and 50% of Gen X[3]
- The UK’s analogue landline network is being switched off by 2027, yet 43% of Brits remain unaware of the change[4]
- Uswitch is encouraging landline users to review their broadband and phone setups ahead of the 2027 digital landline switch
Far from being a relic of the past, the landline is finding a new life with the UK’s most digitally native generation.
More than a quarter (28%) of Gen Z have a landline phone, with one in five (21%) admitting to owning one for decoration[2], according to new research from Uswitch, the comparison and switching service.
Beyond its purpose as a retro accessory, almost a quarter (24%) of those aged 18-27 who own a landline say they use it frequently, compared to 11% of those aged 44-59[5]. Other top reasons for having one include to speak to family based abroad (25%), for emergencies (23%) and better call quality (23%)[6].
Gen Z don’t have the same nostalgic attachment to landlines as older generations, with just one in five (19%) able to recall their childhood phone number, compared to half (50%) of Gen X and 43% of millennials[7]. 43% of Gen Z think landlines are ‘old-fashioned’[8], signalling they are likely choosing them as a cool, retro item, not just out of habit.
These days, fewer than half of UK homes (44%) still have a landline[9], however one in ten (11%) Brits say they prefer using a landline to a mobile phone and that a landline feels more “personal” than a mobile phone (13%)[10].
What many people don’t know is that analogue landlines are being phased out completely by January 2027, with many providers still working to the old deadline of December 2025 for non-telecare customers. 43% of Brits stated they are still unsure or unaware about the upcoming change[4].
The shift will see all UK landline calls moved to digital lines, using broadband connections instead of the old copper network as part of a nationwide move to upgrade and future-proof the country’s telecoms infrastructure.
Most providers will guide customers through the switch and will contact you when it’s time to upgrade.
Max Beckett, Uswitch broadband expert, said: "It's fascinating to see the landline being embraced by a new generation for different reasons, from digital detoxing to a retro aesthetic.
“Whether you’re installing a vintage phone for style or you’ve had the same number for years, everyone with a landline needs to be aware of the upcoming digital switch.
“This is a great chance to reassess what you need from your home phone and broadband setup. You might find you’re paying for a service you barely use, or you could switch to a broadband-only deal and save money.
“For those who rely on their landline for security, or for vulnerable people who use telecare devices, it’s vital to speak to your provider. They will guide you through the switch, but you must ensure your setup will remain compatible and that you have a plan in place for power cuts. This change affects everyone, so now is the time to get prepared.”
For more information on the 2027 landline changes, visit Uswitch.com.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Opinium surveyed a sample of 2,000 UK adults from 13th June -17th June 2025. Results were weighted to be nationally representative
- Adults were asked “Do you currently have a landline?”. 28% of Gen Z (18-27 year old) respondents answered “Yes”
- Adults were asked “Why do you keep your landline phone?”. 21% of Gen Z (18-27 year old) respondents answered “As a decoration”
- Adults were asked “Which, if any, of the following statements do you agree with?”. 19% of Gen Z (18-27 year old) answered I can still remember by landline number from the home I grew up in, 50% of Gen X (aged 44-59) answered I can still remember my landline number from the home I grew up in and 43% of millennials answered I can still remember by landline number from the home I grew up in.
- Adults were asked “Do you understand the following to be true or false: All landlines are being switched to digital lines by the end of 2027” 5% said false and 38% answered I don’t know
- Those who own a landline phone were asked “Do you use your landline phone?”. 24% of Gen Z (18-27 year olds) said “Yes, frequently”. 11% of Gen X (44-59) answered “Yes, frequently”.
- Those who own a landline phone were asked “Why do you keep your landline phone ?”. 25% of Gen Z said “to speak to family based abroad”, 23% said “for emergencies” and 23% said “better call quality”.
- Adults were asked “Which, if any, of the following statements do you agree with?”. 19% of Gen Z (18-27 year old) answered I can still remember by landline number from the home I grew up in, 50% of Gen Z (aged 44-59) answered I can still remember my landline number from the home I grew up in and 43% of millennials answered I can still remember by landline number from the home I grew up in.
- Adults were asked “Which, if any, of the following statements do you agree with?”. 35% of Gen Z agreed with the statement “Landlines are old fashioned”.
- Adults were asked “Do you currently have a landline”. 44% of respondents said yes.
- Adults were asked “Which, if any, of the following statements do you agree with?”. 11% agreed with the statement “I prefer the landline to a mobile” and 13% agreed with the statement “Landlines feel more personal than mobiles”.
For more information
Harriet Atkinson | Telecoms PR Manager
harriet.atkinson@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to find their energy, broadband and mobile deals than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.