Do you still need a landline?
<p>Almost everyone has a mobile phone these days. From school kids to great grandparents and everyone in between, we’ve become an increasingly mobile society. And why not? Mobile phone technology has come on in leaps and bounds and with increased reliability and coverage it may seem logical that there’s no longer any need for a landline. While this might be the case for some people, there are a few reasons why you might want to keep yours for a little longer.</p>
<ol>
<li>Emergency services can locate your house much more easily using a landline phone.</li>
<li>Call costs are often cheaper especially for local calls.</li>
<li>Internet access. If you download large amounts of data your wireless Internet might be sluggish and end up costing a significant amount of money. Phone line rental can end up being a cheaper option.</li>
<li>If you use a fax machine you’ll always need a landline.</li>
<li>Mobile phones in certain areas can be notoriously patchy. A landline generally doesn’t have this issue.</li>
</ol>
<p>If you’re someone who requires the above, keeping a landline might be in your best interests. An alternative to having a landline is something called a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which allows users to make calls over the internet very cheaply. The downside to this service is reliability issues centering on call connection and quality.</p>
<p>Another option that can be useful is Skype, which allows you to make long distance and local calls as well as video chat with friends and loved ones. Before deciding what to do with your landline, consider how many long distance calls you make, how heavy your Internet usage is and what the reliability of your mobile network is like. This can help you make the best and most cost effective decision.</p>
<p>Do you still have a landline installed in your home? Why or why not? Share your reasons in the comments below.</p>
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