Are Landline Phones Becoming Extinct?

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, I'm sure he would have never guessed how technologically advanced his creation would reach. Today, smart phones or even basic cell phones have seemingly taken precedence over the landline phones that were such a marvel in the late 1800's.

In 1973, Martin Cooper, the general manager for Motorola at the time, placed the first cell phone call while walking down the streets of New York City. After ten years, Motorola introduced their first 'portable phone' that weighed 16 ounces and had a cost of about $3,500. After that monumental advancement, cell phone usage continued to grow throughout the 80's and 90's and increasingly became smaller, more user friendly, and provided better service.

Smart phones arrived on the scene with IBM's introduction of Simon in 1992. It boasted a touch screen, and several other features, including a clock, calculator, calendar, address book, games, fax feature, and email. Since then, smart phones have become greatly advanced. They can be described as cameras, computers, PDAs, and GPS systems all held in the palm of your hand. With these, you can use the internet or the thousands of apps available to connect with others or just to make your life easier. Smart phones are being developed and improved at lightning speed. Now, cell phone companies are launching 3d phones. No one knows yet what the possibilities are for the future of phone technology.

As cell phones are being used more frequently, land-line phone usage is beginning to become obsolete. In addition, many people are using Skype, which is a software application that allows users to make free calls and video chats to other Skype users. Therefore, some are canceling their home phone service, because it is rarely used. Other people keep their phones in order to take advantage of package deals offered by Verizon and other cell phone or home phone providers. These usually include land-line phone, internet, and digital TV service.

As technology is surging into the future, Alexander Graham Bell's remarkable invention is being continually transformed to provide means of communication and entertainment to people around the world. Will land-line phones become extinct someday? No one is sure, but its declined usage and comparative lack of features tends to sound out an unquestionable yes.