CLEVELAND -- A growing number of homeowners are pulling the plug on their home phone going cell phone only, or turning to the cable guy.

But NewsChannel5 consumer reporter John Matarese checked to see if these alternate plans were ready for prime time.

Back in 1980, everyone had a big phone, big hair and a big phone company called Ma Bell. But times have changed.

"I haven't had a home phone since I had a roommate 3 years ago," Mark Bauer said.

Bauer, like many young singles, uses only a cell phone in his apartment.

"You're able to live without a land line?" Matarese asked.

"I am able to live without a land line (laughs)," Bauer said.

For busy families with children, however, going cell-only may not be a practical option: most still want a central home phone.

But over the next year, millions of people will be offered another option: Voice over internet, or VOIP.

It's not static-filled calls through computer speakers, Matarese said. It's real phone service over your cable TV line!

Pat Jackson is one of Time Warner's first Cincinnati-area customers.

Her home phones now run into a modem and onto her cable line.

Matarese said you may not even notice anything's different.

"Can you tell the difference between this and a regular phone line?" he asked.

"No, not at all," Jackson said.

Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, and others are just now rolling out VOIP -- or "Digital Phone," as they sometimes call it.

The Wall Street Journal says 20 million Americans may subscribe by decade's end.

The cost includes the same flat rate to call next door, the next town or the next time zone.

Cable guy Rob Howard of Time Warner says $39.95 a month can give you unlimited local and long distance calls.

But there are downsides, and the phone company is happy to tell you about them.

Phone executive Ann Crable, of Cincinnati Bell, said the phone company can now "bundle" your cell phone and home phone into one simple discounted plan. Cable can't do that, Matarese said.

"We strongly encourage customers to keep a land line for safety reasons," Crable said.

The reason is that If your power goes out, your cable phone goes out too.

"In fact, during a power outage, VOIP service does not work. So you would not be able to call 911 if you had a problem," Crable said.

Also, with some cable phone systems, 911 operators may not be able to locate you. Though Time Warner's system does not have that problem.

The cost alone sold Jackson.

You may not be able to get cable phone yet in your neighborhood, but it could be coming next year.

If it's an option, learn the benefits and drawbacks before you sign up. And see what the phone company will offer to keep you.

That way you don't waste your money.