How to Save Money on Local Phone Bills

Local phone companies provide their subscribers with a LAN line for phone and Internet service. Local phone companies also offer call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID and long distance. Most people have cell phones that offer many of the same services. Learning which services you absolutely need with your local phone company can save you money each month.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look at your local phone bill and add up the number of calls you make each month. Add long distance calls and local calls separately.
2. Determine how much you are actually using your home phone to make local calls. If you use a cell phone regularly, you may be surprised at how little you actually use your home phone.
3. Call you local phone company and talk about the different plans they offer, or visit their website. Phone companies package items together and it's likely you are paying for services like call waiting, call forwarding and caller ID that you don't actually need.
4. Talk to you local phone company about eliminating those items you don't want. Be careful not to let them sell you a smaller package plan. For example, if all you want is local service to make 911 calls, then ask for the price of just that service.
5. Bundle services like phone, TV and high speed internet together for a reduced rate over all. Paying for each service separately will cost you more money.
6. Use your cell phone for long distance and cancel long distance on your home phone. Almost all cell phone companies offer free unlimited long distance.
7. Consider going wireless altogether. There are so many options available that you may not need local phone service at all.

Tips & Warnings

• Call or visit phone companies and their websites for the latest in pricing plans and options available. Be very sure of what you are paying for and that it's actually the service you need.
• Never lease a phone from a local phone company. Buying an inexpensive phone will save you money.
• Never pay for inside line maintenance. Inside wiring rarely breaks down, and when it does you can pay for the repairs outright rather than for a maintenance plan you may never use.