During a recent cellphone service outage that affected millions of AT&T customers in the US, Francella Jackson, 61, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, resorted to using her trusty Southwestern Bell landline phone to call her friends and mock those who were unable to use their smartphones.
Derek Shaw, 68, of York, Pennsylvania, expressed his preference for talking on his black cordless landline phone at home despite owning an Android mobile phone. He cited better sound quality and a more comfortable hold during long conversations as reasons for sticking with his landline. Shaw also mentioned his preference for face-to-face interaction over Zoom calls and his continued attachment to his vinyl record collection.
“I’ve never even thought about giving up my landline,” he remarked.
For many individuals, landline phones have become as essential as older modes of communication in the age of smartphones. Despite efforts by AT&T to phase out traditional landlines in California, those who still use them advocate for the advantages they offer. These individuals view landlines as a lifeline during power outages, a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, and a superior alternative to modern smartphones in terms of comfort and sound quality.
“I love my landline,” Jackson declared, having owned hers since the 1980s. “People call me old-fashioned, but I’ll be old-fashioned.”
Even some younger people recognize the benefits of landlines. Cory Sechrest, 32, of Chicago, and his girlfriend have a pink landline phone in case of power outages. Sechrest mentioned that he doesn’t know anyone his age who has one, and visitors to his home often find it amusing and unfamiliar.
According to recent data from the federal government, around 73% of American adults lived in households with only cellphones in 2022. Age plays a significant role in phone usage, with nearly 90% of Americans aged 25 to 29 relying solely on cellphones, while less than half of those over 65 continue to use landlines. – The New York Times
