How many landline phones are still in use in the US?

The use of landline phones has declined significantly in the United States in recent years, as more and more people have switched to using mobile phones and other digital communication technologies. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2019, approximately 40% of American households still had a landline phone, while the majority (60%) relied solely on mobile phones for communication.

While the use of landline phones has declined overall, there are still certain segments of the population that rely on them more heavily, such as older adults, people living in rural areas, and those with limited access to reliable mobile phone service or broadband internet.

Despite the decline in landline phone usage, some businesses and organizations still rely on landlines for certain communication needs, such as for fax machines or alarm systems. However, even in these cases, there has been a trend towards using digital or internet-based alternatives, as these are often more convenient, cost-effective, and reliable than traditional landline technologies.

As of 2021, there were approximately 97.11 million fixed telephone line subscriptions in the United States. This number has been steadily declining in recent years, as more and more people switch to mobile phones. In 2000, there were over 225 million landline subscriptions in the US.

There are a number of reasons why people are abandoning landlines. Mobile phones are more portable and convenient, and they offer a wider range of features, such as text messaging, email, and internet access. Landlines are also more expensive than mobile phones, and they can be unreliable in areas with poor cell phone coverage.

Despite the decline in landline use, there are still some people who prefer to have a landline phone. For example, some people may feel that landlines are more reliable in an emergency, and they may also be used by businesses or organizations that need to have a dedicated phone line.

Overall, the number of landline phones in use in the US is declining, but there are still some people who prefer to have a landline phone.