Are Landlines Still Worth It? Modern Plans and Who They’re For

If you’re one of America’s dwindling number of landline phone users, chances are you’ve been relying mostly on your cell phone for years now. Or, maybe you’re part of the smaller crowd who recognizes how important a home phone service is, especially if you’re a senior, a remote worker, or living in a rural area.

If you’re looking to simplify communication for an older loved one, improve emergency readiness, or maintain a dedicated number for work, a landline phone system can make all the difference. SmartMove helps make it easy to find providers that offer home phone service, either as a standalone or bundled with your Internet and TV.

Why Some Households Still Prefer Landlines

Traditional landlines may seem like a relic of the past, but many households still prefer them even when they also have mobile phone lines. While it can be hard to understand for those who embrace the newest tech, the appeal of the analog landline telephone isn’t just a romantic notion; there’s a lot of practicality in its appeal as well.

Safety and Emergency Use

For households that put safety and being able to access emergency services at all times at the top of their checklist, the clear audio and better address traceability of a landline are very appealing.

Not only is it usually easier for 911 services to hear someone at the other end of a landline, but the fact that a landline is always tied to a physical address makes it much faster to verify where to send emergency personnel.

A bonus? A landline also works during cellular outages and even power outages, because it doesn’t rely on batteries or home electricity in many configurations.

Seniors Who Prefer Reliable, Familiar Communication

Many seniors prefer using reliable, familiar forms of communication. For some, newer technology simply presents too steep a learning curve, and the familiar and straightforward interface of a home phone is all they need.

With landlines, there are no apps, no updates, and no multitouch screens to navigate. They are practical, dependable, and often come equipped with features designed for accessibility, like large buttons, amplified audio, and hearing aid compatibility.

Rural Users with Limited Cell Coverage

Cellular “dead zones” are common in remote areas like Kansas, West Virginia, and even parts of California, making it harder to count on a strong signal. Traditional landline infrastructure remains in place in many of these regions, where even Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone lines can’t be totally relied upon.

Professionals Who Need a Dedicated Line

For many professionals, a dedicated and reliable landline at home is a must-have so that when clients call, they can always answer. Lawyers, therapists, realtors, freelancers, or any professional who wants to keep a strict separation between their work and personal phone use could benefit from a landline.

Not to mention, it’s a reliable alternative that supports daily workflows without tying everything to a mobile device, and helps keep conversations clear and confidential.

AT&T To Reduce Landline Infrastructure Across the U.S.

In 2024, AT&T announced the company would no longer maintain the copper network that supports its landline services, because the tech is costly to maintain and most of its customers make use of broadband connections and fiber Internet access for phone services. If the decision holds — and so far the FCC has approved the transition — the copper landline network that supports the majority of landline use (plus many elevators, fax machines, and security systems) will cease to be as reliable before eventually no longer functioning altogether.

Critics of the decision point to the genuine needs of seniors, rural areas, and others where a copper phone line network is not a novelty or luxury, but a necessity. Currently, AT&T promises to offer a similar style phone network service to affected customers that makes use of the company’s newer infrastructure and a home or business’s landline jack to offer the same type of service through an Internet connection.

When and Why Landlines Might Not Make Sense Anymore

While landlines still serve many households well, they’re not the best fit for everyone. But, with the rise of smartphones and always-on connectivity, some people simply don’t need a separate home phone line.

You Rely Primarily on a Smartphone

For most people in the U.S., the days of having a home phone number have been replaced with having a personal phone number. Smartphones make it easy for someone’s telephone service to always connect them to the world at large, whether through work, family, friendships, or hobbies. Especially if you live in a place with reliable telecommunications services, a smartphone may be all you need. And because of VoIP apps (like WhatsApp, Google Voice, or your cable provider’s app), it's easier than ever to get home phone features right on your mobile device without needing a second phone or separate account.

You Live in an Area with Strong Cell Coverage

If your connectivity for calling is already crystal clear, thanks to your excellent cell coverage, you just might not see the point in a landline. Strong cellular coverage and consistent access to fiber optic or broadband Internet may mean that having a landline would be redundant and just an extra expense.

