system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[The Matrix] When people connect to The Matrix, Don't they need an un-hung phone somewhere to appear out from as they need to answer a phone to jack-out?
gpt
They need a "hardline" connection, but the signal causing the Matrix representation of the phone to ring is enough to ride on in order for the initial connection, transfer of consciousness, and generation of a Residual Self Image. 

The "ride out" requires picking up the phone as a way of engaging the carrier wave for pickup, but the "ride in" just needs the initial connection. This can be seen when the crew of the Nebudchadnezzar goes to visit the Oracle, and they all appear around the ringing phone, still in its cradle.

IOW, a particular landline phone ringing might be a signal that someone is about to appear from thin air to kick your ass.