More background -- My parents have gone completely wireless in NY. They
> have ported their NY number to the mobile and are happy with the
> results. However, they have many friends in the Phoenix area that
> would be put off by LD charges to call their NY mobile number. That
> said they feel and I agree that they need to keep their POTS line in
> Phoenix but don't want to spend a bundle on it since all outgoing
> calls will be on the mobile.
I don't know if this idea would work for them, but they could get a toll-free number such as from Kall8. The receiver (the one who has the toll-free number) it would cost them 6.9=A2/minute for people to call them if their cellular number was the target number. That way no one would pay a toll to call them.
And so, finally on to the question, does anyone know if Qwest offers a
> real low cost (perhaps metered) service for POTS in the 480 area?
> Where I'm at (NY) the LEC is obligated to provide a minimal POTS
It's likely that Qworst does offer measured service which would likely be less cost than an unlimited line. It's not cheap however. After taxes and such it's likely around $12 or more per month. If they've not had service of course there's the installation fees as well. I don't know if they could qualify for "lifeline" service. I believe you need to show that your economic level makes you eligible.