Cutting the land line

[Wes]

I'm contemplating going totally cellular at my house and getting rid of my land-based phone line. Anyone else do this? I don't need it for DSL (I'm on a cable modem), I don't need it for satellite (I don't buy pay-per-view movies, plus I haven't had a phone line plugged into my satellite box for years), and I can't think of anything else that might be impacted. What are some of the pros and cons that you can think of?

[jeffkohn]

My monitored alarm system requires a land-line (which is also why I've never considered going with the cable-co phone service).

But I guess if you don't have a monitored alarm and you don't mind the fact that a cel phone is less reliable and provides a lower quality signal, then go for it.

But also consider, do you really want to start giving out your cel # for every company you do business with that requires a phone#? Do you really want these people calling and leaving messages on your cel phone instead of the home phone#?

[Wes]

Hadn't thought about the alarm thing. I'll have to mull that one over. I suspect, however, that with a lot of people doing the same thing that I'm considering the alarm company is going to have a workaround in order to still get my money.

As for the quality of signal, I have great reception at my house. When I talk to people over my cell phone (I have the Samsung Blackjack) it sounds like they're on a land line, and they often tell me that I sound like I'm on one, too.

As for giving out the cell number, I add another cell phone to our plan and just leave it at home. It would be for times when we have relatives over who don't have a cell phone so that they could still reach us.

One other drawback of not having a land line is not being able to have multiple people on different phones in the house. We often do that. My wife will be on one phone and I'll be on another so we can both talk to someone on the other end.

Good thoughts, though. Keep 'em coming!

[ShutteredEye]

I've been without a land line for 8 years. Only time i've wished for one has been when i've needed to fax things.

[MRCPix]

have not had a land line for years and don't miss it

[CallMeAl]

The advantage of having your address pull up on the 911 screen should you ever need to use 911 should be considered also. Sure you can always have your cell phone with you, but you might not always be able to talk in the case of an emergency. Just something to think about.

[Torrey]

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

My monitored alarm system requires a land-line (which is also why I've never considered going with the cable-co phone service).

Some alarm companies will let you use cell phones, they just charge extra. From what I understand, cable phones are treated the same as land-lines from the alarm company's perspective...at least that's what I've been told in passing. With the phone-cable modem, you can either plug the phone directly into the modem, or plug the modem into your wall telephone outlet and use any other telephone outlet in your house to connect a phone as long as it's on the same line as the modem line.

[hitec4you]

The newer phones 911 can locate you if you have that option turned on, on your cell phone. But I have been without a land line for 5 years. Love it.

[Ropinamoment]

Craig has a very good point, specially if you have kids too.

Are you going to be on a CDMA system or a GSM system. If it's a CDMA, like Sprint, then if your phone breaks, you have have to call in and have the number switched to another phone. If it's GSM, then you just pop the card out and put it in a spare.

I have lots of customers that only have cellphones. It works for them. It wouldn't work for us cause our cell service is horrible at our house and it's manditory with my husbands company to have a land line phone.

[Wes]

Wow! Great info, folks. As for what kind of system I'm on, I'm not sure. I'm with Cingular. Is that GSM?

[Daniel Bates]

I'm landlineless with Cingular - no problems here. I like having my phone on my person instead of in the other room.

[Ropinamoment]

Originally Posted by Wes

Wow! Great info, folks. As for what kind of system I'm on, I'm not sure. I'm with Cingular. Is that GSM?

Yes, Cingular is GSM.

[Bartman01]

One thing to consider:

If/when (here in Houston it is just a question of when) the power goes out for an extended period of time (post hurricane, ice storm, etc.), how important is it to have phone access?

I keep a couple of old phones around, and have never not been able to get a dial tone from my land line. Cell phones and VOIP require power or batteries, and they also require your provider to have their infrastructure up and running. Cell systems quickly get overloaded, and that battery backup for your VOIP only lasts a few hours at best if your cable is even operational.

[Terrancelee]

Haven't had a landline since moving to TX 2 years ago. Simply no need.

You don't have to have a land line for your alarm. They make adapters for cellular service. Not sure about VoiP, since that wasn't an option back in 2000 when I was installing alarm systems. Given the popularity of it today, I'm quite sure you should be able to get one by now, as well.

Now, if you're really concerned about the ability to "always have service", keep your POTS. Very rarely will the plain old telephone service fail. Doesn't need batteries, electricity, signal strength, etc .. As for me, I simply don't worry about it and am happy not having a landline.

[babybluetx23]

I cut the landline 3 years ago, HOWEVER I went with Voice over IP service with Sunrocket. I love it! Its 199 a year and I havent looked back since. I have cable tv and cable modem at my house. Plus we keep the cell phones as well. We get a discount on the cell service since Hubby works for Verizon. The VOIP Is nice since I can take it anywhere if I wanted to, Plus I can have up to three local numbers and any virtual numbers that I want (Such as a new york number or a florida number, ect) as long as it is an area that can be serviced by E911 services. We have family in Charleston SC. I Thought about getting a virtual number in their area that way they dont have to pay long distance charges to call us.