To find the best home phone service in University Park, PA, consumers must check offers from many different providers. The three main factors that should be considered are reliability, features and pricing. Ideally, consumers should find a service that is affordable, reliable and packed with useful features. Wirefly is the best way to compare home phone service providers in University Park, PA. A residential phone package should offer clear calls and minimal restrictions. To get reliable VoIP calls at home, it's important to have a high-speed Internet service, and Wirefly makes it easy to test the speed of an Internet connection. You can find and compare the best University Park, PA home phone service providers below:
| Provider | Plan Details | Monthly Rate* | |
|---|---|---|---|
.png&contenttype=png "Ooma") | HOME PHONE SERVICE - NO INTERNET REQUIRED
* Not including taxes/fees + One-time hardware cost of $99.99 | $19.95* | Details  200 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 University Park, PA. 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 University Park, PA. 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.
Another great option for consumers in University Park, PA, is DSL phone service. Unlike VoIP, DSL moves over copper lines. This is option has much more in common with traditional landline phone service, but there are some benefits that come with choosing DSL. The modem that is given to customers who choose DSL provides them with both internet and phone service, and the DSL phone service is typically much faster and more convenient than the phone systems of yesterday. Because both DSL internet and phone services utilize the same modem, providers usually offer these two services as part of a bundle. As a rule, monthly charges begin at $19.95 and increase depending on the internet speed selected by the customer. It should be noted that DSL providers sometimes insist that their customers enter into a contract for a certain time period in order to secure the lowest possible pricing.
Many consumers in University Park, PA, choose DSL over traditional phone service because it gives them the option to purchase internet service with it. Unlike dial-up internet, DSL internet allows people to use the phone and the internet simultaneously. DSL internet is also many times faster than traditional dial-up service.
While there are many advantages to choosing DSL over landline phone service, it does have a tendency to be less reliable than the traditional option. Typically, customers who live closer to their provider will experience greater reliability than those who live further away. There are also times when too many people are using the DSL lines at the same time, which can cause some to hear busy signals when they attempt to access the system. Some people choose not to use DSL phone service because they fear it will not be available in emergency situations.
People have used landline phone service for over a century. It utilizes copper wires attached to jacks in customers' homes. Subscribers may connect corded telephones or cordless phones that work in the vicinity of their homes. Sophisticated extra features are available, such as caller ID and call waiting. However, they usually cost extra. An advantage of corded landlines is that they normally continue to work during power and Internet outages. This technology doesn't rely on wireless signals or Internet communications, so it's generally quite reliable.
Each landline account is only accessible in one house or apartment. Another drawback is that this option costs more than VoIP. Although basic local-only service is cheaper, most University Park, PA subscribers spend around $50 per month. They can add basic dial-up Internet for about $10 more. A significant advantage of landline service is that it delivers the clearest audio, especially when both parties are using corded phones. This proves desirable for people who spend many hours on the telephone or need to make particularly important calls. For example, a traditional landline is best for radio interviews.
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 University Park, PA 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 University Park, PA may want. If you'd like to find the best plan in your area, you can compare cell phone plans in University Park, PA with Wirefly's innovative comparison tool.
Consumers in University Park, PA 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.
