Some recent data shows an increasing trend to get rid of traditional telephone landlines and instead use only cellular/mobile phone service. Since about 2016, fewer and fewer people are using landlines and the number of people relying solely on their cell phones keeps growing.
This means a few things in regards to public safety.
1. People may be more connected than ever, but they’re also more at risk.
Dead zones, no battery or spots to recharge, or a lost device means that a person has no way to call for help if needed.
That means reliable one-touch emergency communications are needed in more places than people think.
2. Cellular and satellite phone technology have become the gold standards for clear, high-quality communication because they offer features and benefits landlines don’t.
For instance, CASE Emergency Communication equipment has optional faceplate cameras that send images from units wirelessly. CASE units can also deliver precise GPS ‘ping’ information to emergency responders, and communicate self-checking maintenance reports. Additionally, CASE equipment can route to any emergency response office, including private security or campus police – instead of only notifying 911.
3. People feel comfortable with cellular technology because it is typically more reliable and more stable than landline communications.
Power outages, landscape work and accidental cutting of lines, downed telephone lines from storms, “all circuits busy” messages, and deliberate tampering of exterior lines are all common problems with landlines — but that are easily solved with cellular technology. CASE even makes sure all cellular components are housed in a highly weather-resistant, tamper-resistant stainless steel shell for added security.
As landline usage continues to decline, it’s also likely to become more expensive with fewer customers sharing the cost of running new lines and maintaining old ones. If you’re considering new public safety communications equipment, let CASE show you how cellular or satellite can benefit your organization. Looking to upgrade legacy equipment? We can help with that too – our retrofit kit converts landline call-boxes to wireless communications without reinstalling the unit itself.