• Landline Shutoff Guide

Will my Life Alert work without a landline?

It depends on which Life Alert base station you have. Some older units call the monitoring center over the landline. If the landline is shut off, the button may still light up and beep, but the call for help may never get through. Newer systems use the cell network instead and are not affected by the shutoff.

How to tell which one you have

1. Look at the base station, the box near the phone jack.

2. If a phone cord runs from the base to the wall jack, it uses the landline.

3. If there is no phone cord, or the base or paperwork says cellular, it uses the cell network.

4. Still not sure? Call Life Alert using the number on your paperwork and ask: Does my unit use my landline or the cell network?

Test it today

Press the help button and wait for the operator. Tell them it is a test. If no one answers, or it only works some of the time, call Life Alert right away.

Compare medical alerts that don't need a landline

If your landline is ending

Ask for a cellular unit

Switch companies

Keep a replacement line

Ask Life Alert to switch you to a cellular unit. Ask whether there is a fee and whether your monthly price changes.

Many medical alert companies sell cellular systems with no landline needed, often with fall detection and no long contract.

If you switch to a landline replacement such as AT&T Phone - Advanced, ask Life Alert whether your unit is supported, and test it the same day.

Questions to ask before you decide

• Does my current base station need a landline?

• Can you swap it for a cellular model, and is the swap free?

• Will my monthly price change?

• How long does the base battery last in a power outage?

• Is there a contract or cancellation fee?

Don't wait for the shutoff date

A medical alert that cannot reach help is worse than none, because you think you are protected. Check yours this week.

Life Alert is a registered trademark of Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc. This site is independent and not affiliated with Life Alert.