Telephone landline flat rate: outdated or underestimated?
Whoever grew up in the 1980s or 1990s remembers that landline telephony was the ultimate standard. The landline flat rate has existed for decades, and even today, many households still have the necessary phones for it. While corded models were the only option in the past, they have now mostly been replaced by wireless, mobile versions. However, many people wonder whether a stationary landline connection is still relevant in times of mobile networks and fiber-optic internet and whether a landline number or even a landline flat rate is still necessary. In this article, we examine whether the landline flat rate still offers advantages or if the landline phone is becoming obsolete in 2025.
Provider Comparison 2025: Who Offers the Best Landline Flat Rate?
Some providers have particularly attractive landline telephony offers:
| Provider | Price | Minimum Term |
|---|---|---|
| Wingo | CHF 52.92 | 24 months |
| TalkTalk | CHF 33/month after promo | 12 months |
| M-Budget | Affordable options | 12-24 months |
If you’d rather switch to a new mobile plan, a mobile subscription comparison might help you find a suitable offer.
What Is a Landline Flat Rate – and Why Does It Still Exist?
In the past, a landline connection with a base fee and additional conditions was the standard in Swiss households. Initially, costs were charged per minute, but by the early 2000s, flat rate options had become increasingly common.
A landline flat rate means you can make unlimited calls to landlines for a fixed monthly fee. Despite the shift to mobile and internet telephony, it still exists, though some consider it outdated. However, the landline flat rate still has its merits today. Here are the main reasons:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixed Costs | You pay a fixed amount regardless of usage time. |
| Reliable Connection | No dropped calls like on mobile networks. |
| Good for Businesses | Many companies use landlines for customer contact. |
| Ideal for Seniors | Simple, stable, and familiar over decades. |
Historical Overview: The Evolution of the Landline Flat Rate Since the 90s
In the 90s, landline calls were expensive, especially to other networks or internationally. The introduction of flat rates reduced costs, and by the 2000s, the first bundled packages with internet emerged. Today, landline connections are often part of internet and TV subscription packages and are rarely offered separately.
Comparison: Landline Flat Rate vs. Mobile Flat Rate – Which Is Better Today?
Both landline and mobile flat rates have their advantages:
| Criterion | Landline Flat Rate | Mobile Flat Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Cheaper for frequent callers | Often more expensive but flexible |
| Mobility | Only usable at home | Reachable anywhere with a network |
| Call Quality | Very stable | Depends on network coverage |
| Extra Costs | Hardly any additional fees | Possible roaming/data charges |
Cost Structure: When Is a Landline Flat Rate Worth It?
A landline flat rate is worthwhile if you make frequent landline calls and want to avoid high mobile costs. It can still be beneficial for households with multiple people or small businesses.
Case Studies: Households and Businesses Benefiting from Landline Flat Rates
- Families: Multiple members regularly call landlines or receive calls from elderly relatives who do not use mobile phones.
- Freelancers: Business calls on a separate number without disclosing a personal mobile number.
- Seniors: Easy-to-use, stable connection without mobile dependency.
Changing Technology: Is the Landline Still Relevant?
Communication technology is evolving rapidly. Fiber optics and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) have entered private households, and traditional copper-based landlines are increasingly being replaced by IP-based solutions. However, many providers, such as Quickline or Salt, still offer modern landline solutions.
VoIP, Fiber Optics & 5G: How Modern Technology Is Changing the Landline Flat Rate
- VoIP: Internet-based telephony instead of traditional phone lines – flexible, cost-efficient, and future-proof.
- Fiber Optics: Stable connection with high call quality, lower latency, and fewer disruptions compared to copper lines.
- 5G: Could partially or entirely replace landlines in the future by providing high data rates and reliable connections for calls.
Advantages of the Landline Flat Rate – More Than Just Nostalgia?
Despite alternatives, the landline flat rate has some advantages:
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No Battery Issues | No worries about dead phone batteries. |
| No Radiation Exposure | No mobile network radiation in the house. |
| Predictable Costs | No unexpected phone bills. |
Reliability and Call Quality in Landline Telephony
Landline calls offer better voice quality than mobile networks, which is particularly advantageous in areas with poor network coverage. If you are moving and unsure about the mobile coverage in your new location, you can check it using coverage maps. As a backup for important calls, a landline subscription can be a good solution.
Landline Flat Rate as a Backup Solution for Network Failures
During internet outages, a landline remains a vital backup option, especially for businesses that rely on continuous availability. A landline flat rate ensures that calls can still be made even if the internet is down.
Additionally, traditional landlines are less prone to disruptions from network congestion or temporary mobile network issues. In emergencies or technical problems with VoIP services, a landline provides a stable alternative to ensure critical calls are not missed.
Disadvantages & Criticisms: When a Landline Flat Rate No Longer Makes Sense
Each person must decide whether a landline flat rate is necessary. Some reasons against it include:
- You primarily use a mobile phone and have barely used your landline in the past year.
- Your landline subscription costs more than a mobile flat rate, which also includes unlimited calls to landlines.
- You already have a comprehensive bundle for TV, internet, and mobile that includes a mobile flat rate.
Tips for Choosing the Best Landline Flat Rate for Different User Groups
If you’ve decided that a landline connection is still practical, consider different factors when choosing a plan. Different users need different offers:
- Singles: A basic, low-cost subscription is usually sufficient.
- Families: Flat rates with multiple lines can be useful.
- Seniors: Simple plans without complex extras are the best choice.
Cancel or Keep? When It’s Time to Reconsider Your Landline Flat Rate
If you rarely use your landline or find cheaper alternatives, switching might make sense. Be sure to check cancellation periods and contract terms.
Future Outlook: Does the Landline Flat Rate Still Have a Chance?
In the long run, landline telephony is likely to decline further as more people switch to mobile and internet-based alternatives like VoIP and messaging services. However, it remains relevant for certain user groups.
Older individuals familiar with traditional phones and businesses requiring reliable connectivity still benefit from a landline flat rate. Additionally, landlines play an important role in regions with poor mobile coverage or as a backup during internet outages.
Conclusion
Whether a landline flat rate is worthwhile depends on usage habits. For some, it remains a practical and cost-effective solution, especially for households that regularly use landline calls or live in areas with weak mobile coverage. Others who mainly use mobile communication or VoIP may find a landline flat rate unnecessary. Analyzing one’s communication behavior is crucial in determining whether a landline flat rate is still the best option or if a more flexible, modern plan would be a better fit.
