As cell phone usage continues to spread, more and more Americans are rarely, if ever, talking on landlines anymore. According to a new study, 3 out of 10 homes in the country are virtually completely relying on cell phones.Cell phones are definitely more convenient, and the more we use them, the more we want to put the days of landlines in our past. According to the study, 16 percent of all homes in the country did not even have a landline installed during the second half of last year.
In addition to the 16 percent of homes that did not even have a landline, 13% of homes in the country had landlines, but reportedly never use them. For the most part, these lines are used exclusively for computers, or to have in the case of an emergency. Whenever you need to call an emergency service number it is advisable to use a landline, because it makes it much easier to identify your location.
Lower income families are reportedly much more likely to have cell phones only in their homes, as are houses where the home is shared by unrelated roommates. Age seems to play a role, as about a third of all people under the age of 30 are likely to only have a cell phone in their home. Older people typically tend to keep the landline, possibly just out of habit, and what they have always been used to having in their homes.
I am in my mid 30s and can still remember the days before cell phones. It is hard to remember the times when you would have to actually pull over and use a pay phone if you needed to make a call while you were out with your friends. I am pretty much addicted to the cell phone these days, and doubt I would ever opt to use a landline in its place again.
What is your experience? Do you have a landline in your house now? Do you use it? What about those of you with both landlines and cell phones... if you are sitting on your couch and need to call your friend, which phone will you likely pick up, your cell phone, or the landline?
Michael Fowlkes has worked as a stock trader for seven years and spent the last four years working as an analyst for the online investment advisory service Investor's Observer.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-15-2008 @ 3:18PM
Warren said...
It's all cell phones and wireless networking at my house. Haven't had a land line for 6 years now and have never had a need for one.
5-15-2008 @ 5:13PM
jojo said...
Landlines are more secure, but they are missing the boat by not competing with VoIP companies which are also becoming a popular substitute for a landline.
As for my cellphone, I gave it up two years ago and don't miss it a bit! It's GREAT to not be so available to people all the time!