If you’re thinking of cutting the cord, consider your options first. Mobile phones, VoIP, and ATAs each offer unique benefits over a traditional landline.
And best of all, you don’t have to compromise on features or reliability to save money. Here’s how.
Landline Cost
Many people are ditching their landlines, such as the 1980s home phone because they’re paying a lot for a service they don’t use. Even if you only rely on your cell phone for calling, there are ways to save money by switching to a landline alternative that will work for you.
The best alternatives to traditional home phones come from VoIP providers. They typically offer cheaper monthly service and have full features, including caller ID, faxing capabilities, call forwarding, three-way calling, and voicemail to text.
While mobile phone technology has improved, some people prefer the sound quality of a landline, especially those with hearing loss or who live in loud environments. Others like the peace of mind with a landline because it will still work during power outages or natural disasters. It also works well for 911 location services. Some people keep their landline because it’s part of their bundled services, such as TV and Internet.
Features
For many consumers, a landline isn’t necessary. With cell phones able to do the job in most situations, ditching a traditional phone line can make sense for financial and convenience reasons.
However, some people still find a need for a landline. For instance, a landline can be a useful backup during a power outage or natural disaster. It also can help prevent telemarketing calls by blocking them if you have a Do Not Call list.
One of the most popular options for landline alternatives is Community Phone, which offers advanced calling features at no extra cost and eliminates the need for Internet or copper wire connections. Some of the most useful features include caller ID, forwarding, and three-way calling. You can even receive caller rejection alerts to avoid unwanted calls. The sound quality is also more robust on landlines than on cellular phones, which can be especially helpful for those with hearing loss or high background noise levels.
Reliability
For decades, landlines have been considered the most reliable phone option. They aren’t dependent on cell towers or Internet connections to function and can work during power outages and natural disasters. They also offer various calling features, like caller ID, three-way calling, and call forwarding. Cell phones, on the other hand, can suffer from lost signals and dropped calls.
However, a landline alternative doesn’t just offer reliability — it can also save you money. Many providers offer a variety of affordable plans that include basic home phone services. In addition, some Internet providers bundle home phone service with high-speed Internet and cable TV. This can make it even more affordable to ditch your landline and rely solely on your mobile phone. Plus, switching providers is simple if you want to save even more money in the future. Ultimately, you could save hundreds of dollars a year by switching to a cheaper home phone provider and eliminating your landline.