Ready to Cut the Cord on Your Phone? 3 Considerations Before Ditching Your Landline

Many households have decided to stop using landline phone service in favor of mobile or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service. Although mobile and VoIP devices are an excellent supplement or alternative to your existing landline phone, you need to think long and hard before disconnecting your current landline service and getting new telephones.

Emergency Preparedness

Unless you have a generator, going several hours or more without electricity could leave you without phone service. If you are using a VoIP service or your mobile phone as a landline replacement, make sure you have a fully charged backup battery at all times. In severe weather, satellites may go out, and copper phone lines are usually more stable than mobile communication. When it comes to emergencies, the benefits of a landline are often far superior than other forms of voice communication.

Most localities have landline phones connected to emergency dispatch centers. This allows the dispatcher to know the location of anyone calling for help from a landline, even if they are unable to communicate or may be in a position where they need to be quiet. Emergency responders can also use a reverse system to call a number if the person hangs up, but only from landlines.

Although technology has advanced for mobile phones and VoIP communications, most localities cannot accurately trace the location of the call. At best, emergency responders may be able to narrow down the location of the call within several miles. If you or a loved one has substantial limitations or health problems, the extra security of a landline phone is critical for safety.

Service Quality

If you are considering swapping your landline for VoIP service, call quality can be a factor. Just because your VoIP service offers excellent quality does not mean your computer or internet connection will produce the same results. If you will utilize VoIP service through your computer, having a slower processor or memory can impede performance. Some VoIP services require a special phone connected directly to your modem, which is usually a better option if you have an older computer.

Remember, if you currently have DSL, you need a traditional phone line for your internet connection to work. You will have to change the type of internet you use if you want to stop landline service. When considering the quality of VoIP, you will benefit from the speed and reliability of fiber optic or cable internet.

Costs

The costs of keeping your landline can be a mitigating factor. If having a home phone is not essential and you only want the option for occasional calls, using a free or inexpensive VoIP service through your computer can be a suitable option when combined with your mobile phone. You can have calls forwarded to your mobile phone when you are away from home and use a wireless headset to take calls when you are at home, without being tethered to your computer.

When you consider the cost of keeping your landline, your decision may depend on the internet service you use. For example, if you have satellite internet, a landline or mobile phone might be less expensive than the cost of extra data for using VoIP. However, unlimited cable or fiber optic internet can make a landline phone an unnecessary expense.

If you are hesitant to stop your landline service, stick with a barebones plan. The monthly cost of landline service may be even less if you currently have internet, television or mobile phone service from the same company and can bundle features.

Both mobile and VoIP service are a useful supplement or alternative to your existing landline phone service. Before you cut the cord on your landline phone, you should consider which voice communication service or combination of services works for your budget and needs.