She explained that about 14 per cent of mobile-phone users no longer have a fixed-line telephone at home, as indicated by a survey of 18,000 people by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
The fascinating aspect of this is that of those choosing to keep their fixed telephone line, a third said it was convenient or cheaper than mobile, and just 13 per cent said it was because fixed lines offer better quality or more reliable service.
And I discovered that I am in the 7 per cent of respondents who said they keep a fixed line for an internet connection. Sometimes, that internet is used for telephone calls – not a conventional handset.
As wireless connections become more widespread, many of these people, too, will not need a landline; and many, many more 'smart phones' are able to access the internet. I know several young people who use the internet more than I do, but who do not need a landline to do so.
www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/were-all-hanging-up-the-landline-20101118-17zfw.html
Well-Being Australia chairman Mark Tronson says the mobile phone, in Japan for example, for the past 10 years has been used to download the internet, email, text and watch videos. Land lines have not been necessary.
Therefore it has comes as no surprise that much of what comes across my desk, he said. regarding such issues, reveals that it's common in many third world countries for people to do business and banking by mobile phone.
Those who have never before been able to access such services themselves now no longer have to pay a 'middle man' for their connections to the business world outside their village – in areas where there has never, ever been a landline in sight.
During 'Around the Tables' mission meetings recently in Sydney, Mark Tronson said that his wife Delma and he had morning tea with a 'twenty something' and this young person did everything from the internet to email to text on her mobile.
We were shown video clips on her mobile phone, she responded to emails during the morning tea, she sent a number of texts, and she checked a couple of web sites for us to clarify some information.
She explained that a 'mobile phone package' can be purchased at the end of which period that mobile phone is automatically replaced with the next generation mobile. Having done the sums it's cost effectiveness to a land line is significant, let alone having internet access in your hand bag.
All this is showing just how savvy many mission people in this arena, and it's not only in the provence of young people, it's something many older people in mission have taken on board.
The older generation is on a steep learning curve. Mark Tronson said he uses an iphone which has these multi media services available and each time his technologically savvy adult children visit him, he's offered a tutorial.