When searching for residential telephone service in Bristol, ME, 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 Bristol, ME. 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 Bristol, ME 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 |
VoIP is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. It is an advanced technology that enables people to use Internet Protocol (IP) networks in the transmission of voice and multimedia content. VoIP differs from Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) because it uses methodologies that deliver voice communication over enterprise local area networks, the internet, or wide area networks. A broadband connection enables customers in Bristol, ME, to enjoy VoIP services anywhere. Therefore, frequent travelers and visitors can use VoIP without any troubles.
VoIP is also advantageous for clients in Bristol, ME, because of customization. The use of VoIP allows the customers to choose an area code that they prefer without necessarily being there. In traditional telephone and wireless services, the client is not at liberty to choose their area code. The provider selects the area code of the customer depending on their geographical location. Therefore, VoIP avails the customers with other options that might be useful for business calls.
VoIP services have many beneficial features. The customers get to enjoy a wide variety of offers like call waiting, unlimited calling, caller ID, international calling, three-way calling, and call forwarding. Moreover, they get to enjoy call blocking and 24-hour customer service options. The cost of getting VoIP package with the fundamental features can be as low as $5.99 per month. For consumers who are concerned with price, the services are user-friendly and cost-effective.
Quick DSL is the hallmark of phone service in Bristol, ME. Like traditional phone service lines, DSL uses copper wire. However, the convenience and speed of DSL distinguish it from traditional phone lines. Most consumers use a telephone service that bundles Internet service with it. The DSL provider installs a modem in the customer's home or business. With a modem, the consumer has access to the telephone line and Internet connection at the same time.
Prices vary for DSL services. A base price of $19.95 per month is not uncommon. Prices can increase for more feature packed DSL plans. One way of capping costs is for consumers to sign a contract with DSL providers guaranteeing a set monthly price. There are lots of different DSL plans that can fit most budgets, but more features may stretch the budget.
Bristol, ME DSL service offers the duality of using the Internet at the same time as using the telephone. This is markedly different from traditional services which tie up the residential phone. Consumers with dial-up services may find themselves frustrated when they need to use the telephone only to discover the computer using it. DSL service frees the telephone line allowing the consumer to use both at the same time. The must faster speed provided by DSL also makes it a better choice over traditional phone services.
DSL service does have some disadvantages. Reliability is not guaranteed. Consumer distance from the DSL provider affects how the service performs. Distances of further than 18,000 feet between the customer and the DSL provider may result in the consumer without any functional service. Periods of peak usage among the DSL provider's consumers may significantly affect the quality of the service. If a consumer relies on the service for emergencies or use during holiday periods, they may the lack of reliability disappointing.
Traditional home phone service, also known as landline service, has been around for a very long time. This system uses a series of underground wires to connect to a jack inside a customer's home in Bristol, ME. While traditional service was very popular for many years, many consumers are moving toward wireless phone connections and other alternative options.
The primary advantage of having traditional phone service in Bristol, ME is that it creates a clear, stable connection. Unfortunately, this connection comes with two major drawbacks. The biggest drawback is its immobility. Traditional phone service is not portable and cannot move with the customer to a store or their place of employment. The user must be home to make or receive calls on a landline. Also, traditional phone service can be far more expensive than other types of residential phone service. On average, landline service from a top provider starts at $49.99.
Today, one of the best options available is wireless home phone service, and it's a popular choice among consumers. Wireless services are popular because they can be used almost anywhere, and cell phone carriers offer a variety of different plan options. In Bristol, ME, it's easy to find wireless phone services that come with a wide range of useful features. It's not uncommon for basic plans to come with call ID and voicemail, and if a customer has a smartphone, they'll have access to many additional features. Wirefly is the best place to compare cell phone plans in Bristol, ME in order to find the best one for your needs.
The greatest advantage of having a wireless phone service in Bristol, ME is the flexibility. Although the service can be expensive, customers can use it while traveling. Many services offer customers unlimited plans, which might include unlimited calls and text. There are also plans that come with unlimited data, and they're ideal for users who constantly surf the Internet. The biggest disadvantage of a wireless phone service is the cost, and a handful of features can result in a high monthly bill. Before choosing any service, it's very important to consider the real cost of the features.
