Landline?

[kp11364]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

[Stu from NYC]

Went with xfinity and had a landline for our first year here. Several times our kids would call our cell and ask why landline was not working.

Had to reboot system and it worked. After the 4th time we decided to eliminate landline and do not miss it as three way calling is rather easy

[GpaVader]

We have one for almost two years now, we have cell phones but we also have an elderly person living with us that doesn't, we may disconnect it when we renew our Comcast subscription later this year but we need her to have a line in case she needs help.

[djlnc]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

We had a Vonage VOIP line that we used as our home phone. I was reluctant to use my cell number for all calls. As I got more comfortable releasing my cell phone number, we stopped giving out the home phone number, and got a Consumer Cellular line using our old Vonage number. We are monitoring the CC Cellular line, which has almost no activity and will soon drop it.

[gatorbill1]

Quit landline 4 years ago and do not miss it. Both have cellphones.

[vintageogauge]

Cell service is not great in our area so we have had a land line since moving here 6 years ago and have had no problems with it, we use Comcast Xfinity, part of the package.

[Keefelane66]

Cell service is not great in our area so we have had a land line since moving here 6 years ago and have had no problems with it, we use Comcast Xfinity, part of the package.
All you need to do is turn on wifi calling.
“ WiFi calls are supported by most recent Android phones and iPhones. Go to Settings and search for the feature to check your phone's connectivity, or check with your carrier.”
In settings phone turn on wifi calling

[drbales]

We have only used cell phones for the past 20+ years. 12 of those in the villages. No issues and our service has always been through Verizon while in the villages.

[Two Bills]

We live in a very rural area, and the only reason we have a landline is our broadband is still ADSL.
Only consolation is if any calls come through on landline, we know they are scammers.
Cell is used for family and business.
If cable ever ventured our way, landline is out the window.

[retiredguy123]

Landlines are confusing. A true landline is an analog wire that comes directly to the house without the need for electrical house power or a cable service. I don't know if you can still get a true analog landline service.

The "landline" that is offered by Xfinity is a digital phone line that is delivered to the house using the Xfinity cable and is routed through a modem. I have the Xfinity landline service, and it costs $20 per month after the bundle discount. I like it because it is a reasonable backup for the cell phone.

[Ecuadog]

Landlines are confusing. A true landline is an analog wire that comes directly to the house without the need for electrical house power or a cable service. I don't know if you can still get a true analog landline service.
...

I have a copper-wire landline from Lumen (CenturyLink).

[retiredguy123]

I have a copper-wire landline from Lumen (CenturyLink).
I have heard that some new houses no longer have analog phone wires installed to the house.

[Ecuadog]

I have heard that some new houses no longer have analog phone wires installed to the house.

Wouldn't surprise me. Copper is probably doomed.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What passes for landline in most situations around the Villages isn't landline at all. It's cable, and requires both a modem AND electricity. If the power goes out, your phone won't work.

With true landline, you don't need electricity. You'll get dial-tone and be able to make a call whether there's electricity or not. If you are looking for actual landline, call whatever phone services are in the area and ask if they can provide POTS. That stands for Plain Old Telephone Service. If they don't know what that means, then they probably don't provide it.

[Bill14564]

Cellphone only for is. Less confusing all around (too many numbers) and saves money. Wi-Fi calling solves any problems at home.

[JerryLBell]

We were going to go cellphones-only when we moved here but the cell reception we had in the Village of Dunedin was so deplorable that we got a Voice-Over-IP (VOIP) phone. You don't get a landline, you get an adapter that runs over your internet into which you plug whatever wired phone you choose to purchase. We happened to choose Ooma (though there are a number of VOIP providers), which charges only a few bucks a month. The audio quality issues our friends and family complained about disappeared when using this approach. We since moved to Pine Ridge and the cell reception is better but still not as good as VOIP. We bought a Panasonic phone that has a base unit and multiple wireless phones, so we can pick up our calls from anywhere in the house without having to chase down where our cellphones are. You can also link your cellphones via BlueTooth so ALL incoming calls route through this phone.

