What is a landline
and do you still need one?
A landline is a fixed line over copper wiring. Most businesses no longer need one. A cloud line works anywhere, texts, and an AI answers it. Start for free.
What a landline is, and why businesses are leaving it.
A landline is a phone line that runs through physical copper wiring to a fixed address. It is reliable and familiar, which is why offices relied on it for decades.
Its strengths are also its limits. A landline is tied to one location, cannot text, costs per line, and goes to voicemail when no one picks up. It cannot answer a customer on its own.
A cloud line does everything a landline did and more. It works on any device, supports texting, and with Frontdesk an AI receptionist answers, books, and logs every call to a CRM. Start for free, no wiring.
Everything a great Landline does. At 1/10th the cost.
A line without the wiring
Businesses get a business number that works like a landline but runs over the internet on any device.
An AI that answers
Unlike a landline, the line answers itself, qualifies, and books.
Calls and texts
A landline cannot text. This line handles voice and SMS together.
Local or toll-free
Keep a familiar local number or port your existing landline.
CRM built in
Every call and text is saved to a contact with a transcript and summary.
Start for free
One price instead of per-line phone company billing and hardware.
Landline tuned to your business.
Pre-trained workflows, industry-specific FAQ libraries, and CRM mappings for the most common verticals.
Popular use cases
Landline vs a modern cloud line.
| Capability | Landline | Mobile | Frontdesk AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answering | Voicemail | You answer | AI answers 24/7 |
| Texting | , | Personal | Included |
| Works anywhere | Fixed location | Yes | Any device |
| CRM logging | , | , | Built in |
| Pricing | Per line + wiring | Carrier plan | Free |
FAQ
Landline FAQs
Common questions about Landline. If you don't see your question, our team can walk you through it.
Contact supportA landline is fixed and cannot text or answer on its own. A cloud line like Frontdesk works anywhere, texts, and answers calls with AI.
Leave the landline behind.
Keep your number.
A cloud line that answers with AI, texts, and includes a CRM. Start for free, free 7-day trial.