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| Cut the Cord! |
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Dump Your Landline There are several phone Alternatives. We provide the Pros & Cons of 'cutting the cord', your list of choices, and a step-by-step 'How-To'. It's also a good way to add an inexpensive second line. In a 2008 report on Wireless Substitution, The Centers for Disease Control reported 20% of homes have wireless-only telephones Their findings are reported here. Save hundreds of dollars! You could switch to a service you're already paying for, like Cellular. You can get all the 'Bells & Whistles' for no extra charge, free Long Distance, and your "home" phone becomes portable. Then there are those of us who have just had it with our current phone company. |
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Eliminate Wires INSIDE Your Home Get rid of those wires running across the floor, under the carpet, or behind the furniture. Free up your laptop and your printer, add convenience, and get rid of unsightly wires. |
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| How to Cut the Landline - Step by Step: |
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1. Make Sure You Can Do Without: If you use DSL broadband or TV from the phone company, make sure dropping your landline doesn't affect those services. You could lose a promotional price or 'price for life' guarantee on your connection by cancelling your phone service. You may have a "custom" phone package or a bundle and don't realize how disconnecting your home phone may affect your Cellular or TV service. Don't forget you might have a wired house alarm or door answering system. Also, if other household members or visitors depend on your land line, don't leave them with no phone when you leave. |
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2.Go Down the Checklist:
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3. Sign Up With Your New Alternative: If you're not already using it, check to see if they require a contract. Some alternatives need a software download. Broadband alternatives often need a piece of equipment, most supply it for free. If you're using an existing cellular account, be sure to check the Cellular Considerations. Don't cancel your home line, yet. If you are transferring your old home phone number to your new service, let the alternative supplier initiate the cancellation process. Another way to keep your old phone number active is to transfer it to a cheap cellular phone that you can check from time to time to see if anyone calls the old number. Credit card companies and pizza shops may not know you've turned that line into wireless. That phone can alert you of a new voice mail at another number. |
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4. Get Your Alternative Up & Running: Make sure it all works the way you thought it would. Now is the time to reverse your decision, if necessary. Your telephone company will welcome you back if you want, but there may be a charge if you have already cancelled your old account. |
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5. Start the Cancellation Process for Your Old
Landline: If you want to keep the old line connected for a short time, switch to a more basic or measured plan. You may have unforeseen problems that may leave you without phone service. You can still answer the old phone to tell friends of your new calling situation. You might want to use Call Forwarding if you have a different number for incoming calls. Check our Re-Think Your Wireline list. Then, when you feel comfortable, kiss your old phone company goodbye. |
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