The Great Debate of LandLine Vs Cell Phones

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As more and more people buy cell phones, some question whether a landline connection is even necessary. After all, they seem to duplicate the function of cellular telephones. So, why pay for both? The fact is, there are a few important reasons you should maintain your residential landline home phone. Today, we’ll take a closer look at which telecommunication option is better: landline or cell phones. We’ll explore the issue from the perspective of making emergency calls, monthly costs, and environmental impacts. You may find that maintaining both options is not only convenient, but necessary.

The Emergency Call to 911

Many cellular service providers offer an emergency calling option. Known as Enhanced 911 (or simply, E911), the service connects your call to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The PSAP then routes your call to the appropriate party. On the surface, this sounds efficient enough. But, in order for the cellular provider to transfer your E911 call to the appropriate PSAP, it must have specific information on file. Without the proper information provided, the call may not be properly connected.

With a landline telephone, your 911 call is connected and the operator can trace your location. Even if you do not speak into the receiver, your home’s physical address can be routed to law enforcement, ambulance services, or a local fire station.

Creeping Cellular Expenses

Monthly cost is another factor to consider. When most people sign up for a cellular plan, they do so believing they will seldom, if ever, exceed their monthly allowable minutes. Actually millions of people already do this every month. Given the high cost (often, per-minute cellular charges can exceed $.40) and the fact the most people are unaware regarding the duration of their calls, the costs can skyrocket. Families with young adults who have their own cell phones can attest to the surprisingly high monthly bills.

A hardline residential phone plan often comes with unlimited local and long-distance calling privileges. With the exception of any out of the country calls, you will know before hand what your monthly telephone bill will be.

The Environmental Concerns

Corded hardline phones are more friendly to the environment. Granted, many people may feel this is an insignificant factor. But, consider that every cell phone manufactured uses a toxic battery. Millions of batteries are thrown away every year. They add up. For those who consider environmental friendliness a priority, a landline telephone (corded) is far easier to justify.

If you’re thinking about retiring your home landine telephone service, consider the factors above. To be sure, cell phones are more portable and therefore, more convenient. The cell phone 911 calls are less reliable than that of a landline call. Plus, the monthly costs and impact to the environment are greater than many people realize. With the advances of cell phone technology and the convenience factor, having an additional home landline phone still has a great value.

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