HyperCloud Voice

Yes, this is one of the biggest advantages of hosted VoIP. A cloud-based phone system connects all your offices, remote workers, and mobile staff under one unified system, regardless of their physical location.

Benefits for multi-site businesses:

• Single phone system – all locations share the same system with a unified dial plan, so staff can transfer calls and use short-dial extensions across sites
• Centralised management – manage all users, call routing, and settings from one web portal
• Cost savings – inter-site calls are free (they travel over the internet, not the phone network)
• Consistent experience – every location gets the same features, call quality, and professional image
• Flexible number presentation – staff at any location can present local numbers for different regions

How it works:

Each location simply needs an internet connection and IP phones or softphones. The hosted VoIP system in the cloud handles all the call routing between sites automatically. There is no need for expensive MPLS networks or site-to-site VPN tunnels for voice traffic.

Example: A business with offices in Leeds, London, and Manchester can have all three sites on one system. A customer calling the London number can be seamlessly transferred to a specialist in Leeds, and the caller would never know.

Get a multi-site VoIP quote from Connection Technologies.

Yes, absolutely. When you switch to a VoIP phone system, you can keep all your existing business phone numbers through a process called number porting.

How number porting works:

• Step 1: Provide your current phone numbers and the name of your existing provider
• Step 2: Your new VoIP provider submits a porting request to your old provider
• Step 3: The port is scheduled – typically taking 5–10 working days for geographic numbers
• Step 4: On the porting date, your numbers are seamlessly transferred to your new VoIP system with minimal or zero downtime

What numbers can be ported?

• Geographic numbers (01/02 area codes) – yes
• Non-geographic numbers (03, 0800, 0845) – yes
• Mobile numbers – yes (separate process)
• International numbers – depends on the country

Important tips:

• Do not cancel your existing service before the port completes – this can cause you to lose the number
• Check your current contract for any early termination fees
• Number porting is usually free or included in your new VoIP package

Connection Technologies manages the entire porting process for you, ensuring a smooth transition with no disruption to your business. Start your switch today.

Yes, most hosted VoIP systems include call recording as a built-in feature. Calls can be recorded automatically or on-demand, stored securely in the cloud, and accessed through a web portal.

Is call recording legal in the UK?

Yes, businesses can legally record phone calls in the UK under the Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) Regulations 2000, provided the recording is for legitimate business purposes such as:

• Quality assurance and staff training
• Compliance with regulatory requirements (FCA, PCI-DSS)
• Dispute resolution and evidence of verbal agreements
• Monitoring customer service standards

Important compliance considerations:

• Inform callers – best practice is to play a brief announcement at the start of the call (e.g. “calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes”)
• GDPR compliance – recordings are personal data and must be stored securely, retained only as long as necessary, and made available to individuals on request
• PCI-DSS – if you take card payments over the phone, ensure your system can pause recording during payment details

VoIP call recording features:

• Automatic recording of all inbound and outbound calls
• On-demand recording with a button press
• Searchable recordings by date, number, or user
• Secure cloud storage with configurable retention periods

Connection Technologies can configure call recording as part of your hosted VoIP setup. Get a quote to discuss your requirements.

Yes. Modern hosted VoIP platforms include powerful call centre and contact centre features that were previously only available with expensive dedicated systems.

VoIP call centre features:

• Call queues – hold callers in a queue with music and position announcements until an agent becomes available
• ACD (Automatic Call Distribution) – intelligently route calls to the most appropriate or longest-idle agent
• IVR menus – multi-level auto attendant menus to direct callers to the right department
• Real-time wallboards – live dashboards showing queue lengths, wait times, agent status, and call volumes
• Call recording – automatic recording of all calls for quality assurance and compliance
• Supervisor tools – listen in, whisper coaching, and barge-in capabilities for training and quality monitoring
• Reporting and analytics – detailed reports on call volumes, answer rates, average handle times, and agent performance
• CRM integration – screen pops showing customer details before the agent answers

Benefits over traditional call centre systems:

• No expensive hardware – everything runs in the cloud
• Agents can work from anywhere – office, home, or multiple sites
• Scale up or down instantly for seasonal demand
• Pay-per-seat pricing with no long-term commitments

Whether you have 5 agents or 500, Connection Technologies can configure a hosted VoIP contact centre solution for your business. Request a tailored quote.

Yes, modern hosted VoIP systems offer extensive CRM and business software integrations that streamline workflows and improve customer service.

Common VoIP integrations:

• CRM systems – Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive
• Helpdesk platforms – Zendesk, Freshdesk, ServiceNow
• Microsoft Teams – make and receive VoIP calls directly within Teams
• Email and calendar – Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
• Accounting software – Xero, QuickBooks (for click-to-call from invoices)

What CRM integration enables:

• Screen pop – when a customer calls, their CRM record automatically appears on screen before you answer
• Click-to-call – dial any number directly from your CRM with one click
• Automatic call logging – calls are logged against the customer record with duration, time, and notes
• Call recording links – recordings are attached to the CRM record for easy retrieval
• Presence and availability – see colleague availability from within your CRM before transferring a call

These integrations save time, reduce manual data entry, and ensure your team has full context for every customer interaction. Ask about integrations when you request your quote.

Yes. Most modern hosted VoIP platforms include conference calling and video conferencing as standard features, eliminating the need for separate meeting tools.

