topic Re: Odd landline query in Home Phone

Odd landline query

pvmb — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:03:22 GMT

A random thought occurred the other day - as they do...

I have been converted to the full fibre network so my landline service has been withdrawn.

Hah! Just checked and my landline is now dead, so the following question is no longer valid. However, out of curiosity, does anyone know the answer to the original question - when it was still valid?

"However, like others I still have an electrically connected phone and landline with dial tone and can ring the 17070 service (Phone number reported - but not mine, Quiet Line test, but Ringback test ineffective). What would happen if I rang 999 on the landline?

I don't think I'll risk trying but I just wondered if anyone knew."

Re: Odd landline query

198kHz — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 17:10:08 GMT

Yes, 999 would work, and 100, possibly other services, but no no "normal" calls.

When a copper landline is ceased, it's often left in situ as a "stopped line", so that service can be quickly restored at the property if required.

I imagine it will soon become a declining practice as we approach the PSTN switch-off.

Re: Odd landline query

pvmb — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 17:55:31 GMT

Thanks for the reply, 198kHz.

Too late to try now!

Re: Odd landline query

pvmb — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:37:42 GMT

@pvmb wrote:

A random thought occurred the other day - as they do...

I have been converted to the full fibre network so my landline service has been withdrawn.

Hah! Just checked and my landline is now dead, so the following question is no longer valid. However, out of curiosity, does anyone know the answer to the original question - when it was still valid?

"However, like others I still have an electrically connected phone and landline with dial tone and can ring the 17070 service (Phone number reported - but not mine, Quiet Line test, but Ringback test ineffective). What would happen if I rang 999 on the landline?

I don't think I'll risk trying but I just wondered if anyone knew."

Interestingly this query has resurfaced, in another way, in relation to my existing mobile phone.

To explain, my current mobile is a 15+ years old 2G Nokia 1100. 🤣

I have been receiving messages from my CP warning of the impending 3G switch off (end of this year). I wasn't bothered - "I'm on 2G!" - but have since come to understand(?) that, although the 2G network is not being switched off at the end of this year, carriers will no longer be accepting voice calls via 2G (is this true?).

OK, so I have already purchased my very first (4G) smart phone (culture shock!) - working fine but SIM not yet activated/swapped and in use for charged outbound calls. Still on 2G!

The question is: Does anyone actually know what will happen to my 2G phone after 31 December? Will it go 'Off'? Will I still be able to send/receive texts if not voice calls? Will I be able to call the emergency services on it? Just interested...

Re: Odd landline query

Anonymous — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 22:02:56 GMT

Aside. You don't have to go "smart phone" to get a 4G mobile.