If you’re considering ditching your phone line and thinking of going mobile-only, you're not alone. A survey from Think Small Cell showed that every landline connection in the US will be disconnected come 2025. As it is, many companies and homeowners have opted to use mobile phones. Among the biggest drivers for this switch include the capability to text and call, ability to make and receive calls on the go, dissatisfaction with the current provider, and monetary savings by using only one phone service instead of two.
While mobile phone services will save you money many ways, there are benefits to having a phone line in your house or office.
You have employees, friends, family, or colleagues who are not fond of texting.
A landline guarantees good call quality if cellular coverage is limited in your area.
It can be beneficial to have a phone at home for visitors to make outgoing calls.
Some people simply prefer to use a landline for voice calls.
It's easier to cradle a telephone between your neck and shoulder and do other chores while engaged in a long call.
Connect a fax machine, computer modem, or security system - all of which needs landline phone connection.
If you’re frustrated with spending money on two different providers for voice and text, long-distance fees, or unhappy with your current provider, you're still in luck. You can cut down on fees or leave your current phone company and still keep your existing phone number using the following options.
Text-Enable Your Landline
Landline texting allows phone numbers to send and receive texts using services like Texting Rights. With Texting Rights, you can send SMS to a non-wireless connection instead of the usual cell phone to cell phone messaging. You'll be able to text a landline in a similar way you'd send a text message to a cell number.
However, your message will not go directly into the phone line but to a web interface. The phone owner can respond using the same platform. Another benefit is it keeps records of messages sent and received, which is handy for business looking for a way to document conversations with customers. However, the most important part is you can be reached through text and call using your existing phone line, saving you the hassle of having to notify your friends, colleagues, and customers about the change! If you want to continue using the same phone provider, you can avail of Texting Rights Landline Texting services to send and receive text messages.
Key Benefits and Features
- Text-enabling your business line to receive calls and text from customers
- Communicate with staff easily through text and follow up urgent issues by phone
- Safe and secure
- Supports SMS of more than 160 characters
- Ability to import existing contacts
- Send automated replies and scheduled messages
- Customized signatures
- Send group texts
- Send MMS
- Multi-User
- Conversation History
Local Number Portability (LNP)
One reason why some people are hesitant to switch phone providers is they don't want to lose their contact list and the solid relationship they have built with existing customers using the said phone number. LNP allows you to change phone companies without changing your landline number.
In the previous years, moving or switching to a new phone company means having a new phone number. Today, it is possible to keep your existing home phone as long as you are relocating within the same telephone exchange area. The process of bringing your phone number to a different phone company is called 'porting.'
However, LNP can't assure that you can keep the same number if you transfer to a different geographical area.
VOIP
While it could sound like a high-tech option, Voice over Internet Protocol offers reliable communication at incredibly low costs. It delivers phone calls using a fast digital connection. You can use your landline to make local calls, but if your business regularly makes international calls, VoIP fees tend to be lower than your phone company rates.
Advantages of VoIP
In terms of international calls, VoIP cost less compared to using the regular phone line for overseas calls. Some providers also offer free calls to Canada and several European countries.
VoIP services come with added features including call waiting, caller ID, and voicemail.
Many new VoIP devices are portable enough for travel. It can be useful when you go on business trips and you need to call home or the office regularly.
What other phone plan alternatives have you tried to minimize phone costs? Tell us about it in the comments below.
