It took me awhile to realize that the Sims 3 sims did't need phones in their homes. I was so happy when I realized they didn't! One less thing I had to worry about remembering. lol I always used to forget to place them in TS2 when I would build. :oops:
And since then, I never give my sims phones in their homes. I do actually think about it, even after years, the reflexive habit is still there, I guess. But I was tired of having to do it, so now I never do it.
It did seem strange not to have to buy the cell phones and I do sorta miss being able to 'upgrade' your phone. But then...woohoo! I don't have remember to place phones! ;p
I also used to wish they hadn't given children cell phones, but then there are kids in my sons' grade (first grade) who already have cell phones, so I guess that is the way things are trending.
ETA: At least in TS3, the phones don't wake up your sleeping sims (at least the mobiles don't)!