Local Phone Services: Other Service Options

With all the different ways to make a phone call you, the consumer, have options.  When considering the best local phone service for you take a moment to consider the pros and cons of other options. 

Make Your Calls over the Internet

VoIP ("Voice over Internet Protocol") is a technology that enables consumers to make local and long distance phone calls via the Internet using a broadband connection.  Currently, there are two basic types of VoIP services:  the kind that only lets you connect to other people who are also using the same service on the Internet; and the type that lets you make calls to, and receive calls from, anyone on the phone network.

VoIP requires a broadband connection, which is an additional monthly expense.  With some VoIP services users make calls from their computer or a VoIP phone. Other types of VoIP service enable consumers to make calls using their regular telephone connected to an adapter. 

Pre-Paid Service

Companies sell pre-paid local service as an option targeted at consumers who have had a difficult time paying their phone bills in the past.  Because some companies will not allow consumers with a history of late or unpaid phone bills to open a new account, prepaid service may be the only available alternative.

Prepaid local service can be significantly more costly than comparable "post paid" service. You also may have to pay a substantial activation fee to reconnect your local phone service.  And, as with all phone bills, you will also be charged the standard taxes, surcharges and fees.

Cut the Cord and Go Wireless

Should you drop your traditional phone and rely on your wireless phone for all of your calls?  Many people have both home phones and wireless phones. But a wireless phone is not just like your home wireline phone.  Cutting the cord has risks.  Going completely wireless can be costly, provide you with unreliable service coverage and could pose a safety risk 

Take time to compare the price of a wireless plan compared to a local line. Cell plans often include extras such as Caller ID, voice mail, and even long distance – it often costs more to add these extra services to a wireline phone.  Most wireless plans include a limited number of "anytime" minutes which can become very costly if you exceed your limit.  Incoming calls usually count against your monthly minutes. Carefully consider how much you will use the phone and whether the wireless plans include sufficient number of minutes for your incoming as well as outgoing calls. Will each member of your family need their own wireless phone?

Wirelines are generally clear and rarely disconnect.  Wireless phones can run out of battery power, which can be very important in emergency situations or other times when phone use is essential. Wireless phone service suffers from dropped calls, interference, overloaded circuits and dead zones.

Wireless phones can pose a safety risk. If you dial 911 from your landline, the emergency operators can immediately pinpoint your location.  The equivalent system for cell phones, E-911, is not up and running in much of the U.S. Check to see if you have E-911 in your area by calling your local city or county government.