Broadband 'set to dominate landlines'

Internet growth is set to push the use of landlines away from phone calls and towards broadband, it has been suggested.

With the ability to make call over the web using VoIP, telecoms research firm Analysys has claimed that the future for landlines lies in providing broadband rather than legacy phone services.

"Landlines were traditionally used for PSTN fixed voice services - but in fact, landlines are increasingly being used for DSL of course," said principle analyst Rupert Wood.

He added that the growth of broadband could even reduce the amount of people who have avoided getting a landline and rely on their mobile phone.

"What we're seeing in some countries in Europe is the proportion of mobile-only households going down rather than up," Mr Wood said, explaining that more people were getting landlines to replace their mobile "just for the DSL connection".