Posted 2/23/2024, 6:10:07 PM
AT&T Outage Reignites Doubts About Reliance on Cell Networks, Though Landline Revival Unlikely
- AT&T network outage left tens of thousands without cell service, prompting questions about continued need for landlines
- Landline usage has plummeted over the past 20 years as cell phone adoption has soared (73% wireless only households today vs 3% in 2003)
- AT&T pushing to eliminate landline obligation in California, but fire department raised concerns about 911 access
- For some (especially seniors), landlines still preferred for reliability or familiarity
- Outage reignited doubts about reliance on cell networks, though full landline revival seen as unlikely given convenience of mobile