Using a cell phone only and dropping the landline

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 05 2005 Posts: 3526

Has anyone dropped their landline to use cell phones only? What are the advantages and disadvantages of not having a landline? I'm not so comfortable with dropping the landline but dh thinks we should consider it. I'm curious to hear from those that have done it. If you are happy with the decision, etc.

Executive Member Joined: Jul 13 2010 Posts: 401

heard of plently of ppl that do that - they start with only cells not for me though thanks

Silver Member Joined: Jan 19 2009 Posts: 623

We dropped the landline about a year after we got married. We were hardly home and whoever wanted to reach us called our cell anyway. It wasn't worth paying our monthly phone bill for mostly telemarketers. The downside is I can sometimes misplace my cell when at home and in case of emergency I might not find it. I try keeping an extra cell in a secure place for that reason and there is always my neighbor. Just to point out I'm not a phone person and don't use my phone often to chat.

One thing to consider is the internet (if you have/need it in the house). If you drop the landline you will need alternative internet connection set up.

Silver Member Joined: Jan 19 2009 Posts: 623

I have internet on my phone and can use my cell line to connect with a computer when I need to.

Diamond Member Joined: Nov 30 2009 Posts: 4943

we only have cell phones and never got a landline. our plan is pretty good (free incoming; free nights(nights start at 7) and weekends) so we dont need it yet. we do plan on getting a land line once we have kids in school or if we get a worse cell phone plan etc....

Silver Member Joined: Aug 08 2010 Posts: 796

We only have cells. The solution is to also have an extra line as your "house" line and always leave it plugged into the same place. Its much cheaper than a separate line.

Silver Member Joined: May 12 2008 Posts: 500

I havent had a landline in 4 years. we only ever used it to call toll free numbers during the day. then we paid a little extra to have "nights" start earlier on the cell and have been happily land-line free ever since

Posted: Thu, Feb 03 2011, 4:42 pm Post subject:

My sister and BIL only have a cell phone. Drives me batty. My long distance plan doesn't include cellular numbers, so calling them is remarkably expensive!
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Executive Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 433

In an emergency call, a landline is much more traceable - they can get right to the house - I don't think they have the same accuracy with a cell phone, and certainly not with voice over IP.

No thanks. For price, quality and "normalcy" reasons.
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Platinum Member Joined: Nov 01 2009 Posts: 8303

Before we moved into a house, we didn't have a landline. I think I was 4 years free from a landline?

I feel like a house sort of needs it. But if its becoming a burden, or is an easy way to save money for you, go for it!

Keep in mind you may need to increase your plan to keep up with usage.

Do you have kids who use the phone yet?
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Platinum Member Joined: Mar 24 2008 Posts: 6528

I would be concerned regarding 911. When you call from a landline its much more traceable. (like if ch'v your child calls for an emergency but can't give enough info)

Also, what to do you do when you have a babysitter? do you leave her a cell phone?

Gold Member Joined: Feb 24 2009 Posts: 1989

Most babysitters these days (or anyone) has a cell phone. We haven't had a landline for over two years. Not worth paying the extra money to install it and the monthly fee on top of our cell phones. We just upgraded our cell phones to more minutes, plus we have about 10 numbers that we can call unlimited and we never even go over our minutes anyways so works for us.

Platinum Member Joined: Feb 20 2009 Posts: 7953

There was a period of time when we didn't have a landline. We ultimately reinstated it for two reasons:

1 the babysitter sometimes forgot to bring her cell, or it died. This made me feel very unsafe in the case of a possible emergency. Also, it was ridiculous for me to have no way of reaching her in my home.

2 we were unhappy with our internet service. When we researched different options with other carriers, it turned out that the cheapest option included landline service.

Silver Member Joined: Jun 21 2010 Posts: 848

We only have cell phones and I don't miss the lanline. We have good plans with plenty of minutes and we never go over. My babysitter has a cell phone and I've never had a problem reaching her. If I had a babysitter with an unreliable cell phone then I would need to put in a landline but so far it hasn't been an issue. I understand the calling 911 concerns but even if I would get a landline it would only be in the kitchen and if c'v there was an emergency I would call from whichever phone was closest which would prob be my cell phone becasue it's usually on me.

Posted: Fri, Feb 04 2011, 11:57 am Post subject:

I am always tempted but scared to do it.
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Platinum Member Joined: Apr 12 2010 Posts: 5882

We never had a phone line, we dont need it right now.
we both have cells, free text and free calls all the time.
For family calling me, calling a cell is same as landline in the states. The only annoying thing is calling out, we need a phonecard etc

I suppose once kids come along and were home more often and we can afford it, we'll invest in a phone line.
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Platinum Member Joined: Jan 01 2006 Posts: 48223

I don't carry a cell so I need it. Anyway, as stated before, it comes in some cable packages.

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 01 2005 Posts: 17094

not a good idea... you have to keep recharging it all the time, sometimes cell service is out, etc. what if you want to make a phone call where you and dh or someone else should both be listening? I would feel vulnerable without a landline.
I am the opposite. I use MOSTLy my landline. my cell is only for when I'm running errands or traveling.
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