Is it worth keeping a landline phone?

The traditional telephone or the landline phone has been in existence since the 19th century and is used by households for making phone calls. However, with the increase in the use of cell phones over the last couple of decades, many families are now effectively disconnecting their wireline connection. This has left some asking the question – with the ever-increasing use of the Smartphone is it worth having the traditional landline telephone? There are benefits to weigh when one is thinking about whether he or she should continue using a home phone or not.

Although many households have a mobile phone, there are several good reasons why you should keep your landline

During emergencies such as power outages, reliability is a crucial factor that needs to be considered by the users.

Although they have been gradually replaced by more modern types of home phones, such as mobile or IP phones, landline phones are notable for using their circuit and not being dependent on an external source of power. This means that one can still work during a power outage while a cell phone or VoIP internet service will fail. The use of a landline phone is useful in the event of a power outage or high congestion on the mobile networks since there is always assurance of accessing the emergency services. This makes the landlines extremely essential especially for emergency usage since the other side may not have a voice communication device.

Better Call Quality

In a traditional PSTN, which is the most common type of plain old telephone service, call quality surpasses that of cellular and VoIP. It eliminates disturbances such as signal interference, fading, or dropped calls commonly experienced with a wireless connection. Some reasons that may still make it necessary for individuals to keep a fixed line include those who need a clear voice for business communication or those with hearing impairments who may still find importance in keeping a fixed-line.

No Mobile Dead Zones

Signal quality can barely be good in some rural regions or even in some other parts of the house like in the basement or some part of the house. Currently, landlines give full coverage to the entire home as there are no question marks regarding service reception. A landline makes it possible to be sure that an important call will be received from any room and answered.

Bundled Service Discounts

Deals with phone companies often accompany a huge markdown on the specific service of a landline if bought with internet or cable TV services. This is because it may end up being cheaper to keep the landline than removing it from a bundle that may involve the use of other services. Haggling on prices based on the services received should also be taken into consideration when figuring out the costs.

Home Security Integration

Most home alarm and security systems can be programmed to dial out, through a fixed telephone line that is, when an intrusion is detected. it may still be necessary to go with the latter since in some cases especially when cellular options are available the landlines can be the most reliable when it comes to reaching out to emergency services or even sending out alerts. Slicing the landline would depend on rewiring and reprogramming an existing security system and upgrading it.

Why It May No Longer Be Necessary to Have a Home Phone Line

It also explains how Emergency Cell Phones are an Option.

This means that Cordless landline phones will not work in a power outage similar to cell phones. But, there are things like backup chargers and mobile batteries by which cell phones can be operated for days should power be out. A very basic option is that households can have an older cell phone charged for emergencies and exclusive use. Including such equipment in an emergency kit can help provide necessary backup without having to pay for another phone line.

Many Households Now Cellphone-Only

According to government statistics, about 58% of all American households have a cell phone and do not have any landline telephone. This means that although more and more networks are extending their mobile coverage and call quality is increasing, the condition for mobile-centric households is similar to having a landline on top of having mobile phones which is unbeneficial. Not many contacts even have a home phone now, so it’s not as valuable.

Its usage and costs can add up

It costs money to have an average of $20-30 monthly for the basic service, and that’s more than half a thousand dollars for the unused phone lines for several years. Other charges such as per-call charges like long-distance calling which have almost been done away with in cell tariffing schemes also stand to push up the cost. Having an unused landline sitting around, waiting to be ‘used’ becomes almost impossible to explain in terms of continual expense.

VoIP Landline Services Exist

This means that services such as Ooma and Vonage VoIP phone services enable consumers to eliminate traditional phone lines while maintaining similar services to a conventional landline. These systems offer customers a base station to hook phones/faxes and make/receive calls with the use of the internet. Several provide backup batteries to ensure uninterrupted service in case of power losses. VoIP provides all the functionality of a traditional landline connection for a cheaper price and also permits customers to transfer an existing phone number.

Mobile phones have become the universal gadget that can fulfill most of the needs that people have.

Some are connected by smartphones, tablets, cellular data mobile hotspots, and smart home devices, for effective communication on the cellular data networks fully a household is provided. The use itself decreases as more people do not own or use landlines to make calls as the prevalence of mobile devices grows within the region. Most of the ordinary wants can be met even without a telephone that is connected to the physical or landline.

Weighing Your Decision

When assessing whether they need to retain an old analog phone line or break free from it, households should consider several factors. The following considerations, among others, come into play: emergency preparedness needs, connection reliability demands, home security systems integration, bundled pricing, and home phone usage trends. Sometimes, the need to have a landline remains viable since it acts only as a backup in case of an emergency or access requirement. In particular, cellphone-dominant consumers may benefit from the termination of landline service, which may offer cost savings at the cost of a relatively insignificant loss of service. Understanding your specific communication requirements will assist in identifying whether it is worthwhile to continue making monthly payments towards the bill for a landline phone or if it is just an expense that is not necessary.