It's time to dump your land line
I'm assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that most of you have cell phones. If that is true and you still have a land line, here are two good reasons to disconnect.
Rates in California could go up as much as 30% next year and another 23% in 2010, according to an LA Times story.
"The Public Utilities Commission voted Thursday to approve increases of as much as $3.25 a month beginning in January 2009 for the four major phone companies," the story says.
It's part of a move to deregulate land line business. Of course, if you do not have a cell phone, a having just a land line may be cheaper.
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Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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If you eliminate your land line, be sure to program your local police department's emergency phone number (not 911, the direct line) into your cell phone.
Dialing 911 from a cell phone automatically goes to CHP where you will likely be put on hold; once your call is answered, you will have to state your location and the call will be transferred to your local police or fire department. This creates a lot of time delay--something you want to avoid if you need emergency services.
another problem: if you are taken suddenly sick and dial 911 from your landline for an ambulance, even if you cant talk they will know where your home is. Not so if you dial from a cell phone.
Given all the controversy and lack of concrete information about the long term effects of cell phones usage, I would think giving up your landline to save a few bucks a month wouldn't be a great way to save money.
If you mostly use you cell you can also call your local telephone company and ask for measured rate for local calls instead of unlimited it is cheaper, but remember dont use dial up internet because EVERY local call is time and rated
For those who have internet connection via a landline, there's not a lot of choice. People nearby who have internet via cable don't always have good service, and no information on when the lines will be replaced/improved.
Also, I live where there is no cell phone service (on a hill which blocks the signal) but I am probably somewhat unique in that.
Also, not to be negative, but remember what happened to cell phone service with the last (small) earthquake...
Lynda
If people with fax machines gave up their land line, how would the fax machine work?
AND....for those of us with a FAX machine in our homes??? No more FAX capabilities.
i dont have a land line and i have seen serveral suryeys that said a ot of people are getting rid of them i dont need one i can answer the phone if im home out anywhere and i called 911 from my cell i got a beter response than if i called from a land line i got mugged and chased the guy and called 911 they used the chip to find me and got him and i got 6 cars and a helicopter its better than 911 nad if you dont say anything they call you back its sooo worth it .
and what about your home security system?? mine is connected via my 'land' line......I'm sure this is pretty common. What would be the alternative??
I did not have a land line. I had a stroke. I used my cell and called a friend who lived 50 miles away. I couldnt call911, I forget my address. I had just moved and smy friend did not know it. She called CHP who contacted the utility companies (it was night and they asked if I had paid my bill). They found me in less than 1 hour.It was a hardrecovery but I think I am OK.
Another reason to keep a landline, especially here in earthquake country, is that is the power goes out, usually the landline phone keeps on working.
Everyone should have a landline and preferably one that is not part of a message machine. You should always have a plain phone that just plugs into the wall. Why? Well let's take the situation during the 1994 earthquake. If you don't have power your landline won't work if it's part of a message machine, or a fax machine. Also what if you have an emergency and your cell phone is low on it's charge?
I need a land line to buzz my friends in at our gated community.
Not true in all cases. LAPD and many metro police departments have the ability to pinpoint your cell phone using the cell towers almost immediatly. So, in some cities, including City of Los Angeles, they can give me a house number (I work parol) give or take a few houses to locate the distress 911 call.
Also, some people say, I will go over my assigned cell phone plan minutes. Note, add up how many minutes you can go over your limit before it reaches the cost per month of your land line:)
Last note, don't program your local police departments front desk number into your cell phone. It is undermanned and will either ring forever or be busy. 911 is answered by the CHP and they will relay it to the emergency switchboard at the appropriate city emergency center.