When it comes to telecommunications, landlines are becoming a thing of the past.
Chico State is taking that notion and the popularity of cell phones to save some money.
Landline usage is not only dramatically down, but many students have unplugged their room phones altogether.
The Chico State University Housing Department is taking a close look at how students in the dorms are communicating.
Director of University Housing Services David Stephen says, “We're looking a turning back to a subscription based plan, due to the popularity of cell phones.”
For the younger generations, landlines are practically ancient.
Resident at Shasta Hall Marcus McMillian says, “I use my cell phone, my roommate has a cell phone, everybody has cell phones.”
Next fall, dorm residents will get the choice to pay $15 a month for a landline or forgo the service altogether.
Based on usage numbers and the students we spoke with, losing personal landlines won't have a major impact.
McMillian says, “I wouldn't notice, I never use the land line.”
According to the numbers, only about 42% of the landlines in the dorms are used, and 90% of those are incoming calls.
Resident at Shasta Hall Anthony Miranda says, “I actually unplugged it cause I was getting calls from who didn’t answer and telemarketers trying to sell mortgages and cable.
But one concern is safety.
What if there was an emergency and there wasn't a phone in sight?
Stephen says, “We're addressing concerns of safety with service desk, we're making sure there's someone present if there's an emergency.”
That means every dorm's front desk will have a person there 24/7.
The Chico State Police Department says it won't have a big impact on 911 calls, because they get very few calls from landlines now.
The biggest perk is the money the housing department will save from the $61,000 it spends on the phone lines every year.
Stephen says, “When you look at the cost benefit they can still get it on a subscription basis and those who want it can get it.”
A subscription that's expected to be just as unpopular as landline use in the residence halls.
Housing will make a final decision on the subscription program before next fall.
University Village will continue to receive landline service and is exempt from the program.
