It's something most of us take for granted - the ability to just pick up a phone when we need to call a doctor, order a takeaway or just chat to a friend.
But during lockdown, what happens to those living alone with no phone. Those people who rely on kanohi kitea - or face to face contact - for their information and support.
This is the reality for a number of kaumātua and kuia in south Auckland, who are being aided during Alert Level 3 by a network of community groups and volunteers.
Meriana Johnsen has more.