[retiredguy123]

We were going to go cellphones-only when we moved here but the cell reception we had in the Village of Dunedin was so deplorable that we got a Voice-Over-IP (VOIP) phone. You don't get a landline, you get an adapter that runs over your internet into which you plug whatever wired phone you choose to purchase. We happened to choose Ooma (though there are a number of VOIP providers), which charges only a few bucks a month. The audio quality issues our friends and family complained about disappeared when using this approach. We since moved to Pine Ridge and the cell reception is better but still not as good as VOIP. We bought a Panasonic phone that has a base unit and multiple wireless phones, so we can pick up our calls from anywhere in the house without having to chase down where our cellphones are. You can also link your cellphones via BlueTooth so ALL incoming calls route through this phone.
Have you tried turning on the "wifi calling" feature on your cell phone? That will allow you to make and receive cell phone calls using your wifi network instead of the cellular network.

I have good cellular reception in my house, but a few times I have had trouble sending a photo via text. But, by switching to wifi calling, the photo text attachment went right through.

[Blackbird45]

Had a land line years ago with Xfinity it was only about $10 a month, but I cut the cord not for the $10, but most of the calls were local spam calls. Do not miss it.

[fsusix]

I have used Ooma for 4 years. It cost $6.06 a month - unlimited everything- my elderly husband couldn’t use a cell. The unit cost around $79 to purchase - it runs off your modem has voice mail and I have 6 phones (you have to purchase ) on it . Got this tip from a Canadian who is here 6 months of the year . I love it - this way my husband doesn’t have to use my cell. We don’t get all those off the wall phone calls - you pick your phone number from an extensive list. I picked an easy one for him to remember. Hope this helps. You only pay the taxes - that is why it is so cheap.

[fsusix]

I have used Ooma for 4 years. It cost $6.06 a month - unlimited everything- my elderly husband couldn’t use a cell. The unit cost around $79 to purchase - it runs off your modem has voice mail and I have 6 phones (you have to purchase ) on it . Got this tip from a Canadian who is here 6 months of the year . I love it - this way my husband doesn’t have to use my cell. We don’t get all those off the wall phone calls - you pick your phone number from an extensive list. I picked an easy one for him to remember. Hope this helps. You only pay the taxes - that is why it is so cheap.

[Rwirish]

Villagers only use landline phones. What is a cell phone?

[Miss B GA]

Haven't had a landline in over 20 years. Never missed it.

[sdeikenberry]

Have used only cell phones (wife and I) since 2012 and would not have a land line again.

[ckcapaul]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

We also use ooma, it uses our old landline number. Travels with us, always give out that number instead of cell numbers, when worried about spam calls.

[Rodneysblue]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

Dropped our land line 20 years ago. So we have cell only.

[donfey]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

If we had a land line it would NEVER get answered. So, for us, it's no.

[Professor]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

Cell Phones Only for the last 10 years...

[NotGolfer]

Guess we're old school.....we have a landline AND cell-phones. We only take calls through the landline. We screen everything and pick up if we know the caller. We're not typical I guess, of most who are seemingly tethered to their cell-phone. BUT that's just us!!!

[Ele201]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!
I don’t use a landline, just cell phone. There’s nothing wrong with having both, and one of my dear friends has kept both. Honestly since I’ve retired, I’ve found I don’t need a landline. It was more necessary when I worked full time.

The same applies to watches. I don’t wear a watch, because I rely on my cell phone or house clocks to give me the time. Watches are lovely, but for me, I just don’t need one.

[DARFAP]

We've had a landline for years. Rarely use it. It's part of our triple bundle xfinity deal. Check out Ooma. It's an internet based landline setup.

[Bay Kid]

Got rid of my landlines several years ago. I sure do miss all those robo calls.

[JoelJohnson]

We had the Comcast bundle with a phone line, we never used it as we have only used cell phones for over 20 years. We no long have the bundle, just internet.

[MikeC]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!
I haven’t had a landline in 10 years. Who needs it so why have it?

[flamilak]

We had a landline until we realize no one called it except one person. So we dropped the landline.

[retiredguy123]

We've had a landline for years. Rarely use it. It's part of our triple bundle xfinity deal. Check out Ooma. It's an internet based landline setup.
Note that, even if you have an Xfinity bundle, you will still pay for the landline service. Mine is about $20 per month after applying the multi-product discount.

[Federspiel]

What's a Landline?

[Flyers999]

I got Xfinity and was upset when they made you dial 352 first for local calls. But I kept it and find it works better than the mobile. Yes I checked "Use WiFi for local calls."

[airstreamingypsy]

I haven't had a landline since 1999. I see no reason for 2 phones.

[phojo]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

Had a landline because it was bundled with cable. Never used it. Cell phone only. Suggest you get the Smart911 app for your cell phone, makes calling 911 easier.

[JMintzer]

We still have one up north for the alarm system.

