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July 31, 2023
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AT&T is the world’s largest phone company, so you know you’re buying into a stable network when you use their services. They cater specifically to seniors with their Lifeline program discount, which could make their landline service cost under $20 per month for those who qualify.
FYI: To learn more about our favorite phone providers, read our guide to the best landline and best cellular plans for seniors.
AT&T Landline Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reliable service: AT&T landline service is extremely reliable, with calls coming in consistently clear, even in the event of a power outage.
- International calls: AT&T uses its huge service network to offer reasonable rates on international calls, making them a good choice for people with family or business interests in another country.
- Money-back guarantee: AT&T allows new customers to try their phone services for 14 days and offers a full refund if you aren’t satisfied.
- Lifeline discount: For seniors that qualify, AT&T offers a Lifeline discount plan that can reduce your monthly bill by $5 to $25 per month.
Cons
- Hidden fees: AT&T is not always upfront with their fee structure.
- Unavailable in most states: Despite its large network, AT&T doesn’t offer home phone service in every state.
FYI: To learn more about AT&T’s discounts, read our guide to AT&T senior discounts.
AT&T Plans and Pricing
AT&T plans are priced per month, but they are subject to some hidden fees. The main one is the optional upcharge for international calls, which applies whenever you use your AT&T home phone plan to call another country.
The rates of these fees are calculated per call, based on the distance. Subscriber line charges, installation fees, and cancellation charges may also apply. Knowing this, it’s important to be upfront with the company about the fees you will be responsible for, as well as whether the plan you prefer comes with a long-term contract.
| Plan | Starting Monthly Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Home Phone | $41 |
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| Complete Choice Enhanced | $55 |
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| Long Distance | Varies by location |
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| Phone Unlimited North America | +$25 (requires AT&T internet plan) |
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AT&T Landline Plan for Seniors
AT&T’s plans can be bought by any age group, though they offer the Lifeline discount for those 55 and over. To qualify for the Lifeline discount, a person must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Currently is a beneficiary of Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or other federal assistance programs
With the Lifeline discount applied, AT&T landline service can be purchased for a discounted rate, up to $25 off per month.
Discounts aside, AT&T’s Traditional Home Phone plan for $41 per month is most likely to be the best fit for the most number of seniors. It provides unlimited local calls, a primary phone number, and the service you would expect from a dedicated landline.
How to Purchase AT&T Landline Service
AT&T landlines are only available in 21 states, including Florida, California, Texas, and many states throughout the Midwest. The first thing to do to purchase one is to check your state’s availability before looking further into their services.
Next, choose a plan by reviewing the features on offer from the three landline options listed on their website. The main differences between the plans are how they treat international and long-distance fees as well as the features on offer such as call forwarding. If you already have AT&T internet service, you can bundle a home phone for less, which could be a great way to save.
Next, review your eligibility for the Lifeline discount program by checking AT&T’s requirements or calling them for the best offer that applies to you. Once you know the pricing of your chosen plan, you should look through their hardware selections, including cordless phones for under $50 as well as corded and office supply phones. There are many colors to choose from as well.
AT&T service can be bought via their website as well as from their numerous retailers. Representatives at these local outlets would be your best bet if you want to speak to an agent in person about your options.
AT&T Landline Pricing
AT&T prices their two main landline plans at $41 and $55 per month. They both include unlimited local calls but come with different features. The more expensive plan includes dedicated services such as caller ID and call forwarding as well as an option to buy unlimited long-distance service. Otherwise, both of these plans charge extra fees for long-distance and international calls.
One differentiator of AT&T's landline service is the ability to add a landline to existing internet service. For those with AT&T internet, they can purchase a landline plan for only $25 per month.
These plans are competitively priced for a modern landline service, which has been mostly phased out in favor of more affordable mobile plans. All of AT&T’s home phone plans are subject to overage charges for long-distance and international calls as well as administrative, service, and hardware fees. They do not have a minimum contract length except for the Phone Unlimited plans, which require a 12-month contract.
AT&T Landline vs. Verizon Landline
Verizon also offers a landline that is comparable to AT&T’s. Their plan is called the Verizon Fios Digital Voice, and it costs $39.99 per month. Above that, they have a Digital Voice and Internet plan for $64.99.
This means that they do not offer as many options for landlines as AT&T, though their basic plan has many of the same features. For most users, the choice between AT&T and Verizon landline service will come down to the location.
| AT&T Landline | Verizon Landline | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $41 per month | $39.99 per month |
| Price Increases | No | No |
| Contract Requirement | No | No (2-year contract available) |
| Long-Distance Calls | Optional | Included |
Bottom Line
An AT&T landline gives you access to the largest phone company in the nation, providing opportunities for bundling your internet service and wireless phone plans with your landline. If you are in the states they cover, their basic landline plan offers unlimited local calls for your new primary home number, which is what many people shopping for a home phone plan are looking for.
The major drawback for AT&T is their hidden fees, hardware service charges, and long-distance overages. It’s important to ask an agent either in person, over the phone, or via their online chat function about the fees your chosen plan will have, as well as the potential discounts you could be eligible for.
On the whole, AT&T offers competitive landline plans for those in the states they serve. Just be sure to inquire about fees and overages for the plan you choose.
To learn more about AT&T cellular service, read our guide to AT&T cellular plans for seniors.
AT&T Landline Frequently Asked Questions
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Does AT&T still offer landline service?
AT&T still offers landline service in 21 states, including both plans as well as the hardware required. They also offer discounts for those who purchase both internet and landline service.
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Is AT&T landline service reliable?
AT&T is the largest phone company in the country with over a century of history. Their network is extremely reliable, including their landline service, though its size has diminished due to the prominence of wireless phone networks.
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Which is more expensive: AT&T landline or cellular?
AT&T’s cellular plans are slightly less expensive than their landlines. The cellular starter plan is $35 per month, which is less than the $41 basic landline. The premium cellular plan is $50 per month, which is also less than the premium landline plan.