Should you drop your landline and rely on your wireless phone for all of your calling? Many of us already rely solely on wireless service. But a wireless phone is not just like your home phone. If you are considering cutting the cord, consider the following:

Price: Wireless plans often include extras such as caller ID, voice mail, and even long distance--usually add-ons for wireline service. However, local wireline service is often a flat rate service--you pay the same fee no matter how much you use the phone. Most cell plans are priced per minute, and get pricey when you exceed your limit. Incoming calls are included in your minutes, something you don't have to worry about with landlines. Take care to carefully consider how much you will use the phone and whether the cell plan includes a sufficient number of minutes for your outgoing and incoming calls.

Safety: If you dial 911 from your home phone, the emergency operators can immediately pinpoint your location. If you dial 911 from your cell phone at home or on the road, most emergency operators cannot readily locate you, and unfortunately, there is no guarantee that your call will get through.

Service: Consumers frequently complain about wireless service quality, such as dead zones and dropped calls. Overloaded networks and "dead spots" can affect your ability to use a wireless phone in ways that are not a consideration for landlines.