As much as mobile phones have become the de facto means of communication today, there is a pretty reliable and affordable backup means, and these are home phone services – particularly for families and rural residents. Finding the best home phone deals will help you cut back a few bucks while still providing you with the basic requirements, like unlimited calling, caller ID, and voicemail. Whether you need a standalone home phone plan, internet and TV bundle, or something else, it really helps to know what to look for in order to find the best deal. In this article, we discuss finding the best home phone deals and what to look for in choosing a plan.
1. Why Keep a Home Phone?
Though mobile phones dominate the charts, there are still many compelling reasons to keep a home phone:
Reliability:
The house phones are more reliable than cell phones, especially in areas that have a poor mobile reception. They also stay functional during power cuts if they happen to be landlines or use battery-powered modems.
Use in Emergency:
The house phones often come in handy for emergency services because operators in the 911 lines can instantly know where you are that may not always be accurate with your mobiles.
Affordable calling:
If you call frequently across the country or internationally, there are several home telephone plans with competitive rates or unlimited calling that are often less expensive than mobile phone plans.
2. Best Features to Look for in Home Phone Packages
When searching for the best deals for home phones, look for the following features:
Unrestricted Calling:
Most plans for home phones are unlimited for local and long-distance calls. If you often call relatives and friends who reside in other states or provinces, an unrestricted long-distance calling plan should be part of your choices.
International Calling:
International calls are free or discounted for some people in exchange for certain plans. Check on the international calling rates or plan options covered in a package.
Additional Features:
Caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, and three-way calling features should be included in the package. Some service providers provide them as part of the package, while others charge extra for them.
VoIP Services:
Most house-to-office communication is now provided by VoIP systems that use internet-delivered calls instead of traditional telephone lines. VoIP services are generally cheaper, and often bundled with internet and TV services.
3. Bundling for the Best Deals
Save more by bundling your home phone service with the internet and TV. Many providers now offer bundle deals wherein you can combine home phone services with other telecommunications options at a lower overall cost.
Triple Play Bundles:
It combines home phones, internet, and TV services. Often by bundling all three, you get significant discounts and the ease of managing just one bill for all services.
Double Play Bundles:
If you have no desire for television, double-play packages include home phone and internet, also saving you a chunk of money. Many cable providers of home phones offer VoIP that operates in conjunction with your internet.
Providers That Offer Bundles:
Providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Verizon, and AT&T provide offers to bundle. You can acquire several services at a cheaper rate. Always be watchful for promotions; new customers tend to benefit greatly.
4. How to Find the Best Home Phone Deals
Finding the best home phone deals does require a little bit of research and comparing, so here are a few pointers to get you started:
Compare Providers:
Check out different providers in your area to do comparisons regarding price and features. Often, comparison websites will give you the best match for your location and needs.
Promotional deals:
Many residential telephone services carry introductory offers for new customers. In fact, these deals may include a discount for a whole year, or even free equipment in the form of a phone or modem.
Negotiate:
Another way is to contact the current service provider and ask them about their latest promotions or deals. Most companies offer loyalty discounts for continued patronage.
Read the Fine Print:
That seems pretty obvious, but most people do not read the fine print. Your home phone deal might sound attractive, but it’s rate might change after 12 months, so it’s a good idea to know its cost in the long run.
Conclusion
Home phone services are still viable and dependable for most homes. With bundling together with other services, one will enjoy certain benefits to ensure the best home phone deals for all their communication needs. It is necessary to outline which features one desires, including unlimited calling and international availability, and to opt for a bundling package when searching for these deals. Shop around by looking for available promotions and negotiating with your provider for the best rate.