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Are you looking for the best landline phone service? You're not alone!
Over 95 million people in the US are still using a landline phone service. However, with so many providers on the market, choosing the best home phone provider can feel a bit overwhelming.
In this guide, we'll break down all the information you need to know to help you decide on the perfect landline service for your needs.
You'll learn about the top landline providers including the different types of landlines, features, call quality, customer service, and more.
Additionally, you may be interested to familiarize yourself with some new alternatives to the traditional landline service you (or your parents) may have grown up with.
Whatever you need from your landline provider, keep reading to find the best phone service.
What is a landline phone?
A landline home phone service, also known as a fixed-line or hard-line, is a traditional wired phone that uses a physical line to connect to a telephone network to make voice calls. This is the traditional landline service that most of us grew up with; rotary phone and all!
It connects directly to a wall socket (so it's not portable) and uses analog technology to transmit sound as electrical signals over the line.
These signals are sent to the local telephone exchange, which is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and other networks around the world, allowing for calls to be made and received from any location with a landline.
Landlines have been in use for over a century and are still common in many parts of the world today. In fact, around 97 million landlines are in use in the US alone.
So despite the rise of cell phones, landlines are still widely used in the United States.
Types of landline phone service
There are three main types of landline service: traditional copper-wire phone service, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and wireless.
Analog
- Traditional copper-wire phone service is the most common type of landline service in the US. This is the good ole "Ma Bell" system (as in the Bell System named after Alexander Graham Bell for you millennials) that has existed in the US for decades.
- This type of service uses a physical telephone line to connect your home or business to the telephone network. Copper-wire phone service is typically provided by local phone companies and is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Digital
- VoIP home phone service is a newer type of landline service that uses the internet to connect your phone to the telephone network. Some of us have actually switched from a hard-wired analog system to a VoIP home service provider without even knowing it!
- For instance, if your home phone now plugs into your modem or router instead of the wall jack in your kitchen or living room, chances are that you actually are using VoIP service for your landline.
- If you've already transitioned away from a traditional landline, you know how painless and seamless the process can be.
- VoIP technology is typically provided by internet service providers (ISPs) and isn't regulated by the FCC. It also requires you to have an internet connection in order to work properly.
Wireless
- Wireless phones, also known as mobile phones or cellular phones, use cell towers to connect calls, eliminating the need for physical connections like wires. You can get wireless landline service, and even keep the types of landline phones you are accustomed to, but with the benefits of a cell phone.
- This allows for greater mobility and freedom, as you're not confined to a specific location. Due to their versatility, cell networks are widely used in telecommunications. This means that the same technology that connects our cell phones can now be used as our home phone service providers.
- Compared to traditional landlines that require a physical, wired connection to a network, wireless phones offer better accessibility as long as there's wireless network coverage available in your area.
Best landline phone service provider
When choosing the best landline services, it's crucial to look at both your budget and your particular needs.
If you're looking for a basic landline service so you can make and receive phone calls, traditional copper-wire phone service is probably your best option as a home phone service provider.
It's important to note that because many people are opting for alternatives to traditional landline phone service providers, it may be more difficult than in years past to find a provider that services your area.
Furthermore, if you're looking for more advanced features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, unlimited nationwide calling, and international calling, you may also want to consider VoIP or wireless options.
How much does a landline phone cost?
This question can honestly be a tricky one to answer. The truth is that home phone service providers can vary significantly in price depending on which landline home phone service type best fits your current needs.
Generally speaking though, a basic landline service can range anywhere from $10 to $30 per month. This phone line typically only includes local calls, incoming calls, and directory assistance.
If you want your landline phone service to include more comprehensive calling plans that include international calling, three-way calling, long-distance calling, and unlimited calling; or features like caller ID and voicemail, it can increase your costs to between $30 to $50 per month or more.
Remember that the final price may also be affected by taxes and fees, so be mindful of these monthly additions when weighing out your options.
