Phone Line Types
Wireless (Mobile)
- SMS support: Yes, native
- Delivery: Direct to device
- Best for: All SMS use cases
Landline
- SMS support: Limited - text-to-speech only
- Delivery: Voice call reads message aloud
- Best for: Voice calls, not SMS
VoIP
- SMS support: Varies by provider
- Delivery: Depends on configuration
- Best for: Check before sending
Can Landlines Receive Text Messages?
Technically, some landlines can receive SMS through text-to-speech services. The message is converted to an automated voice call. However:
- Not all landlines have this enabled
- The experience is poor (robotic voice reading text)
- Recipients may not answer unknown calls
- Two-way conversation isn't possible
Recommendation: Don't send SMS to landlines. Use voice or email instead.
Checking Line Type
Use a phone intelligence API to check line type before sending:
Check line type instantly. Know if a number can receive SMS before sending.
Get Free API KeyBest Practices
- Always check line type before SMS campaigns
- Filter landlines from SMS lists
- Have fallbacks ready (voice, email) for non-SMS numbers
- Handle VoIP carefully — test delivery to specific providers