How to Call a Landline from Cell Phone (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to calling landlines from cell phones. Learn 10-digit dialing rules, international landline calls, landline vs mobile differences, AT&T copper shutdown timeline, and the state of landlines in 2026.
To call a landline from a cell phone, just dial the full 10-digit number — area code + local number. No special prefix needed. For international landlines, dial + country code + area code (drop the 0) + number. That's it.
This guide covers how to call landlines domestically and internationally, the difference between landline and mobile calls, why landline rates are cheaper, the current state of landlines in 2026 (78% of Americans are wireless-only), and the AT&T copper network shutdown.
Quick Guide: Calling a Landline
From a Cell Phone (US domestic): Area code + 7-digit number. Example: 212-555-1234
From Another Landline (US domestic): 1 + Area code + 7-digit number. Example: 1-212-555-1234 (the "1" is the long-distance prefix)
From US to International Landline: + Country code + Area code (no 0) + Number. Example: +44 20 7946 0958 (UK) or from landline: 011-44-20-7946-0958
10-Digit Dialing Is Now Mandatory
Since October 24, 2021, 10-digit dialing (area code + number) is mandatory in most US area codes. This change was required for the launch of 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — to ensure calls to 988 wouldn't conflict with 7-digit numbers starting with 988.
Even if you're calling a landline across the street, you must dial the full area code + number.
How to Call International Landlines
International landline calls follow: exit code + country code + area code + local number. Drop the trunk prefix (leading 0).
| Calling To | Local Format | From US Mobile | From US Landline |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (London) | 020 7946 0958 | +44 20 7946 0958 | 011-44-20-7946-0958 |
| India (Delhi) | 011 2345 6789 | +91 11 2345 6789 | 011-91-11-2345-6789 |
| Germany (Berlin) | 030 1234567 | +49 30 1234567 | 011-49-30-1234567 |
| Japan (Tokyo) | 03 1234 5678 | +81 3 1234 5678 | 011-81-3-1234-5678 |
| Australia (Sydney) | 02 1234 5678 | +61 2 1234 5678 | 011-61-2-1234-5678 |
Trunk prefix reminder: Always drop the 0 before the area code. UK 020 → +44 20. India 011 → +91 11. Germany 030 → +49 30.
Landline vs. Mobile: Key Differences
| Feature | Landline | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Fixed to one address | Portable anywhere |
| Area Code | Geographic (tied to region) | Can keep any area code |
| Power Outage | Corded phones work (copper only) | Needs battery + cell towers |
| Simultaneous Calls | One at a time (busy signal) | Call waiting standard |
| International Rates | Often cheaper | Higher (mobile termination fees) |
| Sound Quality | Consistent, reliable | Varies by signal strength |
The State of Landlines in 2026
78% of US adults are wireless-only. About 55 million Americans still have a landline. Usage dropped from 90% in 2004 to about 20% in 2026.
The Northeast has the highest landline rate (33%). The 65+ age group is most likely to keep a landline (40.7%). In the last year, 6.5 million US households dropped their landlines.
Why people still keep landlines: Security/alarm systems, elevators, fax machines, poor cell coverage (rural), power outage backup, elderly preference.
The AT&T Copper Network Shutdown
AT&T spends ~$6 billion annually maintaining copper, but less than 3% of customers use it.
1. October 2025: AT&T stops accepting new copper service orders.
2. June 2026: Decommissioning begins in ~500 wire centers (10% of footprint).
3. 2029: Full POTS line sunset expected (except California with regulatory pushback).
Customers will be migrated to fiber-optic or VoIP alternatives. The unique advantage of copper — working during power outages — will disappear.
5 Ways to Call a Landline
1. From Another Phone (Cell or Landline): Dial the 10-digit number. Standard call rates apply.
2. VoIP Service (BubblyPhone): Call from your browser or app. Often cheapest for international landlines — no mobile termination fees.
3. Google Voice: Free US/Canada calls from the Google Voice app or website.
4. Computer (Web-Based VoIP): Any internet-connected device can call landlines via VoIP software.
5. Video Chat App (Phone-Out Feature): Microsoft Teams (replaced Skype in May 2025) can call landlines with a paid plan.
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