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Landline phone service has been a staple in households and businesses for over a century. So it's hard to believe that in such a short time, home phone service, as we've known it, has changed so drastically.
Although many people have now switched to cell phones, over 95 million people in the US still use landline phones for various reasons.
Some people prefer the reliability and clarity of landline service, while others use it as a backup for when their cell phones run out of battery or lose signal.
The fact remains that we all simply want a cheap landline phone service without sacrificing the quality of a landline home phone.
This article will discuss the costs of having a landline phone, how you can save money on your home phone service, and why it may still be a worthwhile investment for some people.
Landline phone service
This may seem like a ridiculous question to those of us from previous older generations, but many people may still not know what a traditional landline phone service is.
A traditional landline is a type of telephone that uses a physical line to connect to a telephone network, typically through a telephone exchange.
The physical line is usually a copper wire that runs from your home or business to the telephone exchange, which is then connected to the rest of the telephone network.
Landline service has been in use since the early 20th century, and they have evolved significantly over the years to include features such as call waiting, call forwarding, and voicemail.
Likewise, with revolutionary new technology, we are able to unplug - literally - from the phone jack of the past and catapult the modern landline service into the future.
What is the average cost of landline phone service?
The average cost of landline service varies depending on the factors mentioned above, but it typically ranges from $20 to $50 per month.
Some landline service providers may charge a one-time installation fee, and there may also be additional charges for calling features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID.
Factors that affect the cost of a landline
The cost of a landline service can vary greatly depending on several factors, including:
- Location: The cost of a landline home phone service can vary depending on where you live. For example, landline phone services in urban areas are typically more expensive than those in rural areas. This is because the infrastructure to support landline phones is more extensive in urban areas, and service providers must cover the costs of maintaining that infrastructure.
- Provider: The cost of a landline phone service also varies depending on which home phone service provider you choose. Several large telecommunications companies offer landline phone services, and each has its own pricing structure. These home phone service providers are struggling to keep landline phone costs down for their customers. Some home phone service providers offer discounts if you bundle your landline service with other services, such as internet or cable TV.
- Plan type: The cost of a landline phone also depends on the type of plan you choose. Some plans include features such as caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail, while others offer more basic services. The more features you want, the more expensive your landline service will be. It's important to make sure you look at the calling features listed below to see what you really need, like unlimited nationwide calling or caller ID, and which areas you can do without in order to lower your monthly bill.
Landline phone calling features
Different types of landline services offer a number of popular calling features. These can vary depending on the landline network provider, but common calling features include:
- Caller ID: Caller ID is not just a feature for mobile phones. You can get caller ID on your home phone too. You can see caller information on an incoming call.
- Call waiting: Be alerted if someone is trying to call you while you're on another call.
- Call forwarding: To make sure you don't miss a call, call forwarding sends incoming calls to your cell phone or another landline number. Call forwarding gives you more flexibility.
- Three-way calling: Also known as conference calling, allows you to add a third person to existing two-way outgoing calls. It's useful for group conversations.
- Call blocking: Also known as anonymous call rejection or call screening, it is able to block calls from unwanted interruptions and will block spam calls.
- Speed dial: No need to memorize phone numbers; dial a number in an instant.
- Unlimited nationwide calling: Make outgoing calls and receive incoming calls nationwide. Check with each provider, as unlimited calling and long-distance calling may incur additional fees.
- Landline texting: Not available with all providers, but some offer the option of a landline texting feature.
- Voicemail-to-text transcription: Not available with all providers, but some offer the option to have voice messages sent to your email in text format, basically readable voicemail.
Reasons to keep your landline phone service
- Reliability: A home phone can make phone calls more reliable as they don't rely on a wireless connection and aren't affected by network congestion or dead zones.
- Emergencies: During a power outage, you can still use a landline (if you've got a cordless phone that's charged). Using a home phone line in an emergency to call 911 can help responders see the location, as it is associated with a specific service address.
- Call quality: Landlines are linked to a more stable connection, so you get better call quality and no lost calls.
