The real cost of a Verizon landline for seniors
Verizon no longer offers a standalone, traditional copper-wire landline service (known as POTS) in most areas. Instead, its primary home phone offering is Fios Digital Voice, which is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that uses a fiber-optic network. While the voice service itself costs around $30 per month, it is not available for purchase on its own.
To get Fios Digital Voice, seniors must bundle it with a Fios internet or TV package, which substantially raises the total monthly expense. The final bill will depend on the internet speed chosen and any additional features. For many seniors seeking only a simple home phone, the required bundle makes a Verizon landline a considerably more expensive option than necessary.
Required bundling with Fios internet
To obtain the Fios Digital Voice service, a Fios internet plan is mandatory. The cost of internet service varies, but starting prices typically hover around $50 per month. Adding the phone line brings the minimum bundled price to at least $80 per month before taxes and fees.
Mandatory fees and optional add-ons
While the base price is a good starting point, several additional fees can increase the monthly cost:
- Activation fee: A one-time activation fee of up to $49 may apply.
- Equipment rental: While Verizon may include a router, some packages require rental fees for certain equipment.
- International calls: The base plan includes unlimited domestic calling, but international calling plans or per-minute rates for international destinations will incur extra charges.
- Maintenance plan: Verizon offers an optional maintenance plan for around $15 per month to cover repairs and replacements.
- Battery backup: An emergency battery backup for the VoIP service is critical during power outages, but this may be a one-time purchase or an added fee.
Programs and alternatives for senior telephone service
For seniors seeking to reduce the cost of home phone service, several options can be explored. These range from government assistance to alternative technologies that are often much more affordable than a Verizon Fios bundle.
The Lifeline program
Lifeline is a federal program that provides discounts on phone or internet service to qualified low-income households. Seniors who meet the income requirements or participate in federal assistance programs like Medicaid or SNAP can apply for a monthly discount. This program can significantly lower the cost of a phone plan from a participating provider, which may include Verizon in certain areas and for specific plans.
How to qualify for Lifeline:
- Meet the federal poverty guidelines for income (135% or less).
- Participate in qualifying government programs like SSI, Medicaid, or SNAP.
- Apply through the Lifeline National Verifier online or by mail.
VoIP and wireless home phone alternatives
With the shift away from traditional landlines, VoIP and wireless services have become popular alternatives. These services are often cheaper and more flexible than bundled Fios Digital Voice.
Popular alternative services:
- Ooma: Offers a low-cost VoIP service. After a one-time hardware purchase, the monthly cost is often limited to taxes and fees, making it one of the most affordable home phone options. It provides advanced features like call blocking and an optional emergency alert service.
- Community Phone: A wireless landline service that uses cellular networks and doesn't require an internet connection or traditional copper lines. This is ideal for those without reliable internet access.
- Consumer Cellular: Offers a wireless home phone base that works with their cellular network. Users can port their landline number and enjoy an affordable monthly rate.
- Other VoIP providers: Companies like Nextiva offer very low monthly rates for VoIP services, bundling advanced features at a fraction of the cost of traditional landline services.
Comparing Verizon Fios Digital Voice to affordable alternatives
To illustrate the cost differences, here is a comparison of Verizon's bundled VoIP service versus some common alternatives for seniors.
| Feature | Verizon Fios Digital Voice | VoIP Alternative (e.g., Ooma) | Wireless Home Phone (e.g., Community Phone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | ~$30 (requires internet bundle) | ~$6-$10 (plus taxes and fees) | ~$20-$40 |
| Bundle required | Yes (internet or TV) | No | No (uses cellular network) |
| Network | Fiber-optic internet (VoIP) | Internet (VoIP) | Cellular network |
| Initial hardware cost | Included with rental or purchase | One-time purchase (e.g., $99-$129 for Ooma Telo) | One-time purchase (e.g., ~$50 for Consumer Cellular) |
| Reliability | Very reliable with strong fiber internet | High (requires stable internet) | Reliable (depends on cellular coverage) |
| Power outage | Requires battery backup for 911 | Requires battery backup for 911 | Works as long as cell towers have power |
Conclusion: Finding the right telephone service for your needs
When considering "How much is a Verizon landline per month for seniors?", the answer is more complex than a simple monthly fee. The Fios Digital Voice service is not a standalone product and requires a bundle with Verizon's internet or TV, pushing the minimum total cost to $80 or more. For many seniors, this bundled price is unnecessarily high, especially if they are low internet users. The best option depends heavily on individual needs, including internet usage, budget, and access to the federal Lifeline program. Alternatives like affordable VoIP services (Ooma) or wireless home phones (Community Phone, Consumer Cellular) often provide a more cost-effective solution with excellent features, allowing seniors to maintain a reliable home phone without the premium price tag of a bundled service. It is recommended to carefully evaluate all available options to find the most suitable and economical choice for staying connected. For more information, visit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website on the Lifeline program.
