anyone without plain old telephone?

**NoNo** · 03-07-2008, 04:45 AM

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** · 03-07-2008, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by NoNo

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** · 03-07-2008, 05:22 AM

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** · 03-07-2008, 05:42 AM

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** · 03-07-2008, 06:26 AM

Originally Posted by 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 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

**Starfish** · 03-07-2008, 06:37 AM

Another wireless-only person here. I like having one phone only. I like not getting sales calls, and it is just simple to have the one wireless phone.

I don't feel obligated to answer the phone if it rings...in fact, with wireless, people never know where you might be...so I feel that it causes fewer assumptions about whether or not I can answer at any given time.

People don't know if I'm at home, in the gym, on a date, at my office, in a meeting, at the movies...etc. I have had some friends worry at first about calling me too late, and I just make it clear that if I have gone to bed or am not available, I simply turn the phone or ringer off. They know I don't always answer.

**Zen** · 03-07-2008, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by 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 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.

**Grog** · 03-07-2008, 08:41 AM

I had only a cell phone for my first two years after moving here in Vancouver, but I got frustrated with it. I find it uncomfortable for longer conversations, and the connection was not as top notch as I would have wanted. So we got a Vonage phone now, which is pretty cheap. (We have built-in high speed internet in our building.) It also wouldn't work in the event of a power down, though.

I very seldom pick up the phone. I can remain seated with not a twitch in my body as it rings... I've been raised on email, to which I can reply when I want. I feel the same about the phone.

**DebW** · 03-07-2008, 08:55 AM

I keep at least one hard-wired land line phone because the wireless land lines are no good in a power outage. A cell phone would work until you ran out of battery power, and if the power goes out just before your phone needs a recharge you'd be stuck. I babysit for a friend who has no land line, and have to be sure and bring my cell phone well-charged lest I end up with an emergency and no phone, or in case she wants to call me to check on the kids and panics. You can tell I'm still getting used to cell phones.

**NoNo** · 03-07-2008, 09:02 AM

That's why I have a charger in the car

**Zen** · 03-07-2008, 09:03 AM

I have some working rotary phones.

**Cindyloo** · 03-07-2008, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by 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** · 03-07-2008, 05:44 AM

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** · 03-07-2008, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by NoNo

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** · 03-07-2008, 05:13 PM

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

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