The use of landline phones is becoming almost a thing of the past compared to the use of smartphones, despite being more reliable in emergencies. The old landline phone is coming back into focus and not just out of nostalgia, but as a backup necessity. Massive mobile network outages, like those caused by AT&T or Verizon in the United States, have proven to be a risk that leaves users completely isolated when relying solely on their cell phones.
The main argument in favor of this century-old technology is its reliability during power failures and service disruptions. Although its popularity has drastically declined (only 29% of American adults still had one in 2022), its separate infrastructure, often made of copper, ensures that it remains “the only thing keeping you connected to the world when there’s a massive mobile outage”.
Smartphone dependence
The total reliance on smartphone connectivity has been questioned due to the various outages that have occurred in the United States. Last year, there was an AT&T outage, leaving the main metropolitan areas of the country without service for more than 12 hours. Another incident of the same nature, this time caused by an interruption of Verizon’s network, left several devices stuck in SOS mode for much of that day. In this context, the humble landline regains its purpose, while smartphones become completely useless, basically serving as paperweights.
Origin of the landline phone
Born from the iconic image of the rotary dial phone, which gradually evolved into push-button models and, in the 1980s, into cordless models, the landline network is based on a global communication infrastructure built over more than a century. However, its status has changed drastically. According to a survey conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2022, more than 90% of adults had a landline phone in 2004, compared to 29% recorded in 2022.
This shift in dynamics occurred in 2025 when smartphones were at their golden age of growth, making Apple one of the most valued companies in the world. Testimonials like that of Ann Williams highlight the importance of maintaining a landline, especially in risky and emergency situations.Williams recalls the tornado of April 27, 2011, which claimed the lives of at least 250 people and left the area without power for days. According to Williams, ‘The weather here is so unpredictable. We remember a day when it was absolutely necessary to have (the landline).
Why are they more reliable?
The reliability of landlines lies in their dedicated copper infrastructure and the separate power supply they often use. Unlike smartphone networks, landlines do not experience weak reception, poor call quality, or sudden outages. This is exactly what gives continuity to the service in emergencies. There are key sectors that still depend on this type of connection, such as hospitals, medical offices, and legal and political offices, which need to have a landline to avoid losing connection in an emergency.
Future of the basic landline
The future of the classic landline (known as Plain Old Telephone Service, or POTS) is uncertain. The US Federal Communications Commission is removing requirements for phone companies to provide this service nationwide, making it increasingly common for new properties to have Ethernet ports instead of traditional phone jacks. Additionally, costs are another deterrent, as companies like AllConnect offer a traditional home phone plan from AT&T starting at $48 per month, requiring internet from the same company.
However, there are cheaper options such as CenturyLink, with a monthly fee of $30, or Spectrum, for only $20 per month. Nevertheless, the trend seems to be shifting toward Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), where the phone connection is based on the internet. Currently, AllConnect only tracks three providers that offer the old-style landline service: CenturyLink, Comcast Xfinity, and Cox.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main advantage of a landline over a mobile phone during an emergency?
A landline is more reliable because it uses a separate infrastructure with dedicated power, allowing it to function during power outages or widespread network interruptions, unlike the AT&T and Verizon incidents.
What percentage of adults in the U.S. still had a landline, and in what year did the key change occur?
According to the 2022 survey, only about 29% of American adults had a landline. The shift in predominance happened in 2015, when the rise of smartphones reshaped the tech industry.