So you have decided you need a home phone, but there are a so many things to think of when choosing the right home phone provider. Here are four key points to keep in mind when you are looking for one;

Number Portability

If you already have a home phone, a good phone provider should be able to port your current phone number to your new phone service. They should also arrange and communicate the transition to your current phone provider. The move should be seamless for you and anyone else trying to call you. There should not be any down time.

What Features and Hardware are Included

This is an important consideration. There are three different scenarios to consider here:

1. Some phone package providers charge extra on a feature-by-feature basis such as voicemail, which can cost you as much as $7 per month extra, for each added feature. Choosing multiple features increases your cost multiple times.
2. Other providers give features for free during a promotional period, after which they begin charging for those features.
3. Lastly, some providers include the features as part of their service and give the extra features for free.

You should be aware of the features you can get with your home phone package and what hardware they provide if any. Knowing what you will be getting and how much it will cost you will help you decide which home phone provider works best for you.

Long Distance Rates Plan

Almost all home phone providers will give you a long distance rates plan, but is the rates plan flexible and is it a reasonable rate compared to other providers? You may need to only make local calls, or calls just within Canada and then six months after you purchase your long distance plan, you need to call Europe regularly. The point is, you should be able to modify your plan to your needs. Make sure any plan you choose does not lock you in for a period of time with a rates plan that does not suit you. Peoples needs change, and your home phone provider should be able to change with your needs.
Also, be aware of rates plans that are given to new customers for a period of time only to have costs increased at a later date. You need to know what you will be paying today and moving forward.

Excellent Customer Service

When you choose a home phone provider, make sure they give you excellent Canadian customer service, to help you with anything from modifying your package, or assisting you in any way possible with your home phone.

Is there access to assistance or is there a number you can call during business hours? If you leave them a support request outside of regular business hours, do they get back to you in a timely manner? Is the online help clear and easy to follow? You should take a look at this when choosing your home phone provider.
There may be a host of other factors you would like to consider as well but these are four of the most important considerations. We don’t normally toot our own horn but at Leaf we pride ourselves in excelling in all these areas. Regardless of who you choose, keep these points in mind and research your provider carefully.