Do you need a phone line for home internet?
With the increasing number of individuals who no longer avail the traditional landline phone and go for mobile phones only, there is a frequently asked question – is a phone line necessary for a home internet connection? The short answer is no you do not necessarily require a landline phone to have home internet, however, the analysis is as follows. Here's a more in-depth explanation: Here's a more in-depth explanation:
A Layman’s Guide to Home Internet
When users first started getting internet in their homes, the common connection type was the dial-up connection. These required a phone line because that was how the link was established – your modem dialed out over the phone line to the internet service provider (ISP). But the broadband internet services that we are using today such as cable, DSL, fiber optic, and fixed wireless require a telephone line connection. The only exclusion is DSL internet which makes use of the phone line but differently from the use of dial-up internet, the phone line is only used in transmitting data and is not used in the connection process like dial-up internet.
Before going further, let me clarify the difference between a wired phone service subscription plan and a wired phone line. Phone service is not required as such, this is the calling plan with a provider, for example, AT&T, but there must be a wiring of the phone lines in a house. This may already be in place if you have had phone service in the past. Thus, when subscribing to home internet, you should specifically check whether you have live phone line connections and cabling to accommodate DSL even if you no longer have voice telephone service through your telephone company.
Does Cancelling Landline Affect the Price?
Something to note is that taking the phone service, the internet as well as the television service package usually attracts a discount from the providers. Thus although you do not require the phone line to connect to most of the modern connection types, eliminating it could cost you more for Internet or other services. The best way to get information on this is to speak to your provider and inquire about the details concerning the cost and the offers being given. Also, verify whether the termination of the phone service affects taxes and fees on the bill. Fees can be bundled or included with one line item, and sometimes discounts are added there as well.
Does Any Internet Service Provider Need Telephone Lines?
Traditionally, phone companies that offered DSL internet services were the ones that implemented them. As a result, the initial DSL services invariably entailed being connected to an active telephone service with providers such as AT&T. This gave people an impression that the internet needed phone lines while in reality, it was that certain provider linking the two.
Currently, any Internet service provider that provides DSL does not necessitate a telephone line service connection. However, there ARE still some providers that need it, mostly local telephone companies with less coverage. Thus, if you would like to have DSL internet but do not want to have home phone service, then it is advisable to verify the provider’s conditions before subscribing to their services. Some of the major ISPs in the United States including AT&T, CenturyLink, and Frontier today offer standalone DSL Internet without any bundled phone service.
How to Use VoIP Phone Service for Calling Without a ‘Landline’
Although telephone service through traditional copper wiring is not essential for internet connection, you may still need a home phone line to make calls. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service does this. VoIP devices connect to your Internet connection instead of a plain old telephone line for voice communications, presenting a way to have home phone service without supporting the old physical lines through a phone company.
Some of the common home VoIP service providers include Vonage, Ooma, and MagicJack. These companies furnish the phone adapter (and in some instances, the IP phone device) to be utilized with your connection to offer home phone functionality. Unlike traditional calls which are made through copper telephone lines, calls are conveyed in digital form through your internet connection. This way, you can eliminate the landline while still having phone capability in your home.
It is important to evaluate all of the options available in your home connectivity.
When making decisions about home internet and phone service, here are a few key considerations: When making decisions about home internet and phone service, here are a few key considerations:
What options for internet connection are available in your locality? Do I want a DSL and do I have to have a phone line, or are the cable or fiber options clear of needing a landline?
Which providers currently offer the best pricing if I combine phone/internet/TV services? Does the removal of the phone affect the other services offered?
Should I make use of home telephone service? If yes, should I bundle it with the internet, or can I use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
Figure out which type of internet best fits your circumstances first by accessibility and necessary speed. Then add other home services that you may require such as TV or a telephone connection and compare the prices of bundled services as well as the individual services. Some of the benefits that people can get from taking out their landline include a reduction of costs on monthly bills. But first, take a look at types of Internet connections to find out whether cable, fiber, or DSL is the most suitable option to consider the benefits and pitfalls of the presence or absence of the phone line. By doing a simple search on the internet you can easily find out which one of the home connectivity plans will suit you best.
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