Choosing a Phone Service Provider

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Gina Martinez

Do you need a phone line?

In the past, landlines were necessities for any home. However, now there are viable alternatives, such as cell phones and computers. If you’re moving, you will have to decide whether you even want a landline.

However, first things first, if you currently have a phone line, you will need to do something about it before you move.

Transferring or Cancelling Your Phone Service

If you want to have a landline and you like your current phone service provider and want to keep it, check with your provider to see if they provide phone service to your new home. If you don’t want it anymore, you can simply contact your provider and set a cancellation date.

Keeping the same number – if you want to keep the same phone number, you will need to find a new service provider and ask them to transfer your telephone number to their services. You will need to still have that phone number when you make the request, so wait to cancel your old service until the transfer process is complete.

Finding A New Phone Service

Finding a new phone service can take time, because there are usually at least a few providers in an area. Fortunately, MovingGuru.com provides you with a quick and easy way to find service providers in your new area. Check out our connect my utilities tool, type in your new address, and discover your choices.

Package deals – Many providers package phone services along with other services, like cable and Internet. If you are going to need more than one service, a package deal might be cost-effective for you. However, be wary because many packages might sound good but include services you don’t need for a hefty price.

Do You Even Need A Phone Service?

Today, many people are deciding to simply forego the traditional landline phone. In today’s fast-paced world of do-it-all devices, there is little need for many to have a phone line for their home. People can talk on their cell phones instead, or use the Internet to talk to and see their family and friends.

Before buying a phone line, ask yourself if a cell phone or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service would be better for you.

What is VoIP? – VoIP is a communication service that uses the Internet via your computer, as opposed to a landline or cell phone tower, to transfer your call. Many companies today, such as Skype, offer these services, which can be especially useful and cheap for long-distance communications.

When deciding which option is best for you, here are the pros and cons:

Landlines

Positives
• Dependable.
• Cheaper than cell phone service.
• Identifies your location in case of emergency.

Negatives
• Costly.
• Everything it does can be accomplished with a cell phone.

VoIP

Positives
• Allows you to see and converse with person.
• Far cheaper than landline or cell phone services.
• Can call anywhere in the world for cheap.

Negatives
• Can only be used with an Internet connection.
• Must be used on your computer, placing you in a fairly stationary position.
• Does not identify your location in case of emergency.

Cell Phones

Positives
• Can be used almost anywhere.
• Can connect to different devices to make conversation easier than holding your phone up to your ear.
• As long as the local cell phone tower is working, your cell phone will work.

Negatives
• Cell phones are notorious for getting bad reception, even in homes.
• Cell phones and their services are expensive.

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