Even though smartphones are now very common, landlines or home phones are still in use in many households. It is how some people get their broadband services. But it is yet another thing for which you are billed, if you have one installed. So if you are focused on reducing expenses around the home, it is worth paying attention to the land phone. Below are methods to cut your landline phone bill.
Understand your tariff
You might be on an ‘unlimited’ plan but check the terms and conditions for which types of calls are covered. If it is just landline calls, for example, you will be billed extra for calls to smartphones. Some unlimited plans will charge you for calls longer than an hour. If your plan has limit of call minutes, stick to it. Be sure of what you can do under your plan to avoid extra charges.
Check for offers or ways that let you make cheaper calls
Some packages allow you to call a prearranged list of numbers for less than the normal call rates. If your supplier has such, place your family and friends, or any other persons you call frequently on the list. Learn the peak and off-peak periods from your supplier and schedule your calls accordingly. Off-peak periods are the time of the day when calls are cheaper. It usually falls between 7pm and 7am.
Some phone numbers are more expensive to call: e.g. non-geographical numbers. Try to get the geographical number of any organisation you want to contact. Avoid numbers starting with 09 when possible.
Keep your conversations as short as possible
This allows you to be charged less. Limit your discussions to what is necessary. You can determine who keeps you longer on the phone by going through your statement for the month and adjust future conversations accordingly.
Use VOIP calling more
If you have broadband or smartphone services, it is smart to use a VOIP apps like WhatsApp and Skype for making your calls. VOIP calls take place over the internet so the distance and duration don’t matter and they work even on your computer too. This means you can avoid being charged a premium for international calls. You can also stay on the line for as long as you like. VOIP apps also allows you make video calls at no extra costs.
Compare costs of packages or deals
Different utility companies have different plans. Compare what you can get from each of them with the help of comparison websites to know which ones suit you the most. If the potential saving is worth it, don’t hesitate to switch plans or providers. You have 14 days to change your mind anyway. Deals come and go so make sure you check regularly.
Method of payment
How you pay your home phone bills can help you save some cash too. It is usually cheaper to pay upfront so if you have the means, make your bill payments that way, perhaps yearly. But you must factor in being tied to a provider for so long. Some providers also give discounts if you use direct debits to pay rather than by cheques. Speak to your supplier to know which payment method is the cheapest.
Combine your land phone with other services
If your utility company offers other telecoms services, which they often do, it may save costs to bundle up all your services. For example, you may be able to get a discount by getting your TV and broadband subscriptions from your landline supplier in a three-in-one package.
Check your bills regularly
This will give you insights into how you use your landline and help you search for the right deal. If you discover for instance that most of your calls are made at weekends, you can opt for deals that give you free or cheaper weekend calls.
You can also detect if you have been overcharged and request for a refund.
Get rid of the landline
The ultimate way to cut down your landline bill is to simply get rid of it. If you rarely use it, then it makes no sense to keep it. Depending on your package, you may be able to use your smartphone for all your calls, without resorting to the landline.
What can you do if you are struggling to pay your landline bill?
Contact your provider and explain your situation. You might get your bill date moved forward or moved to a different plan or have late payment penalties waived.
There are low cost social tariffs meant for people receiving benefits or Jobseekers allowance. Ask your provider if you qualify.
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