Was I out of line?

[Diggin It]

Our phone co-op requires a land line if getting DSL for internet.

Since DSL uses the copper pairs, it makes sense that they need a way to identify the account and the facilities in use. I could have something called 'naked DSL' where there was no dialtone at all, but I like being able to get inbound calls and make 800 number calls, even though I can't make local calls.

I think I may also be the only house on the road using pairs in this cable. Maybe one or two others out of ten or twelve.

 

[dougtrr2]

I can't believe you still have a land line, who has those these days? :laughing:

Several reason I have and prefer using a landline

Only way I can get reliable internet.
Cell service is spotty where I am at.
If I call you on a land line I know where you are and assume you are in a position to actually talk with me.

If you have small children are you willing to bet their lives (911) that they can find your phone, it will have service, and the battery will be charged?

I hear people talking about the 911 system being able to find their phone location. Are you sure your 911 system has that capability? Do you know that your phone is compatible with that system? Have you ever actually verified it works? A lot of questions to worry about in an emergency.

Doug in SW IA

 

[ovrszd]

Doug, my Cell Phone gets very spotty service in your area. I totally understand.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Not that long ago, I was still on a party line. Everytime you made a long distance call, the operator would come on asking for your number as they had no way of telling where the call originated from. Being out here in the boonies, it was comforting that you could speak to a friendly operator, usually willing to bend over backwards for the customer, and would answer in clear English, on a high quality copper connection, within a ring or so.

To call the Provincial Police, OPP, you had to dial the operator and ask for ZENITH 50,000. Never did understand what that was about.

 

[Shaneard]

Several reason I have and prefer using a landline

Only way I can get reliable internet.
Cell service is spotty where I am at.
If I call you on a land line I know where you are and assume you are in a position to actually talk with me.

If you have small children are you willing to bet their lives (911) that they can find your phone, it will have service, and the battery will be charged?

I hear people talking about the 911 system being able to find their phone location. Are you sure your 911 system has that capability? Do you know that your phone is compatible with that system? Have you ever actually verified it works? A lot of questions to worry about in an emergency.

Doug in SW IA

We have good coverage in our area 99.999% of the time on our cell phones.

The 911 system is awesome on a landline, if you're at home. What if you're driving? On a tractor away from the house? Cutting trees down by the creek? There are so many variables.

I get what you are saying, landlines have their purpose, as do cell phones. They are like tractors, there are choices for specific needs/wants.

 

[ovrszd]

If you don't have to live without signal you quickly forget how worthless a Cell Phone is in that situation...

 

[4570Man]

If you don't have to live without signal you quickly forget how worthless a Cell Phone is in that situation...

On the same level of worthless as a landline when you’re outside?

 

[Jstpssng]

Considering how often I plan my day around being at home because I need to make a phone call, even though I do have a company provided cell phone; I will stick with staying connected.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Me, too, it's just not the same and there are friends that cut their land line, and I choose not to bother communicating with them by cell phone. If they were home and picked up the phone, and we could have a real high quality conversation, fine. If not, fine.

 

[ovrszd]

On the same level of worthless as a landline when you’re outside?

I can go inside and use the land line. No solution for the Cell....