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About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
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We all know that classifying ourselves as "senior citizens" may be a difficult pill to swallow - along with the other growing number of pills we now have to take - but there are several advantages to being over the hill.
We may find our income fixed, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs on monthly bills, such as our landline home phone service. But we all want a cheap home phone service without having to sacrifice a reliable connection.
By researching these options carefully, seniors should be able to find an affordable solution that fits within their budget while still providing them with all the necessary features they need to stay connected.
In this article, we'll explore the different landline providers available, the best options for seniors, and offer money-saving tips to help save even more.
What is the best home phone service for seniors?
The cheapest home phone service for seniors
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- $0-2030 Day Risk-Free Trial
Ooma offers landline service with plans starting at $0.
Ooma Landline Plans
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While the name may sound like the name of the most recent Swedish rock band, it's a company that has reimagined landline home phone service.
You can enjoy crystal-clear calls and many popular calling features like call blocking, 911 alerts, and Amazon Alexa integration for free.
Yes, that's right, $o.
With their basic free landline service, you'll only need to pay for your equipment and the monthly taxes and fees (typically under $8/month).
And the equipment looks and operates like the landline phones to which we've become accustomed.
You can also keep your existing number.
With their mobile app, you won't miss a beat as it lets you use your home phone on the go.
They offer both internet-based and cellular-based options for your landline connection, making it one of the most versatile and best landline service providers
It's really a no-brainer if you're looking for a reliable landline home phone service without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Ooma home phone service
There are a number of benefits to choosing a VoIP home phone service like Ooma:
Lower costs: Running on your existing internet service means there's no need for an additional telephone line. So VoIP is nearly half the price of a landline from a cable provider.
Keep your number: You can easily transfer your number over.
Flexibility: You can take your home phone line wherever you go. With your provider's app, you'll be able to make and receive calls through the app when you're connected to the internet.
Clearer voice quality: Operating on high-speed internet the voice quality is crystal clear.
Reliability: As long as you have a good internet connection, VoIP technology is reliable.
Easy installation: Connecting to your existing internet, your VoIP home phone is easy to set up and install.
Extra features: Using the internet for your home phone service means there are many additional features available. Like three-way calling, video and conference calling, call forward, and many more.
Portability: If you move home it's easy to take your VoIP service to your new address.
- Download
- Channels
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- Unlimited
- Monthly Price
- $39Coverage Guarantee - No Internet Required
Community Phone offers landline service with plans starting at $39.
Community Phone Landline Plans
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Community Phone is another landline home phone service provider that is changing the landscape of the market.
Community Phone offers affordable home phone service using a wireless network. Their wireless home phone services operate off of cell towers, so you'll have access to your landline as long as you have network coverage.
Similarly to other landline phone service providers, you are able to keep your existing phone number.
Community Phone also doesn't require internet, so you won't be forced to bundle with services you don't want, to help keep the costs low.
Their plans are affordable, starting from around $35 a month.
Benefits of Community Phone service
Check out these benefits with wireless home phone providers:
Lower costs: With affordable monthly bills, plus unlimited local and long-distance calls.
No internet required: Powered by cell towers you don't need an internet connection for your wireless home phone provider.
Easy setup: You'll receive a small modem device that you can just plug and go.
Keep your existing number: Easily transfer your current number over.
Works in power outages: With a battery backup in case there's a power outage so you're never without your home phone.
Flexibility: Your home number can be used on your cell phone so you can take your landline where ever you go.
Compare home phone plans for seniors
| Provider | Minutes | Monthly Price |
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Unlimited | $0.00-19.99 |
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Unlimited | $39.00 |
Find the best phone service for seniors in your area
Comparing home phone service for seniors
When choosing home phone service providers, there are several important factors to consider in order to ensure that you get the best service for your needs and budget.
Coverage: Landline services vary depending on where you live. So it's important to check coverage and what providers are available in your area. You can do this by checking coverage in your ZIP code.
