Finding the best landline deals in 2024 can be tricky, especially for pensioners on a fixed income. With the UK transitioning to digital voice services, navigating the options can feel overwhelming. But worry not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to find the cheapest landline deals for your needs. You can explore the best landline deals for pensioners in the UK, and make an informed decision.
We’ll compare key providers like BT, bOnline, The VoIP Shop and Phonely. You’ll also learn about important factors such as price increases, contract terms, and the equipment needed to transition to digital landlines.
What is digital voice and what are digital landlines?
With the nationwide switch from traditional phone lines to digital voice, all landline services will eventually rely on an internet connection. This means that traditional copper wire connections are being replaced with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), where phone calls are made over the Internet.
If you’re switching to a digital landline, you’ll need either a VoIP adapter or a new digital phone. These are often provided by your service provider or can be purchased separately. For pensioners who may want to keep their current phone, most providers offer VoIP adapters that allow you to continue using your traditional handset. This means you don’t have to learn any new technology if it’s not your thing.
What are the best landline deals for pensioners in 2024?
The best landline deals for pensioners prioritise affordability and simplicity. This includes ease of moving providers and keeping your number if you’d like. Here’s what you should consider when researching the cheapest landline deals:
- Digital Voice Plans: These plans use your existing internet connection for calls, often leading to lower costs compared to traditional landlines.
- Stand-alone Landline vs. Bundles: While some providers offer bundled internet and landline packages, you might save money by getting separate services from different providers. Consider using comparison tools like Martin Lewis’, to find the cheapest broadband deals.
- Keeping Your Own Number: Some providers charge for this service, but you can find companies that handle number porting for free.
Before you start Googling, we’ve put together a comparison for Pensioners looking for the cheapest unlimited phone call packages or best landline phone deals UK, you can see this below.
Comparison Table for Basic Digital Landline Plans (2024)
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Keep Your Number | Features Included | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT | £15.00 | FREE | Caller ID, Voicemail, Call Waiting | PAYG calls, £25 Set-up fee, Call divert, Hardware |
| The VoIP Shop | £9.95 | £20 | Unlimited UK landline & mobile calls, Caller ID | Adapter: £35+ VAT, Voicemail upgrade: £5/month |
| Phonely | £9.97 | FREE | Unlimited UK landline & mobile calls, Auto call blocking, Voicemail | Adapter if not paying annually |
These providers offer varying features and prices for their digital landline services. The VoIP Shop and Phonely provide the most comprehensive packages, but for those prioritising cost alone, Phonely is one of the cheapest landline deals as provides vital scam protection and free hardware.
Phone deals explained
BT landline deals
BT offers a digital voice service starting at £15 per month for a basic package. This plan includes caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting. However, it comes with a set-up fee of £25 and potential installation charges of £50, making it less cost-effective for those on a tight budget.
The VoIP Shop landline deals
The VoIP Shop is one of the most affordable options, with plans starting at just £9.95 per month. Their basic package includes caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail, making it a solid choice for pensioners who need a simple and affordable landline deal.
Additional costs include a VoIP adapter (£35) if you’re using an older phone and optional upgrades for voicemail services. If wanting to keep your existing number a priority, The VoIP Shop will charge you £20 for this service, meaning an upfront cost of more than £40. Not the cheapest landline deal when you look at the bigger picture.
Phonely landline deals
Phonely offers one of the best and cheapest digital landline deals for pensioners, with a digital voice plan at £9.97 per month, including unlimited UK calls, and unique auto call blocking. It’s a great option for elderly users who may be at risk of phone scams.
There is no set-up fee, installation fee or number porting fee making Phonely one of the most competitive providers for pensioners. The benefits of their plan include real-time automatic call blocking, which helps prevent fraudulent calls, an essential feature for older adults who may be more vulnerable.
Key considerations when choosing a landline deal
Beyond price, consider these factors in finding the perfect cheapest landline deals for you:
- Contract Term: Long contracts offer stability but less flexibility. Short contracts can be more expensive.
- Set-up Fee: Some providers charge a one-time fee to activate your service.
- Price Increases: Check for annual price hikes and if they’re clearly stated upfront.
- Direct Debit Details: Some providers might require setting up a direct debit for automatic payments.
- Benefits: Look for features like voicemail, caller display, and scam protection, which can be valuable for pensioners.
Annual price increases explained
Until recently, many telecom providers calculated price increases using the Retail Price Index (RPI) or Consumer Price Index (CPI), plus an additional 3-4%. This led to confusion and frustration for many customers, especially when inflation caused prices to rise significantly.
In response, Ofcom introduced new rules in 2023. Providers are now required to state price increases in pounds and pence at the time of contract signing, providing much-needed transparency. This makes it easier to compare costs and choose the best landline deals that fit your budget.
New phones and digital voice technology
If you’re moving to a digital voice service, you may be wondering if you need a new phone. The good news is that most people can continue using their current handset with a VoIP adapter. For example, Phonely provides a free VoIP adapter to anyone who signs up for an annual payment in their first year. This adapter allows you to keep your current landline phone while still transitioning to a digital landline.
However, if you’d prefer to upgrade, Phonely also offers a range of affordable VoIP phones that are designed specifically for digital voice services. These phones come with advanced features like better call clarity, scam protection, and ease of use, making them ideal for pensioners looking to make their phone service future-proof.
FAQs
What is the best landline deal for pensioners?
The best landline deal will depend on your specific needs. For affordability, The VoIP Shop offers the cheapest option, while Phonely includes additional features like scam protection.
Do I need broadband for a digital landline?
Yes, all digital voice services require a broadband connection.
How can I avoid price increases?
While you can’t completely avoid price increases, you can choose a provider that offers transparent pricing. Ofcom’s new regulations require providers to disclose these increases upfront.
Can I use my old phone with a digital landline?
Yes, most providers, including Phonely, offer VoIP adapters that allow you to continue using your existing phone.
Why Choose Phonely?
At Phonely, we understand the importance of staying connected for pensioners. That’s why we offer:
Why Choose Phonely?
At Phonely, we understand the importance of staying connected for pensioners. That’s why we offer:
- Simple and Affordable Plans: Our digital voice plans start at £9.97 per month, with clear pricing and no hidden fees.
- Free VoIP Adapter (First Year): Keep your existing phone with our free ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) for the first year on annual plans.
- Scam Protection: Enjoy peace of mind with our built-in scam call protection.
Conclusion
By carefully considering these factors and comparing providers, you can find the best landline deal for your needs as a pensioner. Phonely offers a range of affordable and reliable options, including free VoIP adapters for annual plan subscribers. Don’t hesitate to explore our website or contact our customer support for more information.
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