- Rural areas: Unlike cell phones, you're not relying on a cellular signal to be able to make a call. Landlines can still work in rural locations.
- Cost-effectiveness: Some internet providers offer deals on landline services when you sign up to bundle your home phone with your internet service or TV service.
- Security: A landline also has more robust security features than a mobile phone and is less likely to be hacked or have its calls intercepted.
- Unlimited Local Calling: Landline service often comes with unlimited local calling. Long-distance calls and international calls typically have additional fees.
VoIP home phone
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a digital phone line that uses your internet service to make and receive calls.
Advantages of VoIP phone service
There are a number of benefits to choosing a VoIP home phone service provider:
- Lower costs: Running on your existing internet line means there's no need for an additional telephone line. So, VoIP technology is nearly half the price of a landline.
- Keep your existing number: You can easily transfer your phone number over.
- Flexibility: You can take your home phone line wherever you go. With your home phone provider's app, you'll be able to use your home phone services through the app when you're connected to the internet.
- Call quality: Operating on high-speed internet, the call quality is a crystal clear connection.
- Reliability: As long as you have a good internet connection, VoIP home phones are very reliable.
- Battery backup: The backup battery makes modern landlines as dependable as copper landlines. This is particularly important for businesses and households that rely on the phone for emergency situations.
- Easy installation: Connecting to your existing internet, your VoIP home phone is easy to set up and install.
- Advanced calling features: Using the internet for your home phone service means there are many additional features available. Like three-way calling, video conference calling, caller ID, and many more.
- Portability: If you move home, it's easy to take your VoIP service to your new address.
Cellular home phone
Wireless landlines use a cellular-based connection to make outgoing and incoming calls on a landline phone.
Advantages of cellular home phone service
Check out these benefits with a wireless home phone provider:
- Lower costs: With affordable monthly bills, plus unlimited local and long-distance calls.
- No internet required: Powered by cell towers, so no internet connection. No more worrying about internet speeds and pricey internet bundles.
- Easy setup: You'll receive a small modem device that you can just plug and go.
- Call quality: As long as you have a cell signal, you get a crystal clear connection.
- Keep your existing number: Easily transfer your current phone number over.
- Battery backup: Works in a power outage.
- Flexibility: Your home number can be used on your cell phone, so you can take your landline wherever you go.
- Extra phone features: Several additional features are available. Like three-way calling, video conference calling, caller ID, and many more.
What is the future of landline service?
Home phone service has been reimagined. Many modern landline phones now have the secure connection and dependability we are used to from copper-wired phones.
It's important to note that the old-school phone lines many of us grew up with are slowly being phased out by the FCC. They are no longer available as a standalone landline service.
Landline cost FAQs
The cost of installation depends on several factors, including the type of phone line you choose, the distance from the nearest telephone network, and the complexity of the installation. For some companies, there is no cost - but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a landline phone installation.
Yes, there is typically a monthly service fee, including local taxes and regulatory fees, as well as charges for local and long-distance calls. The cost of a landline phone service can vary depending on the type of plan you choose and the features you need.
Yes, you can usually keep your existing landline phone number if you switch to a different landline phone service provider. This is known as number portability and allows you to transfer your phone number to a new service provider.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently announced its decision to shut down copper wire landlines in the United States. This decision will have a significant impact on telephone service providers and infrastructure, as well as the regulations surrounding them. It will eventually be necessary to switch your home phone service provider if you still have a copper wire landline.
Internet-based and wireless home phone service providers have become more prevalent and provide better service at a lower cost.
Yes, international calling is available with most phone plans, but check with your landline provider if there are any additional fees or restrictions on making or receiving international calls. Many companies have international calling plans to reduce costs.
Recap - What is the cost of a landline?
The cost of a landline phone can vary depending on several factors, including the type of phone line, the distance from the nearest telephone network, and the features you need.
To get the best deal on a landline phone, it's important to compare the costs and features of different landline providers and choose a plan that best meets your needs.
