Modern Communications in Newly Built Homes: Landline Phone Jacks vs. Advanced Technologies

As of August 2023, the prevailing trend in newly built houses and apartments has shifted away from installing traditional landline phone jacks. Many builders are opting for modern communication technologies such as cellular services and high-speed internet Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for phone services. However, some properties may still include phone jacks, particularly in areas where landline service remains popular or necessary.

Current Trends in Home Construction

The decision to install landline phone jacks often depends on the target market, local regulations, and the preferences of the builder or developer. In general, it is less common to find dedicated landline phone jacks in newly constructed properties compared to previous decades. Custom-built homes offer more flexibility, as the customer can opt for more modern and versatile solutions.

Modern Solutions in Custom Homes

One of the popular approaches in custom home construction is the use of Category 6 (CAT6) cabling. These home runs are installed in each location where a future need for either a traditional phone or a wired Ethernet device may arise. Wired Ethernet devices can include computers, Smart TVs, and wireless access points. All of these cables converge in the basement, making it easier to switch between different uses.

Interestingly, even in areas where new landlines are no longer available, traditional telephones can still be adapted. For example, services like Verizon's "home phone converter" turn a cellular device into a functional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) landline. The male RJ11 modular telephone plug can be used in combination with the wider RJ45 female jack used for Ethernet, allowing for seamless integration of traditional and modern communication technologies.

Why Landline Phone Jacks Still Exist

Landline phone jacks are still present in many newly built houses and apartments, especially when it comes to security systems. Many alarm systems still require a landline to transmit signals to either the police or a central monitoring service. This is a critical feature for ensuring safety, particularly in areas where cellular coverage may be unreliable.

Example: When our custom house was built last year, the standard internal “phone” wiring included home runs of CAT6 back to the wiring point in the basement. This setup allows us to patch the lines to a phone line or into a wired Ethernet router. Most people don't realize that an RJ11 standard modular phone plug can be used to plug into an RJ45 port used for Ethernet.

This flexibility means that if and when a traditional landline becomes available, we can easily adapt the system. This approach ensures that the home remains adaptable and modern, catering to the evolving needs of homeowners.

Conclusion

The landscape of home construction is continually evolving. While the trend currently favors modern communication technologies, the inclusion of traditional landline phone jacks remains a viable option for many. Builders and homeowners who prefer more versatile and adaptable solutions can opt for installations like CAT6 home runs. Regardless of the choice, the goal is to create a home that is both technologically advanced and future-proofed.

Keywords: landline phone jacks, home construction, communication technologies