Features: Before choosing your phone company 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: There are plenty of options available for all budgets and needs. Make sure you check for discounts for seniors and within your service area.
Customer reviews: Make sure to check out reviews on the provider to see what current customers are saying.
Home phone service features
Home phone service providers offer a number of benefits and calling features. But these can vary depending on the home phone service and the package you choose. Common features include:
Caller ID: Not just a feature for cell phones. You can get caller ID on your landline too.
Call forwarding: You can direct your incoming calls to another device or number.
Three-way calling: This is great for group calls with family or friends as well as meetings.
Call waiting: Be alerted if someone is trying to call you while you're on another call.
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.
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.
International calling: If you've got family and friends abroad check out providers that offer international calling plans. With VoIP providers using your existing internet connection long-distance calls may be free or at a lower cost.
Benefits of switching to a cheap landline service
Reliability: With a connection to high-speed internet for VoIP service or a backup battery with wireless providers like Community Phone you'll have reliable landline service.
Keep your number: You can easily transfer your number over to your new landline phone service.
Traditional landlines: Old-school service providers like Verizon, Frontier, and AT&T landlines don't offer standalone landline service anymore so you'll have to pay for bundled services with the internet.
Bundles: If you want an internet connection and TV with traditional home phone plan service providers like AT&T home phone you can add internet and cable tv service to your home phone package.
Cheap landline phone service: Wireless and VoIP phone services offer the cheapest landline service deals. VoIP providers like Ooma offer their basic service plan for free.
Landline phone savings for seniors
Many landline service providers offer discounted plans tailored specifically to seniors, with lower monthly rates and exclusive perks like free long-distance calls, caller ID, and more.
Additionally, the Government's Lifeline program offers discounts on telephone services across most states – perfect if you're within tight budget constraints.
Be sure to check out what local non-profit organizations have in store too - there may be existing relationships between landline providers and the non-profits that could help you save.
Landline phone for seniors FAQs
Will my medical alert system still work?
Yes, medical alert systems are able to monitor seniors or those with medical conditions with different home phone service providers. It's ultimately best to contact your medical alert systems provider to see the specific information for your particular situation.
Are traditional landline providers still available?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently announced its decision to shut down copper wire landlines in the United States. It will eventually be necessary to switch your home phone service provider if you still have a copper wire landline.
Why is the FCC shutting down copper wire landlines?
Internet-based and wireless home phone service providers have become more prevalent and provide better service at a lower cost.
Are there any senior discounts available for landline phone service?
Yes, many phone companies offer discounts for seniors. Be sure to inquire about any senior discounts that may be available when you're shopping for a landline phone service. Some companies may also offer discounts for veterans or those with disabilities.
Are there any prepaid landline phone plans available for seniors?
Yes, prepaid phone plans can be a great option for seniors on a fixed income. With a prepaid plan, you pay for your phone service in advance and can avoid unexpected charges or overage fees.
Recap
Over 97 million people in the US still have landline phone service providers. Landline providers like Ooma and Community Phone are changing the way that they deliver the same reliable service at much lower prices.
Of course, you can still opt for traditional home phone service from one of the big cable companies like AT&T, Spectrum, Frontier, or Verizon. However, due to wired landlines gradually being phased out by the FCC, they no longer offer landlines as a standalone.
Let's recap the best home phone plans:
Cheapest home phone: Ooma home phone plan is free. The only cost is a one-time fee for the equipment and monthly taxes and regulatory fees - typically under $8/month.
Most reliable: This will come down to coverage in your area. But Community Phone landline uses cellular networks and comes with a backup battery to keep you connected in a power outage.
Best overall provider: With free plans and consistently high reviews, Ooma is our choice for the best home phone provider.
Most flexible provider: Ooma offers different plans depending on your preference. With a choice of VoIP or Wireless either service is great value for money.
| Provider | Minutes | Monthly Price |
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Unlimited | $0.00-19.99 |
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