Have you given up your landline?
A growing number of Americans are getting rid of their old telephones and using only cellphones — a trend being led not by the high-tech elite but by people in poorer states as a way to save money, Associated Press reports.
Government estimates released Wednesday show at least 30 percent of adults in 10 states rely entirely on cellphones, with the highest percentage in Arkansas and Mississippi, where many cannot afford to pay for two separate lines, AP writes.
Wealthier households have been slower to use wireless technology as their sole means of making calls, AP reports.
Rich or poor, have you given up your landline? If so, what has been your experience? Any regrets?
If you have not, are you considering it? Why or why not?
- Henry Unger, The Biz Beat
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
75 comments Add your comment
RJH
April 21st, 2011
10:58 am
Cellphones are more like computers than ever, with similar vulnerabilities, many of which rely on user actions. And all of those bad things on the Web now have a new target as these mobile devices surf the Internet.
If somebody can send you an e-mail or a text message or a Facebook message or some sort of message with a link in it, and then you can click on that link and open up a browser page within some sort of portable device or mobile device, you’re subject to the same type of risks.
Experts say users have to balance functionality and risk. You should keep phones updated with the latest software and security patches. Though caution is in order, the tidal wave of mobile attacks isn’t here. Yet. I think the sense that we all have is we’re just waiting for the floodgates to open.
Bottom line is, it is more expensive to have and maintain a cellphone than a landline. I think there is alot of sensitive information that many feel more secure with keeping their landline. Maybe this is why the wealthy are hesitant to give them up.
Most criminal and cheters are caught with info gathered from cellphone records. Cellphone are not and never will be as secure as you think.
Bobby
April 21st, 2011
11:00 am
You (do not) need a land land for your Security System
EMC Security, one of the leading security providers in GA has a wireless system. Many college kids use this type system.
Mary
April 21st, 2011
11:10 am
I don’t have a land line, and I have ADT Security hooked up. They have a new system that lets cell phone users have security hook up.
MA
April 21st, 2011
12:08 pm
I’ve been without a land line since 2003 and have not missed it. The only calls I received on it were telemarketers, surveyors and middle-of-the-night drunk dials.
Last Word
April 21st, 2011
12:08 pm
Only drawbacks that we’ve found (so far) are:
- No listing in phone book or directory assistance;
- Correctly routed 911 calls a gamble (GPS feature on cell a must);
- No one-button ordering of movies on satellite system (must dial 800#); and
- my kids never put the dang thing back on the base (where it belongs)!!
jtom
April 21st, 2011
12:16 pm
Ported my landline number over to a cell phone last month and ditched the landline. If you are going to have a cell phone anyway, consider that you don’t have to worry about what phone to use for long distance, you don’t have to fool with an answering machine, or pay extra for voice mail and caller ID.
No problems and very convenient. It’s easy to add the number and caller when someone calls (e.g., “telemarketer”, so you know never to answer that number again). I can also totally ignore “restricted” numbers. If they don’t leave a voice mail, they’ll never reach me.
Power outages shouldn’t be a concern. Many of us already have a UPS for our computers that could be used to recharge cells. Otherwise, get a car adapter. If your power is out for so long that you lose communications, then you likely have more significant problems to contend with!
Finally, if you really don’t want to give up those extension phones all over the house, consider getting a bluetooth cell to home phone connection system (try Amazon.com). For under forty bucks you can get a device that connects up to your cell phone wirelessly via bluetooth, and plugs into your home wiring. It will make all the wired phones in your house look like extension phones, but uses your cell service (both incoming and outgoing calls – it will ring all your phones). Be sure to disconnect your home wiring from the old outside telephone lines in the box on the outside of your house.
Cornelia
April 21st, 2011
1:05 pm
AT & T’s rates are much too high for even the average person to own a landline. I have a cell phone and will ditch the landline by the end of the year.
Enyap Emearg
April 21st, 2011
1:09 pm
I have been a land line customer for over 40 years – since back when there was only ONE phone company in the country, you could not have a personal answering machine, every telephone had a dial on it and a wire attached to it, there was a pay telephone booth on practically every corner (and a call cost a dime), and the newest innovation that AT&T demonstrated at the World’s Fair in New York was something called “Touch Tone” on a push button phone.
I still have a land line for several reasons (below). The traditional telephone company line is the main definition of “land line”, but now I also include VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) services as well. They require an Internet connection, and the best way to get that is still from the telephone company (DSL) or your local cable TV monopoly. (VOIP services include Vonage, Magic Jack, Skype, and others.)
A land line is always more reliable than a cell phone, especially in diaster situations. During and after Hurricane Hugo in Charleston (September 1989) we were without electricity for two weeks, but the telephone always worked perfectly. During and after Hurricane Katrina, most cell phone towers did not work because the eletronics buildings on the ground were flooded with salt water – and it took months to replace them.
A land line is required for services such as security alarms, fax machines, some TV-related services, certain medical devices and more. (However, security alarms can now include a cell phone, provided you pay for the additional line of course.)
A land line phone number is published in directories – sometimes helpful. Cell phone numbers are not.
However, I AM considering dropping the traditional phone company as a land line provider. I already use a Vonage VOIP system for my business line, coming in over the DSL Internet connection (from the phone company!) I’m thinking of doing the same for the home number. If I do, the only things left on the AT&T bill will be DSL and my wife’s simple talk-only cell phone (because my BlackBerry will be changed to Verizon by next week.)