Interestingly, newer technology implemented by companies such as Ooma offers an even lower cost option ranging anywhere from $0-$20 per month for service, all you have to pay is a one off cost for the equipment and monthly fees and taxes.
And, yes, you read that correctly! ZERO as in nil, zilch, nada, nothing...all you pay per month is the applicable taxes and fees - typically $5-$8 per month. That's an amazing cost-saving that gives you the comfort of a traditional landline phone service with the flexibility of a cell phone.
There are obviously many different landline service providers in the US, and each one offers different rates and plans. By comparing prices and features, you can find a service that fits your budget and your needs.
How to save money on your landline phone
As stated earlier, one of the best and easiest ways you can save money on your landline bill is to shop around for the best deal.
Another way you can save money on your landline bill is to bundle your landline service with other services, like the internet or cable TV.
Additionally, look for promotions, discounts, or deals that are currently being offered by landline service providers.
Some providers offer discounts for signing up for a long-term contract, or for signing up for automatic bill payments. These promotions or discounts can also be specific to your particular service area, so make sure to do your research to find the best deal!
You can also cut costs for your monthly home phone bill by taking advantage of government programs that provide discounts for low-income households. The Lifeline program, for example, provides a discount on phone service for eligible low-income households.
Lastly, consider cutting down on unnecessary landline service features such as call waiting, caller ID, unlimited calling, international calls, voicemail-to-text transcripts, and call forwarding may help you trim the fat. Some of these features cost extra and may not be necessary for your needs.
Why keep a landline home phone service?
Whether you want to sign up for a new landline for your home or business, or you're simply trying to keep your existing landline phone service, it is ultimately an individual preference and decision.
Many people still like to have that reliability at home, especially in rural areas that may not have a strong cell signal.
Choosing a Landline Home Phone
There're a few things to check before choosing your home phone provider:
- Coverage: Home phone providers vary, depending on where you live. So it's important to check coverage and what providers are available in your area.
- Features: Before choosing your landline phone package you'll want to know what features you need. Things like call waiting, call forwarding, and voicemail-to-text are not always available or may cost extra.
- Cost: How much do you want to spend on your landline service? There are plenty of options available for all budgets and needs.
- Customer reviews: Make sure to check out reviews on the provider to see what current customers are saying.
Benefits of a home phone line
Reliability
Not relying on a wireless signal means landline connections can provide better reliability as they don't rely on a wireless connection and aren't affected by network congestion or dead zones.
Sound quality
Landlines typically have better sound quality than cellular phones, which can be especially important for people with hearing difficulties or for business calls.
Emergency
If there's a power outage, you're still able to use a landline (if you've got a cordless phone, that's charged). Using a landline in an emergency to call 911 can help responders see your location, as a landline phone number is associated with a specific address.
Rural areas
Unlike cell phones, you're not relying on a cellular signal to be able to make phone calls. Landlines can still work in rural locations.
Security
Landlines are generally considered more secure than cellular phones and less likely to be hacked or intercepted.
What are the benefits of each type of landline?
Copper landline benefits
- Reliability: Copper landlines are known for their reliability and are less likely to go out during a power outage or storm.
- Clarity: Copper landlines offer better call clarity compared to other types of phone lines.
- Durability: Copper landlines can last for decades and are less likely to be damaged by environmental factors.
- Emergency services: Copper landlines can be used to access emergency services, such as 911, even during power outages.
- Connectivity: Copper telephone lines are providing more extended connectivity options like DSL and POTS.
- Cost: Copper telephone lines are generally cheaper to install and maintain compared to other types of phone lines.
VoIP landline benefits
- Cost: VoIP is generally less expensive than traditional landline phone service, as it uses an internet connection to make calls.
- Mobility: It allows users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for remote workers or those who travel frequently.
- Scalability: VoIP's easily scalable, making it easy to add or remove phone lines as needed.
