Landlines Still Matter: Why You Might Keep a Home Phone in 2026

Even as smartphones dominate, traditional landline phones can still be critical during large mobile network outages. If your cellphone can’t make calls in an emergency, a landline often remains a reliable way to reach help. Landlines connect over dedicated wiring built up over decades.

Once standard in U.S. homes, only about 28% of American households now have one, a decline driven by the rise of smartphones and a shift away from phone jacks. Classic landlines (POTS) on copper wiring tend to deliver clearer calls and often keep working during power outages, which is why hospitals, emergency services and some businesses still rely on them.

Analog fax machines also depend on landline systems. The FCC is phasing out requirements for POTS, and many providers now use VoIP, which runs over internet connections and can fail if your broadband goes down. Typical monthly prices vary: AT&T’s traditional plan is cited at $48, CenturyLink about $30 and Spectrum as low as $20.

If you’re signing up, contact the local phone company, locate the building’s junction box if you rent, and ask whether the service is POTS or VoIP, whether backup power is provided, and what long-distance rates apply. Backup batteries or a UPS can help keep VoIP phones working through outages.

Key Topics

Business, Tech, Landline, Voip, Emergency, Telecom, Satellite