Apparently – according to BT on their own website – the answer to this is NO! I’ll try and dig to find out a bit more about this now… (if you simply want to understand the different broadband types you can here >>).
“You can now get our brilliant broadband with or without a home phone service.” BT
“Important information about your Broadband only package:
If you have an existing home phone number, you’ll lose it by placing an order for a broadband only service. This service does not include a home phone.
There will be no dial tone and you won’t be able to make or receive calls, including emergency calls, on your home phone. To dial the emergency services, you’ll need to use a mobile phone.
Any services and personal alarms connected to your home phone service will stop working.
You won’t be able to get your home phone number back again and will be allocated a new number if you later move back to a broadband with landline phone service.
Important information about your broadband and phone package:
You can now get our brilliant broadband with or without a home phone service.
If you choose to add a phone, our latest landlines use a new technology called Digital Voice. If you currently have any services or personal alarms connected to your home phone, contact your provider to make sure they’ll work with Digital Voice.”
So.. it seems that if you want to ditch your BT landline you need a new type of deal called a broadband only package.
What does Broadband Only Mean?
Broadband only means you can get the broadband you want – it still comes through the existing BT landline infrastructure by there is no dial tone any longer. Your internet broadband will be delivered over this same system but it will be cheaper as you are no longer renting the cost of a phone number/traditional phone line service.
NOTE: You won’t have a dial tone if you opt for a Broadband only package. This is because your package doesn’t include a landline phone service. If you have a broadband package with us that includes a landline phone service and you have no dial tone, please call customer services from your mobile. They’ll look into the issue for you.
MORE: Looking for broadband without a landline?
According to BT: If you don’t use your landline phone, Broadband only lets you have the broadband you want without the landline you don’t. However, you won’t be able to make or receive any incoming calls on your landline phone. This includes calls to the emergency services.
Can I get my current landline number back after I’ve opted for Broadband only? No, you can’t retrieve your number once you’ve opted for Broadband only. This will also apply if you switch to a new provider.
Here is their article about getting broadband Internet only.
Here is the link: https://www.bt.com/help/broadband/do-i-need-a-bt-phone-line-to-get-broadband-from-bt
