What's the cheapest way to cut back on phone costs? Are we paying too much?

Question

We have 2 cellphones ($64/month and never use all of the minutes). We have internet ($25/mo), local $40 and long distance ($23) so our house phone is about $89/month. We've thought about VoIP (we have Skype). I think that the internet rate is tied to the phone rates (all are ATT.) Any advice? Can we get rid of the long distance and use prepaid cards or just the cellphone?

Answer 1

As for the house phone, get basic service, and have your LONG DISTANCE carrier removed.!! Most of them charge a monthly fee, even if you do not use it.!! (You can still be reached by long distance calls to you.) I use an AT&T calling card, that allows long distance for about 3 cents a minute. Use the cell phone for long distance, if you have a lot of minutes. Same as a local call. (In the US.) I use DSL on my home landline phone for $19.95 a month.

Answer 2

The easiest way to start cutting cost is to just not use your default LD (long distance) carrier.  Instead, use a dial-around LD service like Yak America.  Just dial 1010-925.  Their LD rates are about 5 cents/min.

http://www.yakamerica.com/1010_home.aspx

For completely free PC-Phone calling, currently Jaduka Labs "EarthCaller" is currently free while in beta.  Nothing to buy, no software downloads to install, no USB dongles to fiddle with.  No strings or gimmicks.  Works with your PC web browser.  All you need is a headset with microphone.

http://labs.jaduka.com/earthcaller

Skype is a great way to save on LD calling.  I talk to my brother in NM from Canada all the time using Skype.  He is subscribed to their North America Unlimited service for only $3/month.  However, he and I talk to each other for free using Skype peer-to-peer, PC-PC.

If you want to try "rolling your own Calling Card" using reputable VoIP service providers, you may want to take a look at http://www.cqvoip.com for more info on how to do that.

Answer 3

I pay $29.99 a month for unlimited calling anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada etc.  Plus the company gave me a free video phone with this plan and I can see the person I'm talking to live!  It's incredible and LOVE it!  They also have Internet and are associated with all major cellular phone providers, Satellite TV etc.  A lot of different services they offer at very good rates.  A friend of mine is an I.R. for them, you might want to give her a call and see what she can do for you.

http://www.tiffanyvague.acnrep.com or you can directly email her at [e-mail]

Answer 4

Yes, Get rid of the long distance, and you can cut back on your cellular plan also.  Make long distance calls when your free nights and weekends start. And use the daytime minuets for regular calls or what ever.  I have 450 minuets and pay about $45 a month and I have only once went over that.  That bundling c**p they offer sucks.

Answer 5

the cheapest right now in any telephone service is the MagicJack!

its 39.99 for the gizmo and then first year of use, and 19.99 thereafter!

you get local LD and voice-mail and other features with that price....I use it for over one year now and love it!!