Landlines are a telecommunications staple, and there are a number of reasons why people still use them. From medical alert systems to home security, some devices need a landline connection for proper operation.
However, many telecommunications companies take their broadband as their number one priority and are unlikely to offer standalone landline deals in the future. Instead, they’ll often bundle it in with a phone service that you may or may not use, which is a bit of a shame for customers who just want a phone line.
Line rental
Most broadband providers require customers to have an active landline only deals phone line, which is essential for standard ADSL connections and Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) broadband. However, if you are not using your landline to make calls and are looking to cut down on your monthly expenses, there are a number of alternatives that do not charge line rental.
One alternative is to go for cable broadband services from Virgin Media, which do not use the Openreach network and do not charge line rental. They also offer a range of broadband speed options that do not need a landline connection, with some going up to 362Mbps.
Another option is satellite broadband, which uses a fibre-optic cable to deliver your internet, without the need for copper phone lines. It is more expensive than other options, but it can be a good option if you live in a remote location.
Some providers may offer a ‘line rental saver’, which can help you pay for your broadband in a lump sum or spread your payments over 12 months. This could be a good option for those with a budget to spare, although it is worth bearing in mind that this money will not be refunded should you switch provider later on.
Calls
Landline only deals are a good choice for those who want to keep their home phone but don’t need broadband. They can be pay-as-you-go (PAYG), also known as pay-as-you-talk (PAYT), where you only pay for the line rental and any calls you make, or they could offer unlimited call plans, which cost more upfront but save you money over the long term.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a landline only deal, including whether it includes calls to mobiles or international destinations and if there are any other costs for features like voicemail and three-way calling. It’s worth checking these options at sign-up to ensure they are included in your plan.
One of the main advantages of landlines is that they are a more reliable and quality way to make calls, particularly for long-distance, three-way and conference calls. This means they are particularly beneficial for the hearing impaired or anyone who depends on crystal-clear sound to communicate with others.
In addition, most landline phones have GPS capabilities, which can be useful for emergency calls. This can be especially useful for people who are elderly or in isolated areas where mobile service may be spotty at times.
Call forwarding
Call forwarding is a feature that lets you redirect incoming calls to an alternative number. It’s particularly helpful for remote workers and those who travel frequently.
It’s also handy for customers if you’re unavailable to answer their questions. If you have a business phone system, it’s easy to set up call forwarding.
In addition, you can set up a time delay, which means that only calls that you don’t answer within a specified number of rings will be forwarded to another number. This can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Many landline only deals also offer call forwarding as a free or low-cost service. If you’re considering one, however, make sure to check out the details of any monthly fees.
In most cases, you can activate call forwarding by dialing a special code. This is usually *71 or *73 on Verizon and Sprint, but some carriers have different codes you must use.
