Just Cell Phones? Or Do You Still Need a Landline?

Cell phones have become more than mainstream; they’ve become a fixture in society. In fact the International Telecommunication Union estimates that mobile cellular subscriptions worldwide would reach approximately 4.6 billion by the end of 2009. And that doesn’t include the pay-as-you-go non-contract users.

With everyone and their brother walking around with a phone in their pocket, is there really a need for a landline phone? Here are some points to consider when making your decision.

• Getting rid of your home phone saves you money. This is the biggest reason to eliminate it. You’ll potentially save hundreds of dollars each month – particularly if you have unlimited minutes on your cell phone or are not much of a phone user.
• Generally, the monthly cost of a cell phone is less than the monthly cost of a landline, and it’s more convenient. Additionally, with so many cell phone providers including non-contract pay-as-you-go options, you have much more freedom to choose a plan that meets your financial, personal and even your professional needs. And many of the services you pay for with your home phone, like call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID and so on, come included in your cell phone contract.
• It might mean fewer unwanted calls. Generally, unless you make an effort to list your cell phone number in directories, you’re going to be unlisted. For many this is a benefit because it means sales people, politicians and other telemarketers will not have access to your number. It also means, however, that you’re going to have to make sure the people you want to have your telephone number have it, because they won’t be able to find you in the directory.
• Landline phones go out when your power goes out, so for most emergencies your cell phone is a better bet – as long as you keep it charged. That’s the one downside to a cell phone; they run out of battery and if this were to happen in an emergency it could cause trouble.
• Many people worry that when there’s an emergency, like a hurricane, that the cell phone system will be overloaded and they won’t be able to connect with loved ones. While this can happen, it’s more likely that the power would go out and your landline wouldn’t work either.
• The only potentially significant drawback to life without a landline is that cell phones don’t always have good reception.  If you’re going to live a cell phone-only lifestyle, it’s important to make sure the company you choose offers good service in the areas you frequent.

When it comes to getting rid of your landline, it all boils down to one basic decision. Is it worth the discomfort of not having one to save money each month? Assuming you already have a cell phone, the savings could be significant. If you don’t have a cell phone, compare the cost of a monthly contract and the convenience of having a phone with you at all times, with the cost of your home phone. You’ll likely find a cell phone is much less expensive on a monthly basis and the convenience is a bonus.

That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and Be Blessed!

P.S. Would you mind sharing this post with your friends? Please click on the social sharing buttons below. Thanks so much!