Liz Gallas: a sophomore in nutrition, talks on her cell phone. The trend of cell phone popularity is decreasing the need for landlines. Lindsey Davidson / PHOTO EDITOR
A report released earlier this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that people are relying on cell phones more than ever before. The additional cost of a landline seems to deter most from having both a cell phone and a home phone.
Dr. Margaret Fitch-Hauser, director of Auburn University’s public relations program, cancelled her landline over five years ago because she found she never used it.
“For me, it was duplicating both cost as well as function. I also found that I was never at home when I needed to use the phone,” Fitch-Hauser said. “Also, because I travel quite a bit, being able to take my phone with me made me much more accessible than relying on a landline at home.”
One-third of all people under 30 rely only on a cell phone.
Amanda Eubanks, a junior in interior design, uses only a cell phone. “The free long distance is the biggest plus for college students calling friends who have out-of-state area codes with their cell phones,” Eubanks said.
Many find convenience in cell phones because you aren’t restricted to your home to receive calls. College students and professors are busy and find that they aren’t home to receive calls on a home phone.
“I use my cell phone because it’s convenient, and if you don’t want to talk then, you can text,” Eubanks said.
Claire Hudak, a senior in public relations, said she only has a cell phone because “cell phones are more convenient, and no one wants to have to give out two numbers.”
Fitch-Hauser also cited the convenience and multi-functionality for her switch to just a cell phone.
The study said people with only cell phones are more likely to live with unrelated roommates and are renting their residence, rather than homeowners. Most college students fit this demographic.
“Landlines are dying because they have become impractical,” Eubanks said.
Many of those who still have a landline only use it for faxes or Internet connection. The study stated many people ignore their landline, assuming it is a telemarketer calling.
