Not only is AT&T a giant in the game of cell phone and wireless services, but the company also offers excellent landline phone service.
While the younger generations no longer rely on landline phones for communication, senior citizens still do, which is only natural, as they have relied on landline phone service for most of their lives. In fact, many elderly people prefer home phones because they are much simpler to use, affordable, reliable, safe to use, and they don’t need to be charged.
See other benefits of landline phones and why AT&T landline phone service for seniors may just be the best option in the following sections.
Types of AT&T Landline Phone Service for Seniors
AT&T offers several landline phone services for seniors, including:
- AT&T Lifeline: This is a government assistance program that provides discounts on phone service to low-income households, including seniors. Qualifying customers can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month on their landline phone service.
- AT&T Home Phone: This is a basic landline phone service that provides unlimited local calling and affordable long-distance rates. There are no contracts or cancellation fees, and you can keep your existing phone number.
- AT&T Digital Home Phone: This service provides a traditional landline phone connection with advanced features such as caller ID, call forwarding, and voicemail. You can also add international calling plans for a low monthly fee.
- AT&T Wireless Home Phone: This service uses AT&T’s wireless network to provide landline phone service without the need for a traditional phone line. This can be a good option for seniors who do not have access to a traditional phone line.
It’s important to note that the availability and pricing of these services may vary by location, so it’s best to check with AT&T directly to find out what options are available in your area.
AT&T Landline Phone Service for Seniors
AT&T is a company that enables customers to select the home phone service that best fits their needs. The company’s home phone services include nationwide calling. The plans are available in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
AT&T allows you to build your own home phone package. You can select one of the following options, all of which are suitable for seniors:
- Traditional Home Phone for $44 a month (or less) plus taxes and fees. The plan includes a primary residential phone number, unlimited local calling, reliable connection, and optional long-distance calling.
- Complete Choice Enhanced for $58 a month (or less) plus taxes and fees. The plan includes a primary residential phone number and up to 12 popular calling features, including caller ID, call forwarding, speed dialing, and optional unlimited long-distance calling.
- Long-Distance with call for pricing. Available features are a per-minute calling plan, an unlimited calling plan, and an international plan. Read more and purchase a cheap landline phone service without internet from AT&T at att.com/home-phone/landline.
- AT&T Lifeline – a government benefit that lowers the cost of AT&T home phone or wireless phone service. Eligible households can receive a discount of $5.25 per month on eligible voice service. Tribal households can even get a discount of up to $25 a month. Read more at att.com/home-phone/lifeline.
- AT&T Unlimited 55+ Plan for $60 (1 line) or $80 (2 lines). The plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security – including a free app with Spam Call Blocking and more, 5G access, and unlimited texts from the U.S. to 200+ countries. Learn more at att.com/plans/unlimited-data-plans/55-plus-senior-discount.
Moreover, through the Senior Living organization, AT&T’s elderly customers can get additional discounts on AT&T landline phone service for seniors. If you are an AARP member, you should definitely consider this generous option. Read more and enroll for the discount at seniorliving.org/cell-phone/att.
As AT&T also offers TV and internet services and if you are currently looking to upgrade all of these services, you should also consider AT&T’s service bundles, such as:
- AT&T Landline and Internet bundle. It comes with unlimited phone service and 100 Mbps internet for $79.99.
- AT&T Trip Plan Internet + Entertainment + Phone. It comes with unlimited phone service, 100 Mbps internet, and 65 channels for $134.98.
- AT&T Trip Plan Internet + Choice + Phone. It comes with unlimited phone service, 100 Mbps internet, and 90 channels for $149.99.
- AT&T Trip Plan Internet + Ultimate + Phone. It comes with unlimited phone service, 100 Mbps internet, and 130 channels for $159.99 a month.
Best AT&T Landline Phone for Seniors
In addition to offering AT&T landline phone service for seniors, the company also offers cordless senior-friendly home telephones. AT&T’s landline phones include the following specifications:
- Cordless handsets (2)
- Answering system with caller ID and call waiting
- Unsurpassed range
- Called ID announce
- Push-to-talk
- HD audio with equalizer for customized audio
- Handset speakerphone
- Large buttons
- Extra large displays
See your senior-friendly options at telephones.att.com/telephones/cordless-telephones/senior-phones-list.
Features of AT&T Landline Phone Service for Seniors
Depending on which AT&T landline phone service plan for seniors you choose, you will get to enjoy different benefits and features. To see the features of specific individual plans, review the section ‘AT&T Landline Phone Service for Seniors’ above. There, you will see what each plan includes and how much it costs.
However, most AT&T home phone plans include the following features:
- Primary residential phone number
- Local calling
- Optional long-distance calling
- Reliable connection
- Caller ID
- Call forwarding
- Speed dialing, etc.
