Home phone: what are you really paying?
A traditional landline costs more than $50 a month in Quebec, long distance extra. Residential VoIP offers the same service for a fraction of the price. Here are the numbers.
Over 3 years
| Bell traditional line (Starter) | Xpert Home phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $51.08 (9-1-1 fees included) | $12.95 |
| Long distance Canada–US | Unlimited: +$34.95/month (phone-only customers) | 1,000 minutes included, then $0.02/min |
| Activation / device | $49.95 activation | App $0, HT801 adapter $99, WP810 $249 |
| Total, 36 months — local calls only | $1,889 | $565 with the HT801 adapter ($466 with the app, $715 with the WP810) |
| Total, 36 months — with unlimited Canada–US | $3,147 | |
| Contract | — | None |
Bell prices for Quebec, recorded on October 3, 2026: Starter home phone $51.08/month including 9-1-1 fees (unlimited local calls, long distance otherwise 40¢/min), $49.95 activation; Unlimited Canada and US $34.95/month for phone-only customers ($10 with an eligible bundle). Taxes extra. Bell is a trademark of its owner; Xpert Télécom is not affiliated with Bell.
What stays the same
- Your number (free transfer).
- Your corded phone or cordless handsets, with the HT801 adapter.
- 9-1-1 linked to your address (with VoIP limitations: it does not work during an Internet or power outage).
What changes
- Your line runs over the Internet: you need high-speed service (cable, fibre, DSL, LTE or Starlink). Test yours.
- Voicemails arrive by email, and your line can ring on your cell phone.
- No contract.
What about other VoIP services?
Other residential VoIP services exist, some with a proprietary device to buy and monthly tax and 9-1-1 fees. Always compare the total 3-year cost: subscription, mandatory fees, device, included minutes — and access to a local team.
Frequently asked questions
Will my alarm system work with VoIP?
Recent alarm systems communicate over the Internet or cellular. If yours relies on a phone line, check with your alarm provider before the transfer.
What happens during a power outage?
Like your Internet router, the adapter needs power. A UPS (battery backup) keeps the line up during a short outage; keep a charged cell phone for 9-1-1.
Free tools and guides
Ready to switch?
Order online in 5 minutes or call us: a local person answers, in English or French (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Xpert Télécom — 4609 Route de Fossambault, Suite 301, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Quebec G3N 2T7. 9-1-1 over VoIP has limitations: 9-1-1 information. The order form and client area are in French.
Powered by WHMCompleteSolution
