A stupid Question?

[richard kidd]

:rrg: I'm thinking about getting rid of my land phone and just using a cell. One problem? I live in an apartment with a controlled entry. My super says the cell phone will open the front door if someone buzzes to come in. The salesman at "the source circuit city" says no they won't work. Who is right? I hate to make the change and be stuck.

[ChrisK]

That's interesting stuff...never heard of that before...but guess it's possible.
If your super says it will work, ask him/her to show you. Maybe he/she has a cell that will do it. Then see what it requires and compare.

[richard kidd]

That's interesting stuff...never heard of that before...but guess it's possible.
If your super says it will work, ask him/her to show you. Maybe he/she has a cell that will do it. Then see what it requires and compare.
That would be the way to be sure.

Thank you.

[StevenC]

I'm not sure that is possible. How would the data from the cell phone be sent to the building's security system (to open the door)?

Just make sure that your super didn't mistake a cell phone for a cordless.

[mander]

First off, there is no such thing as a stupid question. We are here to help in anyway we can and will do our best. As stated above, how can the signal get from your cell phone to the landline? Quite simply, it cant. Building security systems require a hardline to an active telephone line in order for it to work. How do I know this? I have a friend that has only a cell phone and if you punch in the numbers to "buzz" him, you get a message to the effect of "not in service" as he doesn't have a home phone. There may be a workable way around this, but none that I have heard of. Maybe the super can set it up to have it call your cell number and work it that way...only way I can think of.

[Mouse]

Since it doesn't really use Bell equipment, wouldn't a cheap phone still work as an intercom???

[DJ Envy]

MouseMeat your right :) a Cheap Phone will work as my friend does not have a land line and uses a cheap Phone to buzz people in so it does work!

[richard kidd]

Thank you all very much, I checked with another friend who lives in London and his old phone still works to buzz people in.

Richard