It's one of the most common questions we're asked, and an understandable worry, especially for households that no longer have a traditional telephone line. The good news is that both Red Button packages are designed to work without a landline.
How does it work without a phone line?
Instead of plugging into a landline, our alarms connect over the mobile network, the same kind of signal your mobile phone uses. There's a SIM built into the equipment, so it's all taken care of for you.
- No landline required.
- No Wi-Fi or broadband needed.
- Nothing to plug into a phone socket.
What about the digital switchover?
The UK is retiring its old analogue phone network. Because our alarms already work over mobile rather than a landline, they're unaffected by the switchover, there's nothing you need to change. You can read more in our guide to the digital switchover.
Is the connection reliable?
Our equipment checks its own connection automatically, and the At Home base unit includes a back-up battery in case of a power cut. We always recommend a quick monthly test call for extra peace of mind, just press the button and let the operator know it's a test.
If you can get a mobile signal where you live, you can have a Red Button alarm, no phone line necessary.← Back to Help & Advice