When searching for residential telephone service in Houghton, IA, it's not uncommon to research different local providers to find the best price, as well as the greatest customer service, telephone features, and service reliability. Consumers want good service for a fair price. Wirefly lets you compare the best home phone service providers in Houghton, IA. As a consumer, it's important to research the different types of residential phone service available in your area. Should you opt for low-price residential VoIP service (phone service that is connected to their reliable high speed internet connection), DSL phone service, traditional phone service, or wireless phone service? Read on to learn more about these modern phone services, as well as traditional phone services with great capabilities to get closer to a decision regarding which is the best option for your Houghton, IA home.
| Provider | Plan Details | Monthly Rate* | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | VoIPo Home Phone
* $15.00/mo. or $6.21/mo. with 2 year contract | $6.21* | Details  58 Reviews |
.png&contenttype=png "1-VOIP") | HOME PHONE SERVICE
* $8.97 is monthly cost with 1-year prepay | $8.97* | Details  7 Reviews |
 | Axvoice
* $6.25/mo. 1-year prepay equals $75.00/year | $6.25* | Details  75 Reviews |
 | Traditional Landline Service
* Device contains a backup battery and is not designed to be run without electricity indefinitely. | $32.50* | Details  7 Reviews |
While many businesses now use VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology for their phones, it is also available for the residential market. VoIP is different from other types of phone services as it converts voice into data that is transmitted over the Internet. Portability is one of the primary advantages of using a VoIP phone service in Houghton, IA. One can use their service anywhere a broadband Internet connection is available, which is useful for those who travel frequently, such as businesspeople.
VoIP home phone plans provide a lot more flexibility and the ability for a user to customize their service far more than what traditional phone service providers allow. This is something that individuals running a home business appreciate the most about it. One example of great flexibility offered by VoIP is that many providers allow the subscriber to choose a phone number with an area code that is different from their local area. It is also possible to have several phone numbers in different area codes, or even different countries, as well as toll-free numbers, forwarded to one phone. Many e-commerce entrepreneurs that have customers from all over the globe choose a VoIP service for this specific reason.
With a VoIP package, consumers receive a set of standard features that is usually much more generous when compared to other types of phone service available in Houghton, IA. Many service plans include caller ID, call waiting, unlimited nationwide calling, call blocking, conference calling and sometimes even unlimited calls to selected international destinations. VoIP plans are the most affordable option. Some have prices as low as $5.99 per month.
This speedy type of phone service runs over copper lines. Although DSL phone service in Houghton, IA operates somewhat similarly to traditional phone service, there are a few distinct differences. Many customers find that DSL service is faster and more convenient than traditional service. DSL service utilizes a modem in order to allow customers to connect to both the internet and a telephone line at the same time. Many DSL service providers offer bundle pricing for phone and internet service. Phone service alone can start as low as $19.95 a month, but can increase depending on the Internet plan. Many DSL providers require customers to commit to a contract in order to receive reduced pricing. While many find DSL plans quite affordable, they may not be the most budget-friendly option.
The main benefit choosing DSL service in Houghton, IA over traditional phone service is that customers can access the Internet and phone at the same time. DSL is much faster than dial-up service which does not allow customers to use the phone and computer at once. On the hierarchy of phone service options, DSL is a few steps above a traditional landline.
Reliability is the biggest drawback of choosing DSL service. The reliability of DSL-based service varies widely by proximity to the provider. Many customers that live 18,000 feet or more away from their provider may not get service at all. In addition to that, DSL users may face busy lines if a large number of users are occupying the same service. This can present some difficulties when attempting to make holiday or emergency calls.
Traditional landline phone service has been around for many years, and it's made possible by a large network of underground wires. To use this service, a phone must be connected to a special phone jack inside of the home, and for several decades, this was the best service available. However, with several other options available, many consumers are ditching the traditional landline for better services.
The greatest advantage of choosing landline services in Houghton, IA is the stable connection. Since it's hardwired through a large underground network, a landline phone delivers call clarity and connection quality that are difficult for other services to beat. One of the major disadvantages of the traditional landline is immobility. A landline service cannot be transported and used at a store or public location. To make calls with a landline phone, you must stay within the confines of your home. When compared with many alternative options, the landline phone is also much more expensive. In fact, the average cost of a landline service is double or triple the cost of alternative services.
Consumers enjoy the freedom of mobility offered by wireless phone services. Consumers have a choice between using a prepaid cell phone service or using one that bills for the service after use. Consumers in Houghton, IA find themselves with an array of wireless providers to choose from. The variety of wireless phone plans may offer many different features including caller ID and voicemail. Using the cell phone as a mobile hotspot is one of the more advanced features wireless phone consumers in Houghton, IA may want. If you'd like to find the best plan in your area, you can compare cell phone plans in Houghton, IA with Wirefly's innovative comparison tool.
Consumers in Houghton, IA find the primary benefit of a wireless phone service is the convenience of taking it with them wherever they go. But the flexibility of the wireless phone service comes with a price. Basic monthly wireless plans begin around $30. The price increased to around $50 per month when unlimited voice minutes is added to the wireless plan. Consumers wanting extra features like text and picture messaging can expect to pay more. Adding a mobile hotspot and data costs can increase the monthly wireless phone bill to over $100 for a service that may not be available in all areas. Compared to other phone services, wireless services have many benefits along with a higher cost.
