Floridians are increasingly abandoning their telephone landlines, with a significant 17.7 percent decrease in the number of landline connections reported from 2022 to 2023.
A Sharp Drop in Landline Connections
According to the latest report from the state’s Public Service Commission, as of December 31, 2023, only 763,866 landlines were still in use across Florida. This figure includes 484,345 landlines utilized by businesses and 279,521 in residential settings. This decline in landline use mirrors a broader trend across the nation, as technological advancements and changing consumer preferences drive a shift away from traditional telephone services. With Florida’s population now exceeding 23 million, the report highlights a marked shift towards alternative communication methods.
The Rise of Wireless and VoIP Technologies
As landline use continues to diminish, wireless technology and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services have seen substantial growth. Florida phone users now hold approximately 24 million wireless subscriptions, reflecting the widespread adoption of mobile phones. Additionally, around 4.5 million individuals utilize VoIP services, which allow calls to be made over the Internet rather than traditional phone lines. The rapid adoption of wireless technology can be attributed to its convenience, affordability, and the increasing reliance on mobile devices. Wireless services have become more accessible and cost-effective, making them the preferred choice for many Floridians.
Business vs. Residential Landline Trends
The decline in landline use is not uniform across all sectors. Business landlines, although also experiencing a decrease, have outnumbered residential landlines for the past 13 years. The report indicates a 15 percent reduction in business landlines from 2022 to 2023. This drop reflects a broader trend of businesses moving towards more modern communication solutions. In contrast, residential landlines have faced even steeper declines. AT&T, one of the major landline service providers in Florida, reported a 27.2 percent drop in residential landlines over the past year. Frontier experienced a 25.6 percent decrease, while CenturyLink saw a 19.9 percent decline.
Market Competition and Its Impact
The decrease in landline usage has been influenced by intense competition within the telecommunications industry. The Public Service Commission’s annual Report on the Status of Competition in the Telecommunications Industry notes that market competition has played a significant role in maintaining affordable and reliable telecommunications services.
“As competitors gain substantial market share and pressures mount to offer comparable services, competition has positively impacted the affordability and reliability of telecommunications options,” the report states. This competitive environment has accelerated the shift away from landlines as consumers seek out more modern and flexible communication technologies.
The landscape of telecommunications in Florida is rapidly evolving. While landline use continues to decline, the growth of wireless and VoIP technologies highlights a shift towards more versatile and convenient communication methods. As the market adapts to these changes, the focus remains on providing affordable and reliable services to meet the needs of a diverse and tech-savvy population.