Don't have one in TV... Never will... The alarm is internet based...

[The Chipster]

Besides giving up your landline, you can probably also discard your fax machine, dot matrix printer, Blackberry, rotary phone, and victrola.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

No landline and no cable service. Only cell phones (Verizon) and internet (Xfinity) with YouTube TV - very happy to get rid of all that nonsensical expense.

[Skip]

I haven’t had a landline in 10 years. Who needs it so why have it?

We have an alarm system (not subscription monitor type) on the home. Detects break-ins, smoke, fire, flood, even a/c failure. Dials 911 with recorded message plus 4 other numbers (our cell phones among them). It requires a landline to dial out. We still have our original twisted pair from CenturyLink for that. Tried VOIP (Ooma) as an alternative but the person on the other end says they hear echos of the voice, so we are back to twisted pair. Expensive but, we like the security. Wish there was a way to hookup our alarm system to a cheap Tracphone left in the house.
Skip

[inda50]

It is important to me to have a land line (voip) and a cell line. I just don't like being dependent on any one means of contact in case of an emergency.

[Ecuadog]

I haven’t had a landline in 10 years. Who needs it so why have it?

... I just don't like being dependent on any one means of contact in case of an emergency.

I have a copper-wire landline just for peace of mind.

During hurricane Sandy, I left my waterfront house to hunker down with my brother on higher ground. There was no power. His fiber optic internet and voip didn't work. Our cell phones didn't work. The towers were down. Luckily, he had kept one copper-wire (POTS) line. It was our only relaible means of communication with the outside world.

When you call 911, they know exactly where you're calling from.

[charlie1]

no reason for a landline. We have used cell phones only for the last several years. The reason we dropped the landline was the only calls we were getting on the landline were solicitor calls. People we knew all had our cell phones and would either call or text.

[Pgcacace]

We dropped our land line 15 yrs ago. No problem .

[dkaufnelson]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!
I keep a voip landline [Net Talk- about $40 yearly] as I still send faxes which won't work on cell phones. Also helps me locate my phones... when one is misplaced, I just use the other one to call the lost one. I also give landline out to businesses rather than my cell which I give to family/friends.

[sdifede313@aol.com]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

Everyone has a cell today, be it a smart phone or not. One cannot exists without! So, that said, it’s still a reasonably good idea to keep your land line. If cell service goes out, ( War, solar flares ) whatever the circumstances , more ways to communicate are better then less.

[rsmurano]

don't get a landline, get VOIP. 20 years ago you got magic jack devices that provided VOIP, but over 12 years ago I went with an OOMA VOIP device. After you pay the initial $100 to buy the OOMA box, you pay tax each month with is a few bucks. This OOMA box provides you voicemail capability plus you can go out and buy a set of phones (3 phones or more) that you connect to the OOMA box and you can put each of these phones anywhere in your house, no charge after the initial cost of these phones and these phones are wireless, they communicate with the hub that comes with the phones. If you are interested, I can send you info on what I had for over a dozen of years.

[caljeff]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!


I have had a landline for as long as I have had Comcast Cable (six years). I got it as part of my cable packabe that includes internet, tv and landline. I got it because i would rather receive business related calls at home rather than away. Landline call ensure that. I am reasonably satisfied with the service.

[allsport]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

Nothing but a cell phone since 2007, the year I moved here and never have regretted it.

[juddfl]

I have a landline and a cell phone. The reason that I have a landline is because I have hearing loss. If you wear hearing aides you can get CapTel for free. The best part is that they deliver the phone to your home and install it for you. It's a government program. CapTel prints out what the person is saying on the phone as they talk and you can read along. It has helped me a great deal because when I take out my hearing aides at night, I have difficulty hearing the person if I receive a call. I especially like when they leave a phone #, it is printed out right in front of you. If you wear hearing aides, you are entitled to this device.
CapTel is the ultimate phone for people with hearing loss. If you are interested just call CapTel at 888-269-7477. They will get you in touch with the person that puts the phone in for The Villages. I've had my for years and love it.

[Accidental1]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

We've always had land lines up until we moved here in 2021. Now just cell with Wifi calling (Verizon).

[UpNorth]

don't get a landline, get VOIP. 20 years ago you got magic jack devices that provided VOIP, but over 12 years ago I went with an OOMA VOIP device. After you pay the initial $100 to buy the OOMA box, you pay tax each month with is a few bucks. This OOMA box provides you voicemail capability plus you can go out and buy a set of phones (3 phones or more) that you connect to the OOMA box and you can put each of these phones anywhere in your house, no charge after the initial cost of these phones and these phones are wireless, they communicate with the hub that comes with the phones. If you are interested, I can send you info on what I had for over a dozen of years.

