anyone without plain old telephone?

[singletrackmind]

The main thing I haven't liked about Virgin Mobile is the coverage area. I guess if I'm going to be carrying the stupid thing around I'd like to be able to call from most wherever I am. Not the case with this phone.

[crazybikinchic]

We got a landline for internet purposes only. We went to digital where we do not need a phone line, but have kept it. We only use it for faxing and keep it unplugged unless faxing. What is funny is that we have never given out that phone number and every time we have it plugged in, we always seem to get multiple sales calls. How is that?????

[bmccasland]

Natural disasters. After Katrina & Rita the digital towers went down. No one could call into the area codes for southern Louisiana and Mississippi. Now in some areas the land lines went down as well - knocked over by the storm surge or trees falling on the lines. While I was evacuated, I was "roaming" on my cell, so I could call out, but no one could call me. And then the towers would get clogged. Frankly I was happy no one could call me, gave me a modicum of control over my crazy life. But I couldn't reach anyone else (friends, colleagues) unless internet searches, gave me an alternate number to call. My land line was fully functional long before the cell towers were able to handle the load.

[NoNo]

I've been cell-only ever since I graduated from college 5 years ago. Didn't see the point, especially since I never came close to using my minutes, why should I pay for another line I wasn't going to use? Plus, the money had to go elsewhere. Now I don't even have internet at home. I suppose in an emergency situation a landline would be useful, but in CT you're never far from someone; I could always run upstairs and use my neighbor's phone if it were that urgent.

This just made me think, if we're planning for emergency situations, how many of you with landlines also have wired phones and not just cordless? Just occurred to me that those wouldn't be very useful if there's no power.

[SheFly]

This just made me think, if we're planning for emergency situations, how many of you with landlines also have wired phones and not just cordless? Just occurred to me that those wouldn't be very useful if there's no power.

I keep one (not plugged in) in my spare "everything that doesn't have a place goes here" room. My DH keeps telling me to get rid of it, but I work at home and have HAD to use it when the power has been out.

And just a note - even many of today's wired phones need power with caller id, built in answering machines, etc. Having an "antique" around in case of emergency isn't a bad idea!

SheFly

[bouncybouncy]

I have never had a landline....ever! (14 years on my own) Never saw the need to pay for 2 phones. We use cable internet...tried DSL for a year (hubby works from home via internet so it was important to compare the services between cable and phoneline) but we never plugged a phone in the wall (did not have one)

The only thing I would make sure before you go signing contracts is that your phone will work in your house!!! I have a couple of friends who just recently moved into a new house...both on the same provider...her phone works in certain sections of the house (eg: standing facing south in the east corner of the hallway)...meanwhile his phone does not work at all!!!! And supposedly this is the best provider in our town...haha...we have a different provider and seem to have great service everywhere...

[Cindyloo]

We have not had a land line in 4 years and don't miss it at all. I would second making sure that you have good coverage with the carrier though.

The only down side to having only a mobile is that there are fewer excuses for not answering the phone...."oh I wasn't home" just doesn't work. Of course I just make up something else!

[bouncybouncy]

The only down side to having only a mobile is that there are fewer excuses for not answering the phone...."oh I wasn't home" just doesn't work. Of course I just make up something else!

I don't feel the need to make up excuses (most of the time)...my family and friends just know that I am NOT a slave to my phone and will answer it when convenient. That is just how it is

...on the other hand; I have special rings for special people so I know who it is I am or am not answering the phone for without even looking...works well for those times your jersey pocket is ringing and you know you have to call Mom when you are finished with your ride...hehe

[Zen]

The only down side to having only a mobile is that there are fewer excuses for not answering the phone...."oh I wasn't home" just doesn't work. Of course I just make up something else!

"I was busy" is all they need to know. cell phones have voice mail too. I don't understand why people feel the absolutely have to answer the phone.

[Cindyloo]

The only down side to having only a mobile is that there are fewer excuses for not answering the phone...."oh I wasn't home" just doesn't work. Of course I just make up something else!

I guess I should clarify that it's only my mom that expects me to answer every time she calls...not that I do...hence the excuse to diffuse the guilt trip. I know, boundaries!

[Fredwina]

I've done it too.
Yes, make your phone will work where you want it to.
Virgin does have limited service
The other thing if they still are prepay is that you do have to buy airtime every so often to keep the phone in service
They're also a virtual Network, The actually use Sprint's network Sprint has a Prepay called Boost, and I've seen adds around town for MetroPCS for $35/month

[emily_in_nc]

This just made me think, if we're planning for emergency situations, how many of you with landlines also have wired phones and not just cordless? Just occurred to me that those wouldn't be very useful if there's no power.

Retrogrouch here -- wireline service with one cordless phone, two wired ones. And one cell phone.

We have to keep the wireline service since our DSL for internet is through the telephone company....we don't have cable modem out here in the sticks.

Emily

[smilingcat]

do you need an active land line for DSL?? I thought they just borrowed the telephone line.

meaning no telephone service and still have DSL. Don't tell me it ain't so...???

well that will be a major I'm not about to get cable modem satellite service. Haven't watched a TV program in like two maybe three years and I'm very happy. What I don't know can't hurt me. Ignorance is a bliss

now REALLY CONFUSED!!!
smilingcat

[jusdooit]

Ditto what Beth said earlier. I am in mid-Mississippi and after Katrina cell service was nearly impossible. The towers were completely jammed for weeks. I do have landline service and will retain it. 911 service is not available here for cell use.

SmilingCat, not sure about DSL. My DSL is through the local phone company and carrying an active phone service seems required. But I have the most inexpensive available.

[kat_h]

do you need an active land line for DSL?? I thought they just borrowed the telephone line.

meaning no telephone service and still have DSL. Don't tell me it ain't so...???

Check with your ISP. Where I am it costs $10 extra to get DSL if you don't also have a landline with the same company. They can do it though.