You can get a cordless telephone and answering machine in different sizes and configurations appropriate for tiny, medium, or perhaps for large offices.  The cordless telephone and answering machine should have the power to accommodate multiple lines at the same time, have call holding, call forwarding, and other such features.  That way, all of the needed features of your phoneline can be managed from that one cordless telephone and ansaphone unit, instead of needing some other device. 

Personally, though, I’m not that large hot for a cordless phone and answerphone for the simple reason that I am always loosing something.  It’s enough trouble for me to keep control of my cellphone, and the only way I manage to do that at all is to always keep it with my messenger bag, which means that I must always keep that messenger bag with me.  But when you use a cordless phone and answerphone, you’ve got the tendency ( at least I do ) to use it so that you can wander around and have a tendency to other work while you are talking on the telephone.  This suggests that you can leave your cordless telephone anywhere in another office, in the copy room, on a colleagues desk.  The possibility to foil this system are manifold.  For me, the old standby, the telephone with the rope attached to the clunky machine that hasn’t changed much for over twenty years, is still the best answer.  It works well, and it suggests that you can’t go far with the phone and that irrespective of where you wonder, it’s still firmly attached to where it is meant to be.

Sadly, or some would say thankfully, you cannot download the latest pop music or TV theme tune as your very own ringtone, that is reserved for the mobile phone users. You can read about the best ringtones on the Best Ringtone web site.

The Emergency Call to 911

Many cellular service providers offer an emergency calling option. Known as Enhanced 911 (or simply, E911), the service connects your call to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The PSAP then routes your call to the appropriate party. On the surface, this sounds efficient enough. But, in order for the cellular provider to transfer your E911 call to the appropriate PSAP, it must have specific information on file. If you don’t provide that information, the call may not be connected properly.

With a landline telephone, your 911 call is connected and the operator can trace your location. Even if you do not speak into the receiver, your home’s physical address can be routed to law enforcement, ambulance services, or a local fire station.

Hidden Cell Phone Charges and Rising Costs

Monthly cost is another factor to consider. When most people sign up for a cellular plan, they do so believing they will seldom, if ever, exceed their monthly allowable minutes. Actually millions of people already do this every month. With the increased higher cost, (usually per-minute cell phone rates can exceed $.40) and the fact the most people are unaware regarding the duration of their calls, the costs can skyrocket. Families with young adults who have their own cell phones can attest to the surprisingly high monthly bills.

A hardline residential phone plan often comes with unlimited local and long-distance calling privileges. With the exception of any out of the country calls, you will know before hand what your monthly telephone bill will be.

The Environmental Concerns

Corded hardline phones are more friendly to the environment. Sure, some may feel that it is not a significant factor. But, consider that every cell phone manufactured uses a toxic battery. Millions of batteries are thrown away every year. They add up. For those who consider environmental friendliness a priority, a landline telephone (corded) is far easier to justify.

If you’re thinking about retiring your home landine telephone service, consider the factors above. To be sure, cell phones are more portable and therefore, more convenient. But, making 911 calls with them is less reliable than making them with a landline. Plus, the monthly costs and impact to the environment are greater than many people realize. While cellular technology has made telecommunications vastly more convenient, keeping a landline connection in your home still has enormous value.