[Danknee]

Originally Posted by Atlas1337

Have you heard of cell phones? They make land-lines obsolete. If you're under 50 (and don't live with someone over that age) and still have a land-line, shame on you.

Agreed

Originally Posted by airics

Need the landline for fax, alarm etc. Magic jack is garbage

Efax and a BAT (broadband alarm transmitter) make a phone line unnecessary.

[Displaced Brooklynite]

I still lived in NY during the 9/11 attacks. When the towers went down, so did satalitte & cable comunication. Cell phones went dead. I was able to relay information to my wife who worked at JFK because 1) I still had my old antenia in the roof so I could al least still get broadcast channels. 2) I was able to text messages to my wife on her PA phone as at that time I was using a dial up and a land line which was one of the only things that continued to work. Give up my land line? Not likely.

[StaggerLee22]

Your lucky your land line worked on 9/11.
I lived in Greenwich Village, Manhattan{a 15 min walk from the towers} when it happened.
My land line went out less than an hour after the first plane hit.

[Vegas Joe]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

My security alarm only works with a land line. I keep it for the alarm system and for 911 calls -- which Vonage and the like aren't so good at.

The phone is rolled into my internet and Dish network through CenturyLink -- I think I pay $10/month. I don't mind paying $10/month for the ability to be able to pick up any phone or hit a button on any wall panel and talk to a 911 dispatcher in five seconds or less.

So, shame on me? I can live with that.

Your security system should be on a wireless link and not a land line. Burglars are hip to that and often cut phone wires before they break in.

[Vegas Joe]

Originally Posted by StaggerLee22

Your lucky your land line worked on 9/11.
I lived in Greenwich Village, Manhattan{a 15 min walk from the towers} when it happened.
My land line went out less than an hour after the first plane hit.

That was probably because the switching office near the WTC was destroyed by the falling towers. As I recall some Verizon techs were killed there.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by Vegas Joe

Your security system should be on a wireless link and not a land line. Burglars are hip to that and often cut phone wires before they break in.

My NID is locked, and the only wires going into it are inside conduit. I think the burglars would rather move on, than go to the trouble of trying to break into the NID, or saw through the conduit to get to the wire.

[AA702]

I've had Packet 8 since I lived in San Jose circa 2002. Its $199 for a year unlimited usage and you can also fax and call certain countries for a very cheap rate. They are based in Santa Clara, CA and they carry the hardware you need at Frys. The E911 Feature works very well and the 911 dispatcher can see where you are calling from.

[justthe2ofus]

Originally Posted by Vegas Joe

Your security system should be on a wireless link and not a land line. Burglars are hip to that and often cut phone wires before they break in.

that's what i was thinking too. a secured wifi, right?

[PinkString]

We have T-mobile at home, $10 a month, unlimited long distance 24/7. It uses a modem through the computer. They have since phased it out for any new customers wanting to get it, so we get it for life, or until some new company takes over T-mobile and makes it obsolete. When that day comes, will probably go to Skype.
Anyone who still has a landline or similar, should not be "shamed." Anyone who thinks that, well, shame on you. lol

[squishy506]

I have some friends who act like it's a social faux pas to have a land line, but I've never lived without one. I had Vonage for a bit in college, but it was connected to the modem, and sometimes I wouldn't have phone service if the modem failed. If this has improved with them, I'd go with them, OP.