Most local companies still use the analog system. The only ones that are digital are through cable or VOIP (Voice Over internet Provider) services. If they use telephone wires that come into you home and the ordinary phone jack they are an analog provider. In Jacksonville the biggest would be Bell South, but there are other smaller providers.
Your telephone provider can usually get you DSL service however it is not necessary. You can choose from any provider that offers service in your area. DSL no longer requires telephone services, some providers may still require it though.
Analog data transmissions occurs every time you log onto the internet using your pc, your modem, and your telephone line.
"Are landline phones passe? Not really! There are still many people who would prefer a landline phone to a cell or satellite phone. I imagine that with the passing years, landlines will be phased out but I can't see that happening too soon."
The average household still have home telephone service. Most families still need this service to take incoming calls that they do not want sent to their smartphones. In any case, telephone service is available from many different companies and providers. That means an individual will need to search around for the best rates and service. Choosing a random company will usually lead to disappointment and plenty of fees. On that note, an individual should look at various options to figure out what will suit themselves the best. It is not that hard to find home telephone service in any area though.
No a digital only phone will not work with analog service, but there are analog/digital phones, I don't know if these are still offered but they were very popular because during the transition from analog to digital, digital coverage was not as good as analog so when you had no digital service it would switch to analog. so the only way to have analog service is if the phone is dual analog/digital or if you have a old analog only phone. you can always look up your phone to see if analog is supported.
Unlike TV, there was no analog turn-off when radio stations added HD service. In the vast majority, their original analog service continues to work just fine.
Really good question!
The ATA (analog telephone adapter/VOIP gateway) is "phoning home" much like in ET. It is checkin in with it's server, just to make sure it can still deliver calls. Most providers have the ATA check in quite often, to ensure the customer has service. The corresponding router lights will flash as data is passed to and from the ATA.
A digital converter converts the analog signals that are received by your TV to digital signals. Most TV providers only offer digital TV these days, so you only need it if you're still using analog.
Not all service providers offer a broadband service. If you really looked around, you could find some providers, including AOL, that still offer dialup connections when requested. Broadband is very standard, however.
there are companies that still offer landlines, but the providers are individual to your speicfic location. Soem popular options are Fairpoint and Verizon. Your local cable company may also offer a digital phone option that works very similar to a regular landline.
So they can charge more for the better video and sound. Greed.