Lesson to companies of every type: if you provide lousy service at outrageous rates, and you have any competition, even your most loyal customers will eventually leave for better treatment and service at lower cost.
SBinF
April 21st, 2011
1:43 pm
I’m 28 and have never maintained a land line. I received a cell phone junior or senior year high school and that’s been my primary contact since. I think land lines are a bit of a relic. Older folks love them, but I am pressed to think of any of my friends who have a land line.
Zach
April 21st, 2011
2:11 pm
No land line since 2004 and not missed. Sorry I waited as long as I did, never liked the attitude and service (?) from BellSouth / ATT. The day I cut the cord was a celebration. I urge all my friends to do the same.
tl
April 21st, 2011
2:19 pm
Stuck with the land line till next February when my brother gets out of prison. Not only will I save $$ on the LL, I’ll also have an extra $120 a month that I’ve been sending him to survive on. I don’t understand why as of yet prisoners can’t call a cell phone!
DJ
April 21st, 2011
2:21 pm
Land lines are a waste of money these days. The only calls I ever got were from unwanted solicitors. Who wants to pay someone so they can try and sell you worthless stuff! Not me.
Gloria
April 21st, 2011
2:30 pm
Landline through Comcast bundle because I have such poor cell phone reception in my neighborhood. Switched to Comcast bundle about 3 years ago and wish I had just stayed with AT&T for land line as my phone is now out as much as the cable is. Once I move I will ditch both comcast and the landline.
pj
April 21st, 2011
2:33 pm
I still have mine. I used to clean houses, and when one of my clients dropped theirs (before I had a cell phone), it freaked me out to be in the house and have no way to make an emergency call if necessary. I don’t want/have tv, so I can’t bundle it with that. Didn’t know you could get just a cable modem for high speed internet – how do you do that? I am “working poor,”; I prefer to spend less on cell phone than drop land line; I have a net10 and don’t text; I end up spending about 10.00 per month; my daughter has 45.00 unlimited straight talk. total between cell and landlines is less that most people spend on one.
exnuyawker
April 21st, 2011
2:50 pm
security systems dont need a land line anymore. Install a router to your home internet. Still cheaper then a land line.
Daniel
April 21st, 2011
2:51 pm
Dumped ours 7 years ago. It was a wasted expense that we never used. And we’re not in the poor category, just savings where we can. Why get a landline is you never use it? 911 service is still provided, and it’s free! And you don’t need it for your security system. You can buy a converter (sometimes free from the security firm) that will allow it to use a wireless or cellphone.
Comfortably Well Off
April 21st, 2011
3:17 pm
It has nothing to do with wealth. I got fed up years ago with the lame lies, bogus billing, and anti-customer policies of AT&T / Bellsouth, and switched all of my office and home phones to VoIP. Just in case the electricity / internet goes out, the calls are forwarded to my mobile phone. NO PROBLEMS – EVER!
What you are witnessing are people who are taking a stand against a horrible company who ripped their own customers off and lied about it. The AT&T stategy meetings only concern how much more they can `bundle` or charge their customers before the customer refuses to do business with them.
Now, “the people” have better, more affordable options, such as Smart Phones with internet connections and long distance. VoIP service includes international long distance calling, and extensive features such a transcribed emails delivered to you inbox at no additional charge.
AT&T was not only lousey at customer service, they also earned an F- grade in innovation and advanced technology. Even after the government penalized, santioned, and required AT&T to compensate for cheating customers by providing certain services at a specified price, the buzzards refused to do it.
Spank them with your wallet and seek better service….then you will enjoy the benefits of more highly evolved and innovative phone companies.
TnGelding
April 21st, 2011
3:32 pm
No, never!
Mike Eley
April 22nd, 2011
8:59 am
Gave it up probably seven or eight years ago.
Atlanta 1
April 22nd, 2011
2:51 pm
Gave it up a couple of months ago.
Only negative – is that my wife or I have to make sure that one of our mobile phones are on all night – in case of an emergency. That’s about it.
We sent out an email laying out each family members mobile number and we have addressed with with various businesses – doctors offices, etc. as the need has arised.
Upside – no phone solicitors – at least not yet.
Atlanta 1
April 22nd, 2011
2:53 pm
Add to this.
Security System works off a different system – no issue.
Savings is around $500.00 a year.
It was a complete waste of money. Should have done this two/three years ago. Kept telling myself that I would get around to it.
Shudow7071
April 23rd, 2011
7:41 am
Wo Nelly there big fellow! I say bring back the pay phone….at 10 cents per call…ya Martha, can I have Tyler 8-7-100 please!!!
Bob Decker
April 26th, 2011
7:03 am
I would have gotten rid of my landline years ago if it were not for my fax machine, but now I use e-fax from my computer, so its gone. Who still has a rotary phone out there??? LOL
Dee
April 26th, 2011
1:02 pm
Got rid of it and never missed it. God knows I don’t miss the telemarketers! I’m getting ready to get rid of the cable because the older I get, the less I’m inclined to want to watch tv. Like most of the other posters, my security system was switched to the cellular “whatever” so the landline was totally unnecessary.
Me
April 26th, 2011
1:34 pm
Let my home phone go a few months ago..didn’t really need it..besides everyone calls me on my celly