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The slow death of landline phones

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Jamie
(@jamie)
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Thought this was an interesting article

http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8355504.stm


   
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(@Anonymous)
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Nice read, Jamie, thx!

I cut the cord a year ago. My land-line cost $65USD per month for an expanded local area plan and dial-up Internet access. Add in another $27USD for alarm-system monitoring… that was almost $100USD a month for a wired phone that I only used for Internet connections at a moribund 56K speed. In fact, I live in a rural area with an outdated telephone network. I never got more than a 40K connection.

I was able to tether my LG phone through Sprint until a month ago, when they, in their words to me, "plugged that leak." I now use a Verizon Wireless USB dongle.

The only downside is the 5GB monthly cap they place on me.

roll


   
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jhup
 jhup
(@jhup)
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Joined: 16 years ago
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I am torn between getting a land line or not…

Land lines can be used even when power is out, as telcos supply power.

Is this the case with cell towers too?


   
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(@ba2llb)
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Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 38
 

I am torn between getting a land line or not…

Land lines can be used even when power is out, as telcos supply power.

Is this the case with cell towers too?

Most cellular carriers do not provide battery power backup for the towers. It should be mandated given the pervasiveness of wireless devices on their networks.


   
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(@trewmte)
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Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 1877
 

I am torn between getting a land line or not…

Land lines can be used even when power is out, as telcos supply power.

Is this the case with cell towers too?

As I understand it, in most cases an emergency service is in place. Who can use that service though is another matter. Some sites do have emergency power back up also. I suspect most BTS whether ground based or roof-top mounted would not sustain the force of an earthquake etc.

From a national emergency contingency viewpoint satellite communications would be an obvious choice for parallel back up services. Also amateur radio and morse code can be useful for emergencies too.

I don't believe though landlines will go entirely out of fashion as there is too much copper cable out there that can provide suitable communications for many residents/*businesses who do not want mobile communicatiions as their first communications system. *Telecommunications management policy wouldn't support the contingency of one type of communications medium being used for business - too risky. Additionally, we are now seeing a revival of telex (80-0-80); the Maltese Cross still has a value in creating contracts.


   
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(@dongleboy)
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Joined: 16 years ago
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Landlines will not become obsolete for some time yet wherever there is poor cellular coverage because of a lack of population, or obstacles in the path - be it huge roadsigns or mountains!


   
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(@mark915)
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Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 8
 

Landlines will not become obsolete for some time yet wherever there is poor cellular coverage because of a lack of population, or obstacles in the path - be it huge roadsigns or mountains!

4G networks should be up within the next year or two. From what I've read, due to the fact that they operate in the 700Mhz spectrum, coverage should be provided in 100% of the continental US. I suspect as 700Mhz coverage goes out over the world, land lines will have another reason to finally go away…. or at least be used much less.

Also… Even the landlines go to electronic switches. So, in the event of a power outage if you have a landline, you are at the mercy of the UPS that runs the switches. If you have wireless, you are at the mercy of the UPS on the cell tower.

There are two reasons I have kept my land line.
1) Cell phones cannot accept collect calls, and the only way my father can reach me is via collect calls.
2) My home alarm requires a landline. Maybe there is a way to make is cellular, but since I need the landline for collect calls, I've kept it. Actually, a cell signal on the security system would prob be better now that I think about it.


   
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Wardy
(@wardy)
Estimable Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 149
 

I'll be keeping a land line for many years to come. I simply do not get enough minutes talk time on my mobile contract. Not only that, it doesn't run out of battery!!!!


   
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(@rich2005)
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Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 541
 

Haven't had a landline for over 6 or 7 years. (only currently do as its the only way i can get broadband - no cable coverage here, wouldn't otherwise)


   
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(@mark915)
Active Member
Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 8
 

Another applicable article..

http//arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/12/fcc-plans-for-death-of-circuit-switched-phone-networks.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss


   
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