Things You'll Need:
- Desire to lower your phone bill
- Research about available phone services in your area
-
Step 1
Explore the options that are available in your area. Many phone options, from digital phones to cellular phones, are available from a number of phone providers. Becoming familiar with the options available is the first step in lowering your phone bill.
-
Step 2
Decide whether you even need a landline. More people are recognizing that they only need a cellular phone in order to stay in touch with others. If you cancel your landline service, you not only lower but eliminate a phone bill.
-
Step 3
Tailor your phone plans to your needs. For example, if your cellular phone plan only provides 500 anytime minutes a month but you talk over 1,000 minutes every month, then your phone bill is going to skyrocket. Make an accurate assessment of your phone needs and then select the calling plan that best meets those needs.
-
Step 4
Place long distance calls when there is no charge. Most phone plans, whether through landline or cellular phones, do not charge for long distance phone calls that are placed during off-peak hours, such as after 9:00 p.m. or during the weekends.
-
Step 5
Switch to digital phone service. Many communities have digital phone service available that serves in place of traditional landlines. Digital phone service generally comes with free long distance in the continental United States, even during peak hours. The downside to a digital phone is that you will lose your phone service whenever your electricity is down.
-
Step 6
Bundle your services. Many companies (especially cable companies) are seeking customers who are willing to “bundle” their services. This means that the company charges one fee to provide multiple services, such as cable television, digital phone and Internet service. Because you are contracting with the company to provide you with multiple services, the company is able to discount the cost, which results in a lower phone bill.
-
Step 7
Limit your phone conversations during peak hours. Keep your conversations short when you are paying by the minute. Ask the other person to call you back or move the conversation to a time in which you will not be charged for the conversation.
Comments
JayIntheMV said
on 28/10/2008 Great, but I'd add a couple more things:
First, most plans give you a certain number of free texts per month, which if you go over, you have to pay some steep rates per text. Take care not to go over.
Second, phone companies and carriers are charging about $2 per 411 call now, but you can avoid the charge via 1-800-FREE411, which has all the same info but for free.
Jay
Jingle Networks