What Is a Landline and Why People Still Use It

Before Wi-Fi and smartphones, almost every home and office relied on a landline. This is the traditional phone service that connects calls through wires—usually copper or fiber cables. Even though mobile phones and internet calling (VoIP) are now common, landlines are still around because they are stable, simple, and often work even when other systems fail.

A Simple Definition

A landline is the classic wired telephone connection. You plug your phone into a wall jack, and your voice travels through a physical network of cables to reach the person on the other end. This network is called the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

There are two main types:

  • Analog (POTS) – the old-school copper wire service most people think of.
  • Digital or fiber lines – faster and clearer, often used in modern offices.

Other names you might hear include:

  • Home phone
  • Fixed-line phone
  • Traditional telephone line

How Does a Landline Work?

The process is simple:

  1. You pick up the phone and dial a number.
  2. Your voice is turned into electrical signals.
  3. Those signals travel along wires and switches to the right destination.
  4. The phone on the other side turns them back into sound.

Unlike VoIP, landlines don’t need an internet connection, and they often keep working during power cuts or network failures.

Why Businesses and Homes Still Keep Landlines

Landlines may feel old-fashioned, but they still have a role:

  • Reliability: They keep working even if the internet goes down or the power is out.
  • Clear sound: In some areas, landlines provide a cleaner, more stable call quality.
  • Backup and security: Hospitals, banks, and emergency services often keep landlines as a backup.

Example: A local clinic uses a landline alongside its VoIP system so patients can always reach them—even if their internet connection drops.

Want to learn more?

  • VoIP vs. Landline – Which option is better for your business?
  • Fixed VoIP – How VoIP can give you the same stability as a landline.

FAQ

What is a landline phone?

It’s the classic wired telephone service that connects calls using physical cables instead of the internet.

Is a landline more reliable than VoIP?

Often, yes. Landlines can work during power cuts or when the internet is down.

Can I turn my landline into a VoIP number?

Yes, many providers can transfer your old landline number to a VoIP system for more flexibility.

Do people still use landlines in 2025?

Yes. While fewer homes have them, many businesses, hospitals, and rural areas still rely on landlines for stable communication.

In Simple Terms

A landline is your old-school phone: a cord, a jack, and a voice traveling through wires. It doesn’t need Wi-Fi, and it’s often kept as a reliable backup.