Atlantans Are Returning to Landlines: Here’s Why
▼ Summary
– Emily Varon purchased a landline phone for her 10- and 8-year-old children instead of a smartphone to enable them to make calls.
– She used Ooma’s Voice over Internet Protocol service to set up a cordless phone for her kids.
– The new phone felt like a nostalgic throwback for Varon but was unfamiliar to her Gen Alpha children.
– Her 8-year-old son did not know how to put the phone on speaker or hold it to his ear.
– Varon and her husband had to teach their son how to use the basic functions of the landline phone.
When Emily Varon decided her children needed a way to communicate, she deliberately chose a landline telephone rather than a smartphone. Living in Dunwoody with her ten- and eight-year-olds, Varon selected a cordless model using Ooma’s Voice over Internet Protocol service, blending modern technology with a classic communication tool. For her, the device felt nostalgic, but for her Gen Alpha kids, it was something entirely unfamiliar.
Her eight-year-old son’s reaction highlighted just how novel the experience was. When asked to put the phone on speaker, he had no idea how to manage it. He didn’t even understand the basic action of holding the handset to his ear, requiring his parents to demonstrate the process.
This scenario reflects a broader trend among Atlanta families who are rediscovering the benefits of landlines. Many parents appreciate the simplicity and focus that traditional phones offer, free from the distractions and unlimited access of smartphones. Landlines provide a controlled environment for children to learn communication skills without the risks associated with internet-enabled devices.
Another driving factor is reliability during emergencies. Landlines often maintain service when cellular networks are overwhelmed or during power outages, offering peace of mind for safety-conscious households. VoIP services like Ooma make this option affordable and easy to install, combining dependable performance with contemporary features.
For families like the Varons, the choice represents a thoughtful compromise. It allows children to make calls to family and friends while avoiding the complexities and potential downsides of early smartphone ownership. As more Atlanta residents embrace this balanced approach, the humble landline is making a surprising, and practical, comeback.
(Source: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
