How to Save on Your Phone Bill

Many simple and inexpensive ways, such as minor modifications in calling habits and changes to your current plan, can help you save on phone bills. Whether the effort is big or small, start today to start saving.

Simple Changes = Big Savings

Know what you’re paying for. Read over your phone bill every month to be sure you know what you are paying for. For service, only your line charge and a few mandated federal charges are required; everything else is optional and may be removed.

Research the features on your line. If you have anything other than a plain line, call your service provider to ask for competitive rates. Also, remove the equipment maintenance protection from your bill; this plan is optional and can cost more than your phone.

Block unwanted services. If you do not want a particular service that incurs a charge like 900 number calling, ask your phone company to block it. With most carriers, the blocking service is free. Blocking 900 number calling will help you to avoid steep charges — even if they are misapplied or accidental.

“Let your fingers do the walking.” Keep phone directories around for frequent or sporadic number searches. Most telephone companies charge when you dial directory assistance for information. Save online phone directories to your internet favorites in order to reduce the urge to use directory assistance.

Monitor who uses your phone. Do not allow guests or business associates to use your phone to make personal long distance calls.

Pay your bill on time. If you become disconnected, you may be charged a large fee to reactivate your service.

Cancel services that you don’t need. Remove long-distance service from your landline if you have another phone service available. Some long-distance providers charge a monthly fee even if you do not use the service. Check with your mobile carrier and find out if they offer a discount for landlines. If the rates are better than those provided by your current carrier, make the switch, or consider dropping your landline altogether and simply using your cell phone.

Research other phone technology. These include internet phone, VoIP and PC-to-phone services.

Type instead of talk. Utilize email as an alternate form of communication. You can chat with anyone in the world for a rate that is included in what you may already be paying.

Pay as you go. Explore pay as you go cell phone options.

Do research. Speak with your telephone company for suggestions to save on service costs. Some websites offer information and additional resources to find other phone services and providers in your area. Check rates and services offered by traditional phone service providers and compare them to those offered by technologically-advanced providers.

• CNET’s Reviews (reviews.cnet.com/) provides information on internet phone service.
• MyRatePlan (MyRatePlan.com) lists cell phone carrier comparisons.

Seek low-income help. Senior citizens, low-income, and unemployed consumers should learn if assistance is available from their state, by phone providers, or through any government assistance program. Many carriers have different payment plans for senior citizens on a fixed income. The U.S. Department of Human and Health Services may offer grants and services that help low-income families make long-term changes to help with their phone service needs. Also visit USA.gov for information on benefits, grants, and loans.

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