How important is a landline phone number?

bryanb

If you don't have a landline I will never phone you.

R34GTT

The presence of a landline is used as part of some credit scorecards by some companies when you apply for a product involving some form of credit whether that be utilities, cards, loans, bank accounts etc.

Having a landline is a positive thing as it implies some kind of financial and locational stability when you are being credit scored.

Buzby

However, you can opt for a virtual landline number as it is delivered VOIP, and dispense with the standard phone connection. I use Skype In, which gives me a geo number for my area for a couple of quid a year.

Yorkie1

Buzby wrote: »

However, you can opt for a virtual landline number as it is delivered VOIP, and dispense with the standard phone connection. I use Skype In, which gives me a geo number for my area for a couple of quid a year.

I didn't know that - it costs me a right packet when I have to contact someone who only has a mobile phone as I have no inclusive call minutes to mobiles on my PAYG mobile or on my landline.

Ben84

Well, you won't be able to call the house to see if anyone is there should you need to quickly ask someone to do something at home. If you live with a few people this is often useful.

Most people still need a landline for internet. The ADSL connections require an active phone line.

Landlines can be cheaper to use. Most mobiles charge for 0800 numbers and 0845 cost more too.

If you lose or break your mobile you still have another phone to make and receive calls.

anniecave

I used to get loads of sales calls on the landline. I never get any on my mobile!

I have a VOIP service where I can make cheap outgoing calls, so I'm happy with my current landline-free arrangement!

ChiefGrasscutter

c-m wrote: »

I''m annoyed that I need one for my broadband package

The UK does not allow so called 'naked DSL' where a broadband service is provided over a landline but NO voice phone call service is provided.
If it did then the prices for broadband would go up very considerably, as currently part of the landline price is a cross subsidy to improve the broadband network

You imagine the howls of outrage were the broadband costs fully reflected in the broadband prices, especially given that there will be rather less lines enabled for broadband than there are enabled for voice.

steveE2

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

The UK does not allow so called 'naked DSL' where a broadband service is provided over a landline but NO voice phone call service is provided.
If it did then the prices for broadband would go up very considerably, as currently part of the landline price is a cross subsidy to improve the broadband network

You imagine the howls of outrage were the broadband costs fully reflected in the broadband prices, especially given that there will be rather less lines enabled for broadband than there are enabled for voice.

It is certainly allowed it's just most providers don't sell it.
An exception is Andrews & Arnold
Phone line £12 pcm†Phone line for use with broadband (no calls).

Ben84

steveE2 wrote: »

It is certainly allowed it's just most providers don't sell it.
An exception is Andrews & Arnold
Phone line £12 pcm†Phone line for use with broadband (no calls).

Interesting. Not sure I would consider this not having an active phone line though and it costs about the same as renting from BT, only it's more restricted in what you can do with it, so I do wonder in what situations it's best value for money?

duchy

Um Isn't that about what line rental is anyway with BT or Sky so how is that different to having a Sky line rental at a little less than that -and comes with free basic BB and just not bothering to plug in a handset ?

I'm not sure where the advantage is either .