- Features: Offering a wide range of features, such as voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, and more.
- Integration: VoIP phone service can be integrated with other business systems, like CRM software, to provide a seamless user experience.
- Flexibility: You can customize your VoIP service to meet the specific needs of a business, such as call routing and call queues.
- Quality: With the advance in technology, the call and voice quality of VoIP has improved significantly, and it is comparable to traditional phone service.
Wireless landline benefits
- Mobility: Wireless home networks allow devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to connect to the internet without the need for physical cables.
- Convenience: They can eliminate the need for running cables through walls or under floors, making it easy to set up and move devices around your home.
- Cost: Often less expensive to install and maintain than wired networks, especially if you're renting a house or apartment.
- Scalability: Wireless landlines are easily scalable, making it easy to add or remove devices as needed.
- Multiple device connections: They allow multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously.
- Flexibility: You can expand your wireless network to cover a larger area by adding additional wireless access points.
- Compatibility: Wireless home networks are compatible with a selection of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices.
- Security: Easily secured with a password or encryption to protect against unauthorized access.
Home phone service features
A landline service offers a number of features. These can vary depending on the landline network provider and package but common features include;
- Caller ID: Not just a feature for cell phones. You can get caller ID on your landline too.
- Three-way calling: This is great for group calls with family or friends.
- Call waiting: Be alerted if someone is trying to call you while you're on another call.
- Speed dial: There's no need to memorize phone numbers, dial a number in an instant.
- Call blocking: Reject or block unwanted calls from unwelcome numbers. It is also referred to as anonymous call rejection and is ideal to avoid telemarketing calls.
- Landline texting: Not available with all providers, but some offer the option of a landline texting feature.
- Voicemail-to-text transcription: This feature isn't offered with all providers, but some offer the option to have your voice messages sent to your email in text format.
- Unlimited calling: If you like spending hours on the phone, some providers offer unlimited calling which can also be unlimited nationwide calling.
- Long-distance calling: If you've got family and friends abroad check out providers that offer international calling with their plans.
You can often a few dollars off your monthly costs by eliminating some of these calling features that you may not use. Remember that the best landline service for you may not always have all the most popular calling features.
Cheap landline phone service for seniors
Many landline providers offer discounts or special plans for seniors. These plans may include lower monthly rates, free or discounted long-distance calls, caller ID, and other features that can meet the needs of seniors.
The Government's Lifeline program offers a discount on phone service to eligible low-income customers, including seniors. The program is available in most states, and eligible customers can receive a discount on their landline or cell phone service.
It is best to research and compare different landline phone service providers and also check with local non-profit organizations to see if they have any programs that can help seniors with discounted or cheap landline services.
Landline phone service FAQs
The cheapest landline plan will depend on the providers available in your area and the features you're looking for. You can compare the best cheap landline phone service providers and see what's available in your area.
You can check which home phone service providers are available in your area by using your ZIP code.
It is possible to get a landline without internet if POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) is available in your service area. However, most providers now only offer traditional home phone service if you sign up for an internet package.
Yes! Landline services whether they are hard-wired, wireless, or digital, are able to operate home security systems, but be sure to consult your home security provider for different options and the best solution to suit your needs.
International calling plans are possible with most landline providers, but they may require additional setup and incur additional charges. You'll need to check with your provider for the specifics on international calling plan rates and availability.
Recap
In 2021, it was recorded that there are still 97 million landlines in the US.
The best comes down to budget and your home phone needs, but there are plenty of ways to save money on your home phone service.
Taking advantage of promotions, discounts, and deals, and cutting down on unnecessary features can help you cut costs. You can also bundle your landline service with cable tv service and high-speed internet.
Making sure to compare providers available in your area and check customer reviews to find the best home phone service provider for you.
| Provider | Minutes | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Unlimited | $39.99-49.99 |
 | Unlimited | $0.00-11.99 |
