VoIP vs. landline: should you keep your home phone?

US landline subscriptions have dropped from 90% of households in 2000 to roughly 35% today. The remaining landline holdouts tend to have specific reasons: alarm systems, elderly relatives, or simply habit.

How much you are actually paying

A bundled landline from AT&T or Spectrum typically costs $30-50/month. Long-distance calling and premium features often add another $5-15/month.

Over a year, this is $400-700. Over five years, $2,000-3,500.

VoIP alternatives

Ooma Telo

Ooma Telo costs $99 upfront and roughly $5/month in FCC/911 fees thereafter. Payback against a $40/month landline: about three months.

Google Voice (free version)

Google Voice provides a US phone number, free US calls, and voicemail at no cost. The catch: it works through the Google Voice app or web interface only.

Cellphone-only

The simplest option. If everyone in the household has a cellphone, the landline is often pure redundancy.

When to keep the landline

Alarm systems that require copper landlines

Some older alarm systems (typically pre-2015 installations) require a traditional copper landline. Check with your alarm company before canceling.

Unreliable internet

VoIP requires internet. If your home internet is unreliable, a landline provides a third option.

Elderly relatives

Older adults often have years of muscle memory using a specific home phone. Transitioning to VoIP changes the routine.

Power outages

Traditional copper landlines work during power outages because they receive power from the phone line itself.

How to switch

Cancel the landline. Most landlines can be canceled with a phone call to your provider.

Port your number. You can keep your existing home phone number when switching to VoIP. Number porting takes 2-4 weeks.

Register 911 service. VoIP services require you to register your physical address for 911.