- 1). Locate a list of home phone service providers on your state public utilities commission website. For example, on the State of Texas Public Utility Commission website, click on "Telecommunications," then click on "Utility Directories," and you can view the list of all of the telecom companies in the State of Texas.
- 2). Research the list of carriers, comparing the rates and fees from your public utility commission's website. Go to each provider's website for special offers and information on prices and fees for its service. Many providers offer specials to new customers.
- 3). Determine if your home is pre-wired for telephone service. If you already have home telephone outlets or jacks, your service provider will not have to wire the home. Instead, the phone company can turn your service on through the existing wires. It can be expensive to wire a home. If your home is not wired, the service provider can wire it--request a wiring quote from the provider.
Once the home is wired, the fixed fee that the service provider charges covers all outlets in the home, so that the home has one phone number and all of the phones in the home operate under that one phone number, unless you request a different setup. - 4). Locate a home phone service provider. Once you feel comfortable with your due diligence, choose a provider that gives you the best deal on rates and fees.
Ask your service provider for an inside wire maintenance plan. For a nominal monthly fee, this maintenance plan allows the phone company to repair any wire problems at no charge, if there should be any repair issues in the future. - 5). Purchase the home phones that you want at any retail outlet, such as Best Buy, Target, or Walmart. Any home phone will work in your home. All of the lines needed to connect the phone come in the package when you purchase it.
- 6). Connect the phone(s) in your home following the directions for each phone and begin to enjoy your new home phone service.
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