Economy
In reply to the discussion: STOCK MARKET WATCH -- Friday, 27 April 2012 [View all]Tansy_Gold
(17,850 posts)95% of the snail mail I receive is junk mail. I could eliminate probably another 4% by switching to electronic-only bank statements, electric bills, and water bills.
I have a landline phone -- which is often not even turned on -- for one reason and one reason only. When that reason is removed (very soon, I hope) there will be no "need" for a landline.
I think it's important to think in terms of what is really "need" and what is "desire." Yes, there are people who don't use computers (my neighbors, my mother) but how long should we be expected to maintain aging, deteriorating, inefficient systems for the convenience of a few?
My post office does a great job with packages. I have some jewelry to send to Australia this morning, and I know I will get quick, courteous, affordable service when I ask questions about filling out the customs forms, how secure the packaging is, etc. Yesterday I bought stamps and asked for something "without flags" and was promptly shown several designs to choose from. I can't get that from the electronic kiosk in the lobby, at least not now. But that electronic system could easily be expanded to do more than it does. And quite frankly, it could be done in a way that would either relegate package delivery to the private systems (UPS, FedEx) or consolidate it to the postal system at a lower cost. Right now, USPS is still by far the most cost effective way for me to ship.
If cell phone service is expanded to provide clear reliable accessibility to all areas, even rural Ohio then what's the reason to maintain landline infrastructure? Sentimentality? That belongs in romance novels.