Do We Really Need a House Phone?
In a week when the new I phone 5 was unveiled it proved a timely reminder that the house phone is becoming ever more superfluous. Almost everyone now carries a mobile phone and with smart phones they can do just about everything but cook your dinner! The final nail in the coffin for the landline seemed to come this year when statistics confirmed that texting is now the most popular form of communication ahead of actually ringing.
Yet, many people still persist with a house phone. In fact, for most getting rid of the home phone has not even crossed their mind. It is what we are used to. It has always been there. But in the modern day – can we not only live without it but in fact, save money and effort without it?
The Advantages of not having a House Phone
A landline phone can be an unnecessary drain of money. In addition to the line rental cost you have to pay for all the calls and all those little extras that you may not have considered. Called ID, 1471, voice mail, caller waiting – these extra features often come at an extra charge. Examine your last phone bill and the breakdown of all the costs. You may be paying for some of these features without even knowing it. All these little charges add up. Of course, it may not be much per month but it is an on-going bill year after year. We work hard to do things like turn off the lights to save money so why let money slip away having a landline that we barely use?
I need a Landline for my Broadband Connection
I hear many arguments but I need the phone line for my internet or my calls come as part of a package? It is true that many people connect to broadband using a landline but you don’t have to. It is possible to have broadband connection without the use of a landline. Using a fibre optic connection or a USB stick connection you can avoid having a landline and save over £100 a year on line rental. Quidco can help you compare the latest great offers and you will also receive cashback on your purchases.
As touched upon earlier many will also just use their mobile to access the internet. If you still want a landline broadband connection or get calls as part of a package deal you can still save money. Price up how much you could save if you didn’t have a package and paid individually for internet and cable. When your deal ends you could also tell your provider you plan to switch because the landline calls don’t hold any value to you. They may offer you a better deal on your internet or cable to remain as their customer.
Practical Advantages of Ditching the Home Phone
Obviously, mobile phones offer more services than a home phone ever did. On top of this, mobile phone tariffs are becoming even more competitive in price.
If you want to make long, overseas calls there are also alternatives such as Skype. This service offers voice and video calls free-of-charge over the net. So you plan a long chat in advance and avoid using your mobile minutes.
A landline can also be costly if you move house. Cancelling the phone at one house and transferring it will usually cost a hefty installation fee. Having no house phone makes moving easier.
Having no house phone will make life more practical. Only one phone to check. No more junk phone calls. Knowing you won’t miss any calls because people have phoned your home phone and not your mobile.
The Disadvantages of ditching the House Phone
There are numerous advantages of ditching the house phone but still, it’s not for everyone. Some people live in remote areas so have poor signal in the home so need a home phone. For other sections of the community a home phone is a necessity. Other people may find mobile phones difficult to use. It can also be a proverbial safety net for emergency situations. Home phones are easier than mobiles for the emergency services to locate meaning a faster response.
The truth is though the reasons for having a landline are becoming fewer by the year. Millions of households could not only live without one, but be better off for it.
By Michael Hallam
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