Benefits of AT&T Landline Phone
We live in a world that is dominated by smartphones and wireless services. As such, landline phone service is becoming less and less popular, especially among younger people. However, seniors who have known home phone service for most of their lives often still prefer to rely on trustworthy landline services and devices.
Of course, having a smartphone and mobile plan has its advantages, such as portability, a huge amount of options, features, and apps that landline phones don’t offer, more advanced technologies, and Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables users to not only make and take calls but to stream videos, listen to music, browse the internet, access email and social media, make online purchases, and much more.
Nevertheless, landline phones and services also have some amazing benefits that smartphones and wireless services can’t compete with, including:
- Reliable Service: Home phone services are extremely reliable as they don’t depend on wireless networks, which can often experience poor signals, network congestion, and other issues that may make it impossible to make or take a simple phone call.
- Better Call Quality: According to reports, landline phones offer a better quality of sound and clarity. This is especially important for seniors who tend to have hearing impairments. Instead of hoping for a clear connection, they can rely on it.
- Enhanced Security: Mobile devices are connected to the internet, which gives them certain advantages, but it also makes them more vulnerable to security risks. On the other hand, your landline phone service can’t be hacked, which offers better protection for your calls and other personal details.
- Required With Home Security Systems: Lots of home security systems require a home phone connection as a main base or backup for the security company to contact. Having this home phone base can decrease home security bills because it’s easier to connect security systems to landlines instead of cell phones.
- Emergency Response: When you call emergency services, you must count on the responders to pick up your location. GPS-enabled cell phones do transmit a location, but it’s often too general and it takes time for the responders to get the information. On the other hand, landlines are affiliated with a specific address, which means that responders can immediately trace the call.
- Availability During Power Outages: Of course, cell phones work during power outages, but their battery life is limited. If your phone battery is empty and cannot be recharged due to the outage, your best bet is to have a landline phone service. Corded landline phone work perfectly even when the power is out. It gives you plenty of time to find another power source, call emergency services, and more. Furthermore, seniors who have spent most of their lives using landlines are not used to having to charge their phones, therefore, they often forget to charge their cellular devices. Walking around with a phone with an empty battery can be risky for anyone, but seniors are that much more in need of having a device that won’t let them down in case of emergency.
- Ease of Use for Seniors: Obviously, landline phones are much easier to use. You just key in the number you wish to call and that’s it! No charging, no navigation, no menus, no unlocking, no extra buttons, and no confusing features that have absolutely nothing to do with calling. You can also just use the speed dial option. Seniors know how to handle a landline phone, however, many of them are not tech-savvy enough and in touch with the countless wireless trends to keep up with the features of an advanced cell phone. Therefore, they are more likely to feel more comfortable using a landline.
- Long Distance and International Calling: Long-distance and international calls tend to be of higher quality and more affordable through landline phones. As such, if you are planning to make lots of such calls, you should really consider buying AT&T’s landline phone service for seniors.
Reasons for Considering AT&T Landline Phone Service for Seniors
Reasons for considering any landline phone service are outlined in the previous section. They include reliability, security, ease of use, better call quality, availability during power outages, and more. However, as there are many other landline phone service providers, why should you consider choosing AT&T? Well, there are several reasons, including:
- AT&T offers reliable landline phone services.
- AT&T’s landline phone plans are relatively affordable.
- AT&T offers landline phone service discounts for seniors.
- AT&T offers Lifeline discounts.
- AT&T enables customers to build their own home phone package.
- In addition to landline phone services, the company also offers wireless, TV, and internet services. As such, you can consider purchasing a service bundle. Those bundles tend to offer countless advantages and come at relatively affordable prices.
Way to Purchase AT&T Landline Service for Seniors
AT&T is a huge company that has many stores available throughout the country. You can simply find your nearest AT&T store at att.com/stores, visit the place, and ask the representative to help you select and buy an AT&T landline phone service for seniors.
Alternatively, you can also purchase any of the above-listed landline plans online. To do so, simply click the link provided next to any of the plans, and follow the online prompts to place your digital order.
You can also call AT&T’s customer support service at 800.288.2020 to buy the home phone service that best fits your needs. Remember that the company’s support service is available every Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 9 PM CT and on Saturdays from 8 AM to 9 PM CT.
Alternatives to AT&T Landline Phone
If you are not quite convinced that you should buy one of the AT&T landline phone service plans for seniors listed above, you can still choose something else entirely. However, to make the most informed decision, let’s take a look at your alternatives:
- Cell Phones: AT&T is one of the three largest mobile carriers in the country. As such, it naturally offers a huge selection of mobile devices that range from simple flip phones (which may be suitable for seniors) to super-advanced and feature-packed smartphones from the most reputable brands. In addition, the company offers many mobile phone plans. You can see the company’s wireless plans at att.com/plans/wireless. Note that your Lifeline discount can also cover a part of your wireless cost.
