If you own a business that receives tons of call traffic, the chances are that you’ve been advised to get a landline number. And now, you might be wondering why? How do landlines help with call traffic?

How is a landline number different from a typical mobile phone number? More importantly, what is a landline number? Do you REALLY need it?

This article contains all the answers you seek. Check them out below.

What Is A Landline Number? Understanding The Confusion

Spoiler alert: landline numbers are not different from the regular mobile phone numbers.

So, don’t expect a landline number to start with certain unique digits or be longer than your typical phone number. No, that’s not what a landline number is.

The REAL definition of a landline number lies in its function and origin. Here is what we mean by that:

Before mobile phones and the internet, households and businesses required cable wires for calls. That technology is what a landline uses.

Deductively, a landline number is just another phone number. However, it depends on cable wires to place and receive calls.

So, how’s that different from a mobile phone number?

Unlike landline numbers, mobile phone numbers don’t rely on wires. Instead, they use wireless connections.

For early mobile phones, the connection was through “basic” radio waves. Today, the technology has advanced into cellular networks combined with the internet.

Aside from the technology, there are other differences between landline and mobile phone numbers. Here are the notable ones:

Landline Number Vs. Mobile Phone Number: The Differences

Call Quality

Landline number uses land-based structures that are regulated across all regions. For that reason, calls via these numbers are high-quality.

In fact, businesses that revolve around call services depend solely on landlines. The best part: the quality of sound via landlines is not restricted to metro areas.

Landline users in remote areas also report clear calls via their landline numbers.

Overall, landlines offer high sound quality in both short and long-distance calls.

On the other hand, mobile phone numbers use radio waves. And like all waves, it is not the most dependable for calls.

In the cities, for example, call quality over mobile phone numbers is just as perfect as over landlines.

However, the situation is different for remote areas. In such places, the chances are that there are inadequate cellular networks. As a result, call quality might suffer.

Remote areas aside, radio waves don’t fare well over long distances.

In other words, calls over long distances via mobile phone numbers can experience line breaks or even “dropped calls.”

Winner: landline number

Emergency Response

Landline numbers, by definition, are fixed to an address. That’s why they are also called home numbers.

So, when you call 911 with a landline number for an emergency, responders can EASILY locate your exact address and send aid.

On the other hand, mobile phones are not fixed to an address. As a result, responders might spend longer pinpointing your location.

Note: it’s not all doom with mobile phones. You can always send your GPS location.

However, GPS locations are often generalized. Unfortunately, that will delay the emergency response.

Winner: landline number

Mobility

Landlines, despite their call quality and emergency response, are not mobile.

And say you relocated and moved your landline, you must inform your provider. Otherwise, customers will reach a different destination when they dial your landline number.

Note: the “relocation” doesn’t have to be to a different city or state. Once you move your landline away from its default address (even if the new place is the next street), you must contact your service provider.

On the other hand, mobile phone numbers don’t have mobility issues. You can move within states and maintain your number and customers without contacting your service provider.

Winner: mobile phone number

Security

Landlines are arguably the most secure for sharing vital details. You can share business details with your employees or partners without the fear of cyberbullies.

Furthermore, landlines come with a “withhold” feature. With it, you can hide your landline number against cyber thefts.

On the other hand, mobile phones are easily hacked for three reasons:

• First, radio waves can easily be intercepted. In other words, hackers can listen in on your top-level business conversations.
• Secondly, the internet facility of mobile phones makes them susceptible to risks. Even without calling, the malware on your frequently-visited sites could spy on your business activities.
• Lastly, intruders could invade your mobile phone and the details on your number by cloning the entire device.

Winner: landline number

Reliability

Landlines, though fixed to a position, are rigid. They are not affected by weather conditions or power outages because they have a personalized power supply.

In fact, security and emergency services own landline services for this purpose. 

On the other hand, mobile phones won’t function adequately in the slightest storm. Your phone numbers won’t go through, and neither will the internet.

Now, imagine your business involves selling storm shelters and gear. In that case, a mobile phone number and service will let you down when you need it the most.

Winner: landline number

Overall, owning a landline number has several benefits over a mobile phone number. Nevertheless, you must take the time to decide if you really need one.

Who Needs A Landline Number?

Despite the many benefits of landline numbers, there has been a sharp decline in its users. According to National Center for Health Statistics, over 80% of Americans have gone wireless.

However, the fact remains that landline numbers are vital. But not everyone needs it (especially individuals). Perhaps not all businesses and organizations too!

So, who needs a landline number?

Businesses, individuals, or organizations that need 24/7 secured and “unrestricted” call services.

And luckily enough, you don’t need to ditch your mobile phone number. You can own the two.

If you are still using a landline number, you must know its GREATEST limitation: texting.

Landline Numbers And Texting: The Problem & Solutions

Unlike mobile phone numbers, landline numbers don’t send or receive SMS. They are not designed by default to do so.

So, if a customer texts your landline number an inquiry, the chances are that you won’t see it. Unfortunately, that might lead to you losing sales.

But don’t fret; there is a solution!

You can text enable your landline number by using a landline texting service such as Texting.io. We allow you to use your landline number to send and receive text messages text messages. To learn more about text enabling your number, check out our Landline Texting page.

Summary

Landline numbers are just like the traditional 10-digit phone numbers. However, they depend on wired connections.

And unlike mobile phones, calling via landline numbers is reliable and safe. That’s why they are the best for service call businesses.

The only limitation with landline numbers is texting. Fortunately, you can still text enable your number by using a service such as Texting.io.