We use OOMA too. Hook it up to a Panasonic wireless phone system with multiple phones around the house. The system announces calls and texts by name on every phone when they come in. Great system. Plus we bring the OOMA box up north during the summer and have the same system in our summer home.

[Skip]

We use OOMA too. Hook it up to a Panasonic wireless phone system with multiple phones around the house. The system announces calls and texts by name on every phone when they come in. Great system. Plus we bring the OOMA box up north during the summer and have the same system in our summer home.

UpNorth: You have no quality issues, like delay and echos? We tried Ooma via Xfinity fast internet and could not have a conversation with the other end. Maybe things are better now. Anyone else try to install VOIP and failed on Xfinity internet?

Ooma tried 3 weeks to correct the problem (firmware replacement, new box, etc.), then gave up when they actually called my number and we could not have a decent conversation. Took 2 months to get a refund! Won't go through that again.

Skip

[JerseyGurl]

I only just got a land line bc I lost my cell phone and had no way to communicate. Added line to my Verizon acct ($10/month) and purchased a $19.99 phone with no answering machine at Walgreens. Finding a phone with only one instrument and no answering machine was the most challenging part. It for emergency only. I never answer it.

[Skip]

I have had a landline for as long as I have had Comcast Cable (six years). I got it as part of my cable packabe that includes internet, tv and landline. I got it because i would rather receive business related calls at home rather than away. Landline call ensure that. I am reasonably satisfied with the service.

Comcast doesn't supply landlines. What you have is Voice Over IP (VOIP) with a special modem. When your internet is disrupted, so is your phone service. True landline is "twisted pair" from CenturyLink. No modem or power required to make an emergency call.

Skip.

[RUCdaze]

I use what you refer to as a 'landline' almost exclusively. I have a cell, but I don't give out the number, I don't text, and I don't keep the ringer on. My cell is strictly for outgoing calls, and I use the landline whenever possible. Because I keep the ringer on my cell off, I could get a call and wouldn't know it for about five days. I hate it when people assume they can reach me or text me on a cell.

[Bill14564]

Comcast doesn't supply landlines. What you have is Voice Over IP (VOIP) with a special modem. When your internet is disrupted, so is your phone service. True landline is "twisted pair" from CenturyLink. No modem or power required to make an emergency call.

Skip.

Does CenturyLink have twisted pair service to all homes? I thought it was fiber to my home with a modem and UPS in my low-voltage panel.

I don't have a landline here but before I moved I had the VOIP capability from an internet provider. I simply bought a small UPS to run the modem in case the internal batteries failed.

I am using the same UPS here so if the power ever goes out I can keep up with ToTV.

[Villagesgal]

Had a land line when husband was failing to get they to the correct 911 service immediately. Cell tower closest to our home was in Lake County so cell connected to them, but we live in Sumter, so they would have to transfer the call thereby losing precious time. The landline was needed. After he passed, I dropped the land line.

[Nell57]

Whatever you decide ….just make sure you have two lines.
If you are having trouble with one you can use the other to report the problem.
We were 2 cell phones.
After my husband passed, I still spend the $15 a month with Consumer Cellular to keep that line active.
I’ve never had any problem with CC…but I’ve had to call Apple support on occasion

[Velvet]

I’ve used cell phones for so long now I’ve almost forgot there used to be landlines. The comment about the lady living by herself needing a landline. I would have thought it would be the opposite. An Apple Watch with a cell phone on her all the time. But I suppose they do need to be charged and she might forget.

[tonycirocco@me.com]

Besides giving up your landline, you can probably also discard your fax machine, dot matrix printer, Blackberry, rotary phone, and victrola.
Was surprised when my VA doc and other profesionals still use FAX machines !!
Sooo, we have dropped our victrola but still keep our "landline", for now, anyway.

[Dusty_Star]

Hi all,

Do most folks in TV get a phone landline, or you make do with your cell phones?

Thanks!

I use the mobile phone only. Haven't had a landline for years.

[MrChip72]

No landline. I'm surprised at the number of people on here willing to pay that extra expense, even just for having 911 more streamlined. I'd say 95% of people under the age of 60 prefer texting anyways.

[Djean1981]

We just have cell phones. I did get a free Google voice number as backup for xfinity, but have not needed it.