- Digital Home Phone With VoIP Services: Digital home phones are telephones that use VoIP (voice over IP) technology to deliver phone service over an internet connection. AT&T’s digital home phone service operates almost like a traditional home phone – you simply dial a number and hang up the phone at the end. This service comes with extra features, such as more than 25 calling features, supreme sound quality, and allowing customers to make and receive a call over AT&T’s high-speed internet connection.
- Other Landline Phone Providers: Moreover, in addition to AT&T, there are also many other landline phone providers that offer similar benefits and services. Some of the best landline phone providers include CenturyLink, Cox, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Xfinity, Frontier, Optimum, Suddenlink, Ooma, Armstrong, Community Phone, and Mediacom. Many of these have great options for seniors.
Tips to Troubleshoot AT&T Landline Phone Service for Seniors
Landline phone service generally doesn’t come with many (if any) issues. However, just in case, here are some tips to troubleshoot AT&T landline phone service for seniors:
- Check the phone line. Make sure it is properly plugged in and that it’s not damaged. Plug it into another phone jack to see if it helps.
- Check the power source. The base unit must be properly plugged into a power source. You can also try replacing the batteries in the handset.
- Check for outages. If your phone service is not working, check to see if there are any known outages in your area. You can do this by visiting the AT&T website or by calling their customer service number.
- Try resetting your equipment: If your phone service is still not working, try resetting your equipment. This can include unplugging the phone and the modem or router, waiting a few minutes, and then plugging them back in.
- Contact customer support: If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s best to contact AT&T customer support for assistance. They can help troubleshoot the problem and provide further guidance on how to resolve the issue.
By following these tips, seniors can troubleshoot AT&T landline phone service issues and get their phone service up and running again quickly and easily.
Compare AT&T Seniors Landline Vs. Other Seniors Landline Phone Service
- Plan flexibility: When it comes to plan flexibility, AT&T’s landline phone service for seniors is one of the best in the country, as it enables customers to build the plan they need.
- Features: In terms of features, AT&T is also among the best. After all, it offers unlimited nationwide and international calls, more than 20 integrated calling features, and bundled plans with TV and the internet.
- Customer support service: As AT&T is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the states, it offers a reliable and responsive support team.
- Service quality: AT&T’s landline phone services are reliable and of high quality but then again, so are certain other companies’ services, including Verizon Fios, Frontier, Optimum, Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, CenturyLink, and others.
- Affordability: Well, in terms of affordability, there are many other companies that offer far more affordable landline phone plans. For instance, Ooma’s plans for seniors start at only $11.99; Cox, Verizon Fios, Armstrong, and Xfinity offer plans for around $30 a month. And Community Phone, Suddenlink, Optimum, and Mediacom provide plans for up to $39.99 a month.
Customer Reviews of AT&T Landline Phone
Positive Reviews and Pros
- Unlimited nationwide and international calls
- Over 20 integrated calling features
- The ability to build your own plan
- A quickly expanding fiber network
- DSL service
- Huge rural availability
Negative Reviews
- It’s not offered as a standalone service
- Some plans have data caps
- Getting the best deals requires signing a contract
FAQ
Can I Get a Discount on AT&T Landline Phone Service Through Government Programs?
Yes, AT&T offers Lifeline discounts for eligible low-income customers. Seniors can also get a discount through AARP.
Can I Keep My Current Phone Number When I Switch to AT&T Landline Phone Service?
Yes. To do so, contact the company’s customer support service.
How Does AT&T Landline Phone Service Differ From VoIP and Digital Phone Services?
Landline service is delivered over wires to your home. A landline could then be digital or analog (POTS). A digital landline involves modems and delivers phone service over an internet connection.
Does AT&T Offer Any Additional Services for Seniors Who Use Landline Phone Service?
Yes, the company offers Lifeline discounts, a money-back guarantee for 14 days, and international calls.
Is AT&T Landline Phone Service Available in My Area?
See the list of states where the company offers landline phone service in the section ‘AT&T Landline Phone Service for Seniors’.
How Can I Cancel My AT&T Landline Phone Service?
Call the company’s customer support at 800.288. 2747 to change or cancel your landline service.
Is It Possible to Add Additional Lines to My AT&T Landline Phone Service Plan?
Yes, additional lines can be easily added.
How Can I Pay My AT&T Landline Phone Service Bill?
You can do it online or by calling the company’s customer support service. See the details at att.com/support/article/local-long-distance/KM1044764.
Can I Transfer My AT&T Landline Phone Service to a New Address?
Yes, however, the new address must be located in one of the areas where the company offers its services.