Alternatives to landline long distance phone service

Increased competition and technological breakthroughs have spawned a number of low cost alternatives to traditional landline long distance phone service in recent years.

But don’t disregard classic long distance carriers as many also now offer cheap long distance phone rates. Yet, the available alternatives for long distance dialing can be very attractive.

1010 dial around plans

You can take your long distance phone service with you much like you carry your cell phone wherever you go. When long distance dialing from your primary phone or away from home phone, just enter your unique call around number first, then place your long distance call. Regardless of the phone you use or location, you will be billed at your low contract rate.

Prepaid long distance calling cards

Purchase long distance minutes in blocks of 50, 100, 300, etc. and use your phone card to make calls. Enter your unique card number and place your call. You will have prepaid minutes electronically deducted from your “card balance” to help you control your long distance expenses.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) long distance phone service

Using your personal computer and high speed Internet service provider, you can often get unlimited state-to-state long distance as part of a very reasonable monthly charge for phone service. Even international calls are often at rock bottom per minute long distance rates.

Voice quality is excellent and you can “take it with you”, using software available from some providers that allows you to call directly through your laptop computer from away from home locations.

Compare options

These are but a few options offering discount long distance service that can save you significant dollars over traditional landline long distance carriers. You should still evaluate the primary landline companies as their response to this competition is to offer long distance phone service plans that favorably compare to some of these new options.