Landline, mobile phone or both?

In the early 90s, it would have been surprising to think that someday a majority of people would use mobile phones as their one and only telephone. But a recent study from Harris Interactive shows that it's starting to happen. In fact, one in seven adults use only a cell phone. This trend is increasing across all age groups, not just in the younger population who grew up using mobile phones.

But there are still a number of reasons people still use landlines, including the annoying fact that mobile phones are more likely to drop calls indoors. Another Harris study shows that 27% of mobile phone users would get rid of their landline and use only their mobile phone if they could get better reception indoors.

A technology that has recently been adopted and considered by cell phone carriers is femtocells, which act like signal boosters for your mobile phone so you can get stronger reception in your home. Sprint and Verizon Wireless have gone as far as offering incentive calling plans to encourage customers to use them. Treonauts and TreoCentral have more insight on some of the advantages and disadvantages of femtocells.

Are you using femtocells? Do they work for you?

-Paul Loeffler

Comments

[Roger]

I turned off my landline about 6 months ago. Only seemed to get sales calls and wrong numbers.

HOWEVER, one hassle I didn't expect: Noone has a way to look up your cell phone number. So, if someone is trying to get in touch with you (legitimately), they have no way to do so by phone.

Someone is going to find a way to provide that needed service eventually, hopefully.

As far as femtocells, I needed that about 3 years ago, but since then the signal has been fine, so assume they installed an additional tower close to my residence.

Roger

[r]

I dropped my phone line at home about 8 years ago. The only reason someone might keep a hard line is to use as a fax line.

[Branedy]

Voice is not the only reason for a land line as DSL is usually on the same line, and voice is now more or less a 'feature' of broadband.

[LaughingVulcan]

Not using femtocells here, as we get perfectly fine reception all through our apartment. I would have loved one three years ago when I lived in the country, but instead I switched cell carriers to one with better signal.

And about 4 years now of cell-only, no landline. (Though I use a separate cellphone and a T|X for my PDA - and no intent to get a smartphone for various reasons.)

Replying to the above, I don't need DSL because I use Cable.

[Christina]

I get terrible reception at home. It's good in other places inside. Does anyone know why I can get good reception indoors in some places and not others. Does anyone know if Altell will be providing femtocells to customers?

[Quentin Silvand]

At home, we never use the landline and only seem to receive sales calls. But I still like to have it as a back-up in case my mobile phone is lost or stollen. Has someone pointed out earlier, it is also attached to our broadband.
My Treo 750 never dropped reception indoor unless I am in a basement with no windows.

[smart]

We all have to remember in case of a national emergency... a black out or whatever -- landlines STILL WORK! So get the crappiest cheapest service for landline as you can, no three way no nothing, at least it's still there in case of an emergency. [and home phones through the internet is JUST as stupid]

[oyunlar]

thanks you all

[Mark Bradshaw]

I had a cell phone for one month last June. It was fun to play with, but our budget is pretty tight and I couldn't see spending $600 a year for an amusement. My wife doesn't have one either, and suggested we not keep mine, and I agreed. The status of a carrying a cell phone isn't important, and I can always call people from my home phone or a phone at my desk at work. We have two young children, have a lot going on, but really don't see the need to be calling people all the time. I have a desk job sitting at a computer 90% of the time, anyone can dial 10 digits and reach me there or leave a message for me to return their call. At home, we have caller ID and so aren't bothered by solicitors, we simply don't answer if we don't want to. A lot of the cell phone conversations I overhear are of a casual, personal nature discussing trivial matters. Now, if I had a business where I needed to be in touch with clients and staff 24/7, or I traveled even a little, of course a cell phone would make sense, but like many people I'm just an employee of a corporation. At 4:30 PM I go home and help raise my kids. I'm back at work by 7:00 AM and put in a full, busy day, with lots of phone and face to face meetings. I tell you, it is great not being at everyone's beck and call through an electronic leash! I'm thankful for my Palm though. Most of my communication with others is through email or in person at the pub.