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What is VoIP and how does it work with Virgin Media?
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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the future of phone calls in the UK. With landlines being switched off across the UK, here’s what you need to know and how to get started
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 6 June 2025
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It lets you make voice calls using your internet connection instead of a traditional copper phone line.
The UK is moving away from old landline phones and switching to internet-based phone services called VoIP. This change is part of a nationwide update called the Digital Voice Switchover, which uses your broadband for phone calls. If you have Virgin Media broadband, it's already set up for VoIP, you just need to plug your phone into the WiFi Hub.
Everyday VoIP apps
You’re probably already using VoIP every day. WhatsApp, Zoom, or Teams rely on VoIP to let you make voice and video calls over your broadband. These services are free when you’re calling someone using the same app, and they work on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Whether you’re catching up with friends, joining a virtual workout, or having a meeting with your manager over video chat, you’re already experiencing the benefits of VoIP.
Are VoIP and Digital Voice the same?
VoIP is the technology that lets you make voice calls over your broadband. Digital Voice is a type of VoIP designed to replace traditional landline services and work seamlessly with your fibre connection.
So, when we’re saying we’re switching to Digital Voice, we mean we’re now going to use VoIP technology through your broadband connection. You’ll still be able to use your phone, just plugged into your broadband router instead of a wall socket.
How does VoIP work?
VoIP converts your voice into digital signals, sends them over the internet, then reassembles them on the other side so the person you’re calling can hear you. Think of a VoIP call like sending a voice letter via email instead of regular mail.
The two main protocols helping with this are SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) which sets up, manages, and ends the call, and RTP (Real-Time Protocol) which ensures your voice is delivered smoothly and quickly.
Types of VoIP connections
There’s more than one way to use VoIP, depending on your device and how you want to make calls. From using apps on your phone to plugging in a VoIP-enabled desk phone, here are the main types of VoIP connections and how they work.
This type of VoIP uses your device’s built-in microphone and speakers, often through apps like Zoom or Teams. You’re calling another person using the same app on their device, with no phone numbers involved. It’s the simplest type of VoIP connection and is easy to set up, which makes it ideal for conference calls, video chat, and gaming.
With VoIP, you can use your smartphone or laptop to call landlines or mobile numbers using apps like Zoom. If you prefer to use a more traditional phone, IP phones are a great option. They connect directly to the internet using WiFi or an Ethernet cable.
This setup lets you make VoIP calls using a standard landline phone to make the calls over the internet. Instead of plugging the phone into a wall socket, you connect it to an ATA adaptor. It’s a handy option if you want to keep using the phone you already have, without needing a new one. As part of the switch to Digital Voice, we’ll give you an adaptor and easy-to-follow instructions.
In this case, the phone itself is designed for VoIP. It connects directly to the internet without needing an adaptor using WiFi or an Ethernet cable. These phones often come with helpful features like caller ID, voicemail, and clear sound, and they're great for both offices and households.
What are the benefits of using VoIP?
VoIP comes with many advantages that make it a smart upgrade from traditional landlines, especially as we’re moving towards a fully digital phone network by 2027.
Traditional landlines can be expensive, especially for long-distance or international calls. With VoIP, many calls, especially app-to-app, are completely free, and even paid services are typically much cheaper. This is ideal for families, remote workers, and businesses with international clients.
Another major benefit is flexibility. Unlike landlines that keep you tied to one location, VoIP lets you make and receive calls from almost anywhere with internet. You can use the same number whether you’re at home, at the office, or abroad. This is especially important for remote work, travel, or businesses with mobile teams.
VoIP also offers a wide range of useful features that go beyond what a standard landline can do. You can access extras like call forwarding, video calls, voicemail-to-email, and, in some business packages, tools like file sharing and team messaging.
Switching to digital voice also helps the environment, as VoIP uses the internet instead of relying on traditional landlines. This reduces the need for physical materials and maintenance, making it an eco-friendlier choice.
Are there any downsides to using VoIP?
While VoIP offers major benefits like cost savings and flexibility, there are a few limitations to be aware of. Most of these can be managed with the right setup.
VoIP depends entirely on your broadband connection, so if your WiFi is slow or unreliable, you might experience dropped calls, sound issues, or lag, especially when gaming or using multiple devices. To help improve performance, try using a wired connection, place your Hub in a central spot, or consider upgrading your broadband speed.
Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP won’t work during a power cut because it relies on your router and devices that need electricity. If you don’t have a mobile phone or rely on a landline for accessibility reasons, Virgin Media offers an Emergency Backup Line so you can still contact friends, family, or emergency services.
When calling 999 over VoIP, your location isn’t always shared automatically. To make it easier for emergency services to find you, register your home address with your VoIP provider. If you have accessibility needs or no mobile, check out our Emergency Backup Line for added peace of mind.
Does your IP affect VoIP?
Our broadband bundles come with a dynamic IP by default, which means your IP address may change from time to time. This setup is standard for households and works perfectly well for everyday use, including Digital Voice. Even if your IP address changes, our fibre network will continue to work without interruption, ensuring clear, stable calls at home.
Virgin Media broadband supports both dynamic and static IP configurations (for business users). But for most households using Digital Voice, there’s no need to change anything.
How to set up Digital Voice?
Already connected to your WiFi Hub? You’re all set. There’s nothing more you need to do.
If your home phone is still plugged into a traditional wall socket, don’t worry, we’re switching homes over gradually. Keep an eye out for a letter or email from us with everything you’ll need.
When it’s your turn, we’ll send:
Your switchover date
A simple adaptor to connect your phone to the WiFi Hub
Step-by-step instructions to help you get set up easily
Digital Voice runs over your broadband using VoIP technology, no need for copper phone lines, just a stable broadband connection.
Find out more here about setting up with your digital voice phone service.
Getting ready for the Digital Voice switchover with Virgin Media
The Digital Voice switchover is a big change, but it’s designed to make landline services more reliable, secure, and fit for the future. Virgin Media’s superfast broadband is already built for this change, so your home phone can run smoothly using VoIP.
If you’re already using Virgin Media broadband, you’ll simply connect your phone directly to your WiFi Hub, your number won’t change, and it won’t cost you a thing.
Need help getting set up? Visit our Digital Voice support page to check your current setup, get tips on preparing, and learn about extra help available if you have additional requirements.
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