Does a business still need a landline in Australia?
Short answer: usually no. Most Australian businesses can keep their existing phone number and run calls over the internet with a cloud phone system. The exceptions are devices that rely on an analogue phone line, such as some alarms, lift phones and older EFTPOS terminals, which should be checked before you cancel anything.
A traditional landline is a copper phone line that carries calls on its own. As the NBN has replaced older networks, many businesses now use the internet for calls instead. The phone number stays the same; what changes is how the call reaches you.
What replaces a landline
| Option | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud phone system (VoIP) | Calls travel over your internet connection to desk phones, mobile and desktop apps | Most offices, multiple sites, staff who work away from the desk |
| SIP trunk into an existing PBX | Replaces the phone lines but keeps your on-site phone system | Businesses not ready to replace their PBX; see what is SIP trunking |
| Mobile numbers only | Calls go to individual mobiles | Sole traders; limited for shared calls, queues and a business identity |
| Keeping a copper or NBN voice line | An analogue-style line, often delivered via the NBN | Devices that need an analogue line |
Why most businesses move off landlines
- You keep your number. Numbers can generally be moved to a new provider through porting. See our porting guide.
- Staff can answer anywhere. Calls can ring on a mobile or desktop app as well as a desk phone.
- Easier to change. Lines are managed in software, so adding or removing one is usually simpler than with copper. New handsets or network changes may still need a technician on site.
- Multi-site becomes simple. Several offices can share one system. See our WoodWorkers case study.
What to check before cancelling a landline
Some equipment is connected to a phone line rather than a computer network. Check each of these with its supplier or monitoring company:
- Alarm and security monitoring. Older systems may dial out over a phone line.
- Lift emergency phones and fire panels. These may have specific requirements.
- EFTPOS terminals and fax machines. Some older models need an analogue line, though many now connect over the internet.
- Medical alert devices. Confirm they work on your new service.
In many cases an adapter or a small analogue line can be kept for just those devices, so you do not need to keep the whole landline.
Two things to plan for with internet phones
- Internet outages. If your internet drops, so can your desk phones. A cloud phone system can divert calls to mobiles automatically; read what happens during an outage.
- Emergency calls. Calls to 000 need to work from your phones, so make sure your provider has your correct address recorded and ask how 000 behaves during a power or internet outage. Keeping a charged mobile on hand is sensible.
When keeping a landline is the sensible choice
If your site has poor internet, or you rely on equipment that needs an analogue line and cannot be changed, keep that line and add a cloud phone system for everything else. Good call quality also depends on your connection; see VoIP call quality problems.
Quick answers
Can I keep my business phone number if I drop my landline?
Generally yes. Phone numbers can usually be ported to a new provider so your existing number keeps working. Wise Cloud Technology ports numbers for free.
Will my alarm or EFTPOS machine stop working without a landline?
It might. Some older alarms and EFTPOS terminals dial out over a phone line. Check with the supplier or monitoring company before cancelling, as a small analogue line or adapter is sometimes enough.
What happens to my phones if the internet goes down?
Desk phones that rely on the internet will be affected. A cloud phone system can divert calls to mobiles when your site goes offline, so ask your provider how that is set up.
Do I need a technician to move from a landline to a cloud phone system?
Usually yes for the office handsets and network. Wise Cloud Technology always installs on site, so someone sets up the phones and checks the system works before you pay.
Thinking of dropping your landline?
Our local team can check your setup, keep your number and install your new system on site.
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See all guides & resources, or price a system with the Price Builder.