Why Keep a Home Phone Line?

In addition to home phone lines sounding better than a cell phone, cell phones use a GPS-based method to report your location in a 911 emergency. That’s fine when you’re on the road, but if you live in a high-rise building or apartment, it won’t indicate which floor or unit you’re on/in. A home phone is connected to your address, including the apartment number, so the 911 operator knows exactly where to send help even if you can’t talk.

Also, a phone with a corded base can work during a power outage, as long as it’s connected to a conventional landline or VoIP service with battery backup (which we provide).

Another advantage: Home-­security systems generally require a home phone connection to monitor fire- and burglar-alarm sensors. If you don’t have one, certain alarm companies will install a special device that communicates with their office via a cellular connection, but that will cost extra.