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There are plenty of ways to cut costs on monthly bills, such as our landline home phone service. However, it's important to find 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.
The cheapest home phone service for seniors
US Mobile provides an affordable landline plan with a monthly fee that's competitively priced and includes taxes & fees. And their plan is a cost-effective alternative compared to other service providers in the market.
Pros
- Unlimited talk
- Taxes & fees included
- Get the first month free
- No internet required
- Unlimited calling to 200+ countries
- 24/7 customer service
- Easy setup
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
US Mobile offers a cheap home phone plan with unlimited talk in the US, plus unlimited international calling to 200+ countries and 411 numbers. And the great thing is, unlike some VoIP providers, you don't need an internet connection to make use of their benefits.
Operating on T-Mobile's 4G LTE wireless cellular network, rather than a fixed connection, as part of your setup pack, you'll get a US Mobile SIM card and a home phone base and device if selected. As an affordable phone provider, US Mobile sets itself apart from others by providing outstanding customer service, with round-the-clock support available via phone or online chat.
The home phone service operates on one of America's most reliable networks and comes with no activation, cancellation, overage, or daily access fees. There are also no contracts or hidden fees, making the pricing transparent and predictable.
The plan includes voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, and conference calling at no additional cost. When you purchase their Home Phone Base, you receive one month of service for free. For those who don't already own a cordless handset to use with the Home Phone Base, US Mobile offers a bundle kit priced at $99.99.
- Download
- Channels
- Calls
- Unlimited
- Monthly Price
- $0-1230 day money back guarantee
Ooma offers landline service with plans starting at $0.
Ooma Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | $11.99 | |||
Unlimited | $0.00 | |||
Unlimited | $9.99 |
The Ooma Telo LTE home phone service is a reliable home phone solution that requires a one-time hardware payment of $129.99 and low monthly pricing.
Pros
- Free phone calls within the US
- Free calls to Canada & Mexico
- No internet required
- Transfer your number
- 911 alerts
Cons
- Taxes & fees are extra
- Poor score on Trustpilot
Ooma's cellular landline phone service could be helpful if you're in an area with unstable broadband connections, as it operates on the T-Mobile 4G LTE wireless network, not a fixed-line. It offers several features, such as a 1GB LTE cellular connection for backup internet, a backup battery for power outages, free calling to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can easily transfer your existing phone number over, and because your home phone is using a cellular network, it creates more flexibility, so you can use the Ooma app to make and receive incoming calls wherever you are.
They also offer residential VoIP services, but unlike a VoIP phone plan, you don't need an existing internet connection for their LTE home phone service.
- Download
- Channels
- Calls
- Unlimited
- Monthly Price
- $40-50Coverage Guarantee - No Internet Required
Community Phone offers landline service with plans starting at $40.
Community Phone Landline Plans
Package | Internet | TV | Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | $39.99 | |||
Unlimited | $49.99 |
Community Phone offers affordable wireless landline services - no internet service is required as it operates on the T-Mobile 4G LTE wireless network.
Pros
- Unlimited nationwide calling
- Works without power
- Keep your existing number
- No internet required
- Easy to setup
- Scores excellent on Trustpilot
Cons
- More expensive than others
With unlimited local and long-distance calling, Community Phone plans offer something for all landline needs. You can also easily bring your existing landline number, and it's a quick 30-second setup
Operating on cellular networks gives you more flexibility than with a traditional landline, and if there's a power cut, a battery backup can keep you connected for up to 12 hours.
One drawback with Community Phone is the price, as its monthly price is not as cheap as other competitors.
How to choose the best home phone service
- Coverage: It's essential to check coverage maps to ensure that the provider has reliable signal strength in your area. This will guarantee good call quality with clear and uninterrupted calls.
- Plan flexibility: When selecting a phone service provider, consider your calling habits and choose a plan that caters to your needs. If you make frequent long-distance or international calls, then look for providers that include that or offer affordable rates. On the other hand, if you mostly make local calls, then prioritize plans with unlimited calls within the US. Additionally, some providers offer plans with features like call waiting, voicemail, and caller ID, which may be important to you, depending on your requirements.
- Pricing: When looking for landline services, it's important to compare pricing to ensure that you're getting a good deal. Many major providers only offer a telephone service when bundled with TV or Internet. But there's no need to bundle your home phone services and pay over the top for features you don't want. Therefore, it's worth considering cellular services that can offer competitive pricing and flexibility in terms of the features you require.
- Contracts: Find a provider that offers short-term or contract-free plans to avoid being tied down to long-term commitments. Signing up for long-term contracts may mean you have to pay early termination fees if you decide to switch providers, which can be quite costly. With short-term or contract-free plans, you have the freedom to switch providers whenever you want without incurring any additional fees.
- Advanced features: What features are important to you? Look for features such as voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and 3-way calling that can enhance your calling experience. Voicemail allows you to receive messages when you're unavailable, while call waiting notifies you of incoming calls when you're on another call. Caller ID helps identify the person calling, and 3-way calling enables you to speak with multiple people at once.
- Customer service: When choosing a product or service, it's important to look for good customer service to ensure that you'll receive prompt assistance when needed. Excellent customer service can make all the difference in resolving issues and ensuring you feel valued. Some signs of good customer service include quick response times, knowledgeable representatives, and a willingness to go above and beyond to help customers.
- Equipment costs: You may need to consider any equipment costs associated with the service. This may include purchasing a home phone base station, which can add to the overall expenses. Make sure that these costs fit within your budget before making a decision. However, many providers allow you to bring your own cordless phone, which can help save on equipment costs. Keep in mind that certain types of phones may not be compatible with all home phone services, so it's worth checking with the provider beforehand.
- International calling plans: If you have loved ones residing outside the United States and your calling plan doesn't include international calls, it's advisable to check the rates for international destinations. Some service providers offer inclusive international calling features or add-ons that can help you save money on long-distance calls.
- Bring your existing number: When switching to a new service provider, confirm if they allow the transfer of your existing home number. Not all providers offer this feature, so you may have to choose a new phone number if the option isn't available. However, many providers do offer number porting services, which can make the transition to a new provider seamless and hassle-free.
Compare landline service providers by ZIP code to make sure you find the best deal.
Find landline phone service in your area
Compare the best home phone plans
| Provider | Minutes | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Unlimited | $39.99-49.99 |
 | Unlimited | $0-11.99 |
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
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.
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.
Internet-based and wireless home phone service providers have become more prevalent and provide better service at a lower cost.
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.
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 90 million people 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.
