Utility Watchdogs Offer Cheaper Alternatives Land Line Telephones

About a year ago, after what seemed like constant contemplation, we finally disconnected our land line telephone number and never looked back. We aren't alone. As smart phones makers improve their technological platforms, more people are switching to wireless phones as their primary means of telephone communication. AT&T estimates 25 percent of households are wireless only.

Instead of charging higher wireless rates, AT&T increasing its rates for land line service: anywhere from 27 percent in some suburbs to 63 percent in the Loop. AT&T's increases began Jan. 3. Since then, local utility watchdog Citizens Utility Board has rounded together three "Consumer's Choice" plans from AT&T that they estimate would save local residents $23 million a year (if they all switched). They've also set up a web page with other tips to avoid excessive phone fees, like not dialing 411, which can cost a consumer $2 a call.