A landline number is the same thing as a phone number. A landline is different from a cell phone number because landlines use a metal wire or cable to transfer a voice call while a cell phone uses radio waves. A landline phone is also known as a “hard wired” phone line because there is a physical connection between the phone equipment and the place where it is located. Usually, this connection is a phone jack that is visible on the wall and has a phone line connected to it. Some also refer to a landline as a “POTS” line which stands for “plain old telephone service.” Most people that have a telephone in their home are using a landline service.
If the owner of a landline number is busy or unavailable, a landline may be forwarded to other telephone numbers or to a professional answering service so that the inbound call can be answered. Landlines can also be programmed to allow for “call waiting” so that two or more conversations can be maintained on the line.