Emergency call system without landline: Why mobile communication is standard today

Just a few years ago, a landline connection was often the basis of traditional home emergency call systems. A base station, telephone line, and an emergency call button on the wrist were considered a proven solution. But our lifestyle has changed: many people want to remain independent even in old age and feel safe not only within their own home. Modern mobile emergency call systems like the Gardia emergency call wristband with fall detection therefore rely on an integrated SIM card. This makes the system independent of a landline connection or a router and can be used at home as well as on the go.

Classic home emergency call systems are usually tied to specific technical and spatial requirements:

• Base station in the home
  
• Power supply for the base station
  
• Telephone or internet connection, depending on the system
  
• Limited range around the base station
  

The spatial factor is particularly crucial: A stationary home emergency call system primarily offers security within the home. In the event of a fall or medical emergency while out and about, it usually cannot be used. The importance of classic landline telephony is also decreasing. According to the Federal Network Agency, the call volume handled via landlines in 2025 fell from 57 to around 47 billion minutes compared to the previous year. However, this figure refers to the use of classic telephony, not the number of existing landline connections.

An emergency call system without a landline transmits an alarm via the mobile network. With the Gardia emergency wristband, the required SIM card is integrated directly into the device.

Advantages of a mobile emergency call system

• no base station required
  
• no dedicated landline connection necessary
  
• no smartphone required for use
  
• can be used at home and on the go
  
• transmission of location in case of emergency
  
• direct connection to the emergency call center
  

The mobile network infrastructure in Germany is continuously being developed. According to the Federal Network Agency, around 109.2 million SIM profiles were active at the end of 2024. The data volume transmitted via mobile networks also continues to increase. These figures show the high prevalence of mobile communication, but do not generally prove that mobile communication is the "most reliable form of communication" for every emergency system.

A major advantage of mobile emergency call systems is location transmission in an emergency. While a classic home emergency call system is usually linked to a fixed residential address, a mobile system can transmit the current location – for example, during a walk, while shopping, or when traveling within the supported service area. This can create additional security, especially for active people, those living alone, and their relatives

The Gardia emergency wristband is a mobile emergency call system that can be used without its own landline connection and without a smartphone.

Key features

• integrated SIM card
  
• automatic fall detection
  
• GPS-based location transmission in an emergency
  
• direct connection to Bosch's professional 24/7 emergency call center
  
• use at home and on the go
  
• waterproof design for everyday use
  

This means the system accompanies users not only inside their homes but also during many activities outside the home.

Stationary Home Emergency Call System

• primarily for use at home
  
• base station required
  
• range limited to the vicinity of the base station
  
• usually knows a stored address
  
• technical requirements depend on the provider
  

Mobile Emergency Call System

• usable at home and on the go
  
• no separate base station required
  
• integrated mobile phone connection
  
• location transmission possible in case of emergency
  
• suitable for active and independent people
  

Note: Instead of "works everywhere," it is better to write "works wherever there is sufficient mobile network coverage." This avoids promising unrestricted network coverage.

A mobile emergency call system can be particularly suitable for:

• People without their own landline connection
  
• Active seniors
• People living alone
  
• People with an increased risk of falling or dizziness
  
• Relatives who cannot always be on site in person
  
• People who want to be protected even outside their home
  

The classic home emergency call system primarily provides security within the home. Mobile systems extend this protection to many situations outside the home. Thanks to the integrated mobile connection, location transmission, and direct connection to the emergency call center, the Gardia emergency call wristband does not require its own landline connection or a separate base station. This makes it particularly suitable for people who want to lead an independent and active life.