If you have a reasonably fast internet there is an alternative to a home phone service - VOIP. We use Ooma and pay $5 a month for phone service, and unlimited call time in Canada, with very low rates to the US and other countries. They say it is free, but you do pay the taxes and 911 service fee. There is an up front cost of $100 for the equipment. And, if you want to keep your existing phone number there is a porting charge to get it. A new number is no cost. There is an app for your mobile phone, and where you have wifi you can call using the Ooma service. Phone messages are also directed to the app so you can listen to them when away from home. We like it.
