Alternatives to Traditional House Phone

Back in the day, if you wanted to call someone on the telephone you had to go through a switchboard operating system. There were even times where you could hear your neighbors talking on the telephone. Even recently when I was using my old cordless house phone I could hear a conversation, but had no idea where it was coming from. It probably was picking up close signals from people in my apartment building..

Now there are other methods of talking on the telephone then being required to stand next to your phone that is hooked up to the wall.

Cell phones
This is an obvious one. So many people, even young kids have their own cell phone. Cell phones have been a big dispute for many years on whether people should be allowed to talk on them while in the car. These have many different providers, styles, and are portable where ever you are just as long as you are getting a signal.

Disadvantages to cell phone are those times when your battery runs low or you are in an area without service. I have a tough time getting service sometimes on my phone, but some people don't at all. Dropped calls are a common thing as well. However, having a cell phone can be a great thing, especially during emergencies.

What you will need: Cell phone, charger, battery (should be included) and a service plan.

High Speed Internet Connection Phones
There are many different providers for this one. There are large companies such as Vonage providing this service or just your local cable company. Basically you hook your phone up to a phone adapter that is connected to high speed internet. Normally this service will provide you with free long distance anytime, anywhere. This can be a great alternative if you have a high speed internet connection. If you are interested in this one, even see if your cable provider has it available. If they do you'll be able to attach your phone bill (monthly fee usage) to your cable bill too.

These high speed connection phones can offer you the same things your regular phone company can such as Caller ID, voicemail, 3way calling, call waiting, and call transfer.

This option isn't available to anyone since you will need a high speed internet connection such as cable to get this to work. You will also need to buy a phone adapter which may or may not be part of a free installation. This is something that will be different for each provider.

What you will need: High speed internet (Cable or DSL), telephone, telephone adapter, proper power cords and cables

Messenger Phones
There are now features available when using your instant messaging system. There's a couple ways your can do this. You can either have an actual phone number, or just pay for your minutes. I do know that Yahoo messenger is offering around $0.01 a minute. If all you do is pay for the minutes, people will not be able to call you back. However, for a very small price per month (about $5.00) you can have your own phone number.

People will be able to call your computer or you can call them in return. Like your high speed internet phones and cell phones you can take this phone number with you where ever you are, providing that you have a computer next to you and you are signed into your account on messenger.

This is probably the big downfall of this service is that it requires you to be logged into your messenger and be at your computer. But if you are near a computer the majority of the time, it is a very inexpensive service. You pay for your minutes much like a calling card and can do it online with your credit card. It's also a nice method of use if you want to have a 2nd phone line only for certain people (business, certain friends) you can have a less expensive service.

What you will need: Computer, instant messenger with this feature, microphone. (headset optional)

it's become easier to stay in touch with the people you love. And even if no phone options are available to you, there is still the standard instant messaging, e-mails, standard letters, faster ways to travel for visits, and if you're a gamer you could play with your friends online with all the games out there.

But if you're a phone person, there are options available to you. And if all else fails, there are always pay phones around town.