How Do You Feel About Getting Rid of Your Landline - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008

I currently have a landline phone and an online phone. I have been seriously considering getting rid of my landline to save money, but want to know how the veteran VA's feel about making this move. I have used my online phone without any problems and it is very inexpensive. It has been reliable, but not sure if it is wise to cancel my landline service for my practice. What do you think?

I currently use an online fax service through RingCentral. And my online phone through Skype have voicemail, call waiting, conference calling, and long distance.

#2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008

I haven't had a land line phone in about 8 years. I don't see that as something I'll change - ever.

The only time I could see a potential problem for your business would be if your power/cable (or whatever your internet connection is) went down for an extended period of time. But, in 8 years, that's never been a problem for me so...

#3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008

Thanks Amanda!

You pointed out the only problem I had a minor concern about (power/cable) outage. I currently have DSL service (it alone is expensive). I figure if I remove the landline, I could save on my monthly bill. Skype has been wonderful and they have recently released cordless phones to connect to either your PC or DSL modem.

Thanks for the feedback.

#4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008

Hi there, great question! We're big proponents of VOIP and don't have a landline, nor do we have a cel, or a blackberry, or a Palm, or a Treo or any of those other wired-24/7 devices

BUT I am realizing one issue and one issue alone may cause us to reinstate a landline or go for a prepaid cel and that is that you can't make emergency calls with Skype, etc. and then of course if you lose your connection for any period of time you don't have a phone at all (not as big a deal for me as the lack of 911 access with a new baby on the way...)

We're ordering a phone from Skype and it's great because you don't have to have your computer on to use the phone, it accesses your wireless network just like a PC or laptop would.

#5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008

Wow! I'm impressed.

I do have a cell phone (blackberry) - can't live without it. I use to access my emails and have the ability to respond quickly to important messages. I rarely use my landline and very few have the number. Since, I have my cell for back-up calls and 911, I do not see a need for a landline. I think I'm going to cut the cord.

I love Skype! I have a local number, voicemail, and just as you said, do not have to be tied to my computer anymore. I love it.

#6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008

I stripped my landline, but I still needed it to support my DSL. I also worried about emergencies, especially because I have a child with heart condition, but even with a stripped line, I can still call out on it, if needed and use 911. I love my VOIP line and I haven't had any problems with it! I also use RingCentral and take advantage of their free faxing!

#7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2008

I have contemplated but, with 3 kids fighting over the phone and for 911 purposes I have decided for now to hang onto it.

#8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

I have a problem in this area. I can't get cable internet. All I can get is DSL...but I need my landline in order to have DSL. I would rather not use my landline and get a VOIP line (btw if anybody knows good company's who offer VOIP besides Vonage, that'd be cool to know). I also have a cell phone. So I have to keep my landline but I don't want to use only that for business purposes because it's expensive! We only have one phone/internet company in our area and they totally rip us off because we can't go anywhere else.

#9 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009

I got rid of my land line (in SoCal) in 1999. Never missed it. Had my cell and that was it. I use a VOIP service for the Rescue Group and my business and and have it set to a) forward a copy of VM messages to my email, and b) forward calls to my cell phone if I do not answer the VOIP phone within 2 rings. That way, if I move away from the computer, I still get the calls.

Since I am now in an RV, I've kept the VOIP system to transfer calls to my cell phone and forward VM messages as done previously. I recently found out that my air card system is fast enough to support my VOIP phone system so will be hooking that up again shortly.

Someone mentioned keeping a landline because of 911 --- my VOIP system processed my address for 911 access when I first signed up. While it wouldn't work for me when I'm on the road, while I was in Oceanside I could dial 911 on my VOIP-supported phone and get the local authorities.

Originally I got rid of my landline when I was commuting from Oceanside to San Diego every day for work. All I got at home were calls from telemarketers and everyone who really needed me called me on my cell phone. I decided it was a waste to pay for a landline that I never used.

When we set up the dog rescue I went with a VOIP system so that it could easily be accessed by other board members in my absence and the whole system could be easily moved to another person if necessary. It worked well and saved me a bundle of money.

#10 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

I've heard that you don't actually have to have phone service to get DSL service, you just have to have the lines. However, this could only apply to areas with a bit more competition.

#11 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

Originally Posted by VagabondetteVA View Post

I've heard that you don't actually have to have phone service to get DSL service, you just have to have the lines. However, this could only apply to areas with a bit more competition.

I'll have to double check with my phone company. They are ridiculous when it comes to ripping ppl off. They make you sign contracts too...like as if we'd switch to someone else...there is nobody else! lol

#12 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

We dropped our landline a year ago when we bought our new house and have no regrets. When/If I need a faxing service, I will use eFax or one of the online services.....I can't see forking over $35 or more a month just for a line.

#13 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008

Hello

I have a landline for my home phone, also I keep it because of the what if factor. During the last blackout in New York City, my phone landline was the only thing in the entire house that was working.

I used my laptop to access the internet during that time with dailup, in fact, that's how I found out there was a blackout, everything that worked with electricity was out in my house. It's my backup system and also it's easier to dail 911 for help. My carrier is Verizon.

#14 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Wow I didn't know skype had a program like that. Glad to know. I'll look into that. It sounds really good. I've been primarily using my cell phone for the last several years. I don't even give out my land line number anymore. I'll probably get rid of my landline sometime soon.

#15 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008

lol. I went through this when I decided to finally get internet at home and I know my local phone company offered internet without phone service - but it was still more expensive.