You Haven’t Looked Into Bundled Services

If you’ve had a standalone landline plan for a long time but are thinking of moving to a smartphone or VoIP option, it might actually save you money. A standalone landline can be more expensive than a bundled smartphone and Internet service package.

Not sure if you could save money with bundled services? SmartMove can help you find out.

Types of Landline Plans Available Today

Despite all of the reasons why people decide to cut the landline cord, if you’ve decided that a home phone makes sense for you, there are a few types of plans available, depending on how you prefer to stay connected.

Standalone Home Phone Plans

Because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is allowing legacy phone companies to reduce landline coverage, today’s standalone home phone plans are in a state of transition.

Many offer unlimited nationwide calling and optional international plans at an added cost. These plans are best for households that want a reliable, dedicated phone line without needing to bundle it with other services.

Monthly pricing for standalone landlines can vary and often depends on the features included, such as voicemail, three-way calling, or directory assistance. While not the cheapest option for light phone users, standalone plans are good when you need a dedicated line for work, home safety, or personal preferences.

Bundled Home Phone and Internet Plans

Bundling your home phone with other services, like high-speed Internet or TV, is often the most cost-effective option.

Providers typically offer landline phone service as part of a bundle, which can save money and simplify your billing. These plans usually come with popular calling features like voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and forwarding — all included for one flat rate.

For many families, bundling is the most convenient way to stay connected, especially if you're already getting Internet and TV from the same provider.

How To Decide If a Landline Fits Your Needs

Do you really need a true landline? Some households do, but many can get by with other types of service. As copper wire landlines face obsolescence, it’s important to really weigh what will meet your needs.

Consider Your Usage

Are there people in your household who still make regular, daily phone calls, and do those phone calls sometimes last a long time? If the shift in your home is already trending toward texts, apps, email, and the like, you just might not need the same kind of great phone call coverage you once did.

Or, do you live in a region where mobile cell service and the Internet aren’t reliable or even available? If that’s the case, a landline might still be your best bet, regardless of how much you’d rather just text.

Evaluate Cost vs. Convenience

Be sure to consider your budget. For some plans, adding a landline when you could opt for VoIP or just rely on your cell phone will increase the cost of your other services. Is the added cost worth it in order to also have stability, clarity, and better coverage for emergencies?

If you answered yes to that question, then the added cost may be worth it.

Ask About Features and Flexibility

Be aware, though, that not all phone service providers are equal. Some offer generous perks and benefits, plus flexibility, while others are more rigid in their offerings. Before signing up for a new telecom service of any kind, be sure to find out about whether or not you can keep (or “port”) your number.

Find out if an international calling bundle is available if you have a loved one in another country. If you’re not sure you’re staying in the area where you currently live, ask about no-contract plans.

How SmartMove Can Help You Find Landline Providers

If you’ve decided that a landline makes sense for your home, or just want to explore the options, SmartMove is here to help. In just a few clicks, we’ll help you find home phone providers in your area, compare bundled plans, and take advantage of special offers.

Discover Providers Who Still Offer Home Phone Plans

Not all providers promote or offer landline availability, but if that’s what you need, SmartMove can help. Simply type in your address, or if you’re moving, the address you’ll be at soon, and our tool can show you the providers who also offer landline service.

Compare Bundles with Home Phone, Internet, and TV

Looking for a bigger package? SmartMove can help you compare bundled plans that include phone, Internet, and TV so you can see the full picture from the start.

All you have to do is type in your address, then filter for plans that include voice service, and calculate the total overall value to ensure you get the service you need at a cost you can afford.

Save Money Through Local Offers and Promotions

Our tools can show you location-specific pricing and bundling incentives, so if there’s a deal out there that’s right for you, you don’t have to hunt it down. We’ve already done that legwork and will show you those local offers and promotions.

Find a Landline Plan with SmartMove

Find the landline plan that’s right for you with SmartMove. With just a few clicks, you can compare providers in your area, view available promotions, and create a package that suits your specific safety, convenience, or everyday communication needs.

No matter what telecom services you do (or don’t) want, we can help you bundle a plan that works best for you. Start your search today and find the right bundle package with help from SmartMove.