X

U.S. Cellular gets into the 'Home Phone' biz for $20 a month

The wireless carrier follows in the footsteps of rival providers by bringing cellular service to wired phones.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
Jessica Dolcourt
U.S. Cellular logo

U.S. Cellular is the latest wireless service provider to make the jump into your home.

On Friday, the carrier unveiled its U.S. Cellular Home Phone service, which goes on sale in retail stores on June 7 and online a couple of weeks later on June 20.

Similar to its wireless plan for cell phones, this new $19.99 monthly home phone service gives customers unlimited nationwide calling over your landline phone, as well as the standard calling features of voice mail, caller ID, and call waiting.

The carrier also throws in call forwarding and three-way calling.

If you're lacking a landline, U.S. Cellular sweetens the deal by selling you one in-store for a penny and your signature on a new two-year agreement.

Just be sure to read the fine print; the usual $35 device activation fee and $150 early termination fee will likely apply.

If you do have a landline, U.S. Cellular won't make you ditch it to switch services, and you'll be able to group both home and cell phone charges to the same bill.

There's a bit of hardware needed to make the transition; namely, the Home Phone station into which you plug your corded or cordless phone, an antenna, and a battery pack. You'll be able to power two phones from a single device.