Conference calling with VoIP:

• Audio conference bridges – host multi-party conference calls with dedicated dial-in numbers and PIN codes
• Ad-hoc conferencing – merge multiple live calls into a conference with a button press
• Scheduled conferences – set up recurring conference calls with calendar integration
• Large capacity – most platforms support 20–100+ participants per conference

Video conferencing with VoIP:

• HD video meetings – face-to-face meetings with screen sharing, chat, and recording
• Browser-based joining – external participants can join without installing software
• Integration with phone system – escalate a phone call to a video meeting with one click
• Virtual meeting rooms – permanent meeting room links for quick team huddles

Why use your VoIP platform for conferencing:

• One platform for all communications – no separate subscriptions for Zoom or Teams
• Consistent experience across voice, video, and messaging
• Centralised admin and billing
• Better security with enterprise-grade encryption

Connection Technologies can set up a hosted VoIP system with full conferencing capabilities. Get a quote to see what is included.

Choosing the right VoIP provider is critical for your business communications. With dozens of VoIP providers in the UK, here is what to look for:

Key factors when comparing UK VoIP providers:

• Call quality and reliability – look for providers using Tier 1 UK data centres with guaranteed uptime SLAs of 99.9% or higher
• Feature set – ensure the package includes the features you need: auto attendant, call recording, call queues, voicemail-to-email, mobile apps, and CRM integration
• Scalability – can you easily add or remove users as your business changes?
• UK-based support – when something goes wrong, you want to speak to a real person in the UK, not navigate an overseas call centre
• Contract flexibility – avoid being locked into long contracts. Look for monthly rolling or short-term agreements
• Number porting – confirm the provider can port your existing business numbers at no extra cost
• Transparent pricing – watch out for hidden fees for features, support, or call minutes that should be included

Why use an independent provider like Connection Technologies?

Rather than being tied to a single network, we compare hosted VoIP solutions from multiple leading UK providers to find the best fit for your business. This means you get unbiased advice, competitive pricing, and a single point of contact for ongoing support.

Get a free VoIP comparison quote and let us do the hard work for you.

Call forwarding and call routing are core features of any hosted VoIP system, allowing you to control exactly where incoming calls go based on rules you define.

Types of call forwarding:

• Unconditional forwarding – all calls are forwarded to another number (e.g. a mobile) regardless of availability
• No-answer forwarding – calls are forwarded only if not answered within a set number of rings
• Busy forwarding – calls are forwarded when the line is engaged
• Selective forwarding – forward calls based on the caller ID, time of day, or day of week

Advanced call routing features in hosted VoIP:

• Hunt groups – ring multiple phones simultaneously or in sequence until someone answers
• Time-based routing – route calls differently during business hours, lunch breaks, and out-of-hours
• Skills-based routing – direct calls to the most appropriate team member based on the caller’s needs
• Geographic routing – route calls based on the caller’s area code to the nearest office
• Failover routing – automatically redirect calls to mobiles or another site if your primary connection fails

All call forwarding and routing rules can be managed through a simple web portal or mobile app – no engineer required. Get a hosted VoIP quote from Connection Technologies.

One of the biggest advantages of a hosted VoIP phone system is that it works seamlessly for remote and hybrid working. Your team can make and receive calls on their business number from anywhere with an internet connection.

How VoIP enables remote working:

• Softphone apps – staff download an app to their laptop or mobile and instantly have their full business phone system available at home or on the go
• Single business number – whether calling from the office, home, or a mobile app, the caller always sees your business number
• Hot desking – staff can log into any IP phone in any office and it becomes their personal extension
• Call routing rules – set up rules to ring desk phones and mobiles simultaneously, or sequentially, so calls are never missed
• Voicemail-to-email – missed calls are transcribed and sent to email so staff can respond quickly from anywhere
• Team presence – see which colleagues are available, busy, or away in real-time

Why this matters for your business:

• Staff working from home have exactly the same phone experience as those in the office
• Customers cannot tell whether they are speaking to someone in the office or at home
• No additional hardware or VPN required – just an internet connection
• Managers can monitor call activity and performance across all locations from a single dashboard

Connection Technologies sets up hosted VoIP systems that are ready for hybrid working from day one. Get a free quote.

Hosted VoIP systems include advanced voicemail features that go far beyond a traditional answering machine. Voicemail is built into the cloud platform and accessible from any device.

VoIP voicemail features:

• Voicemail-to-email – voicemail messages are automatically sent to your email inbox as audio attachments, so you can listen to them from anywhere
• Voicemail transcription – some systems convert voicemail messages to text, allowing you to read them quickly without listening
• Visual voicemail – browse, play, and manage voicemail messages through a web portal or mobile app
• Custom greetings – record different greetings for business hours, out-of-hours, holidays, and individual extensions
• Shared voicemail boxes – create team voicemail boxes for departments like Sales or Support
• Voicemail PIN protection – secure access to voicemail with PIN codes

Advanced voicemail routing:

• If a call is not answered within a set number of rings, it goes to voicemail
• Different routing rules for different times of day or days of the week
• Overflow to voicemail when all agents in a queue are busy
• Option to press a key during the greeting to be transferred to a mobile or another extension

Voicemail is included at no extra cost with hosted VoIP systems from Connection Technologies. Get a quote.

A hosted VoIP phone system provides built-in business continuity and disaster recovery that traditional phone systems simply cannot match.

Why traditional phones fail during disruptions:

With a traditional PBX and PSTN lines, if your office loses power, floods, or suffers a fire, your phone system goes down completely. Calls go unanswered and customers cannot reach you.

How hosted VoIP keeps you connected:

• Cloud-based infrastructure – your phone system runs in geographically redundant data centres, not in your office. If your building is inaccessible, the system keeps running
• Automatic failover – if your primary internet connection fails, calls are automatically rerouted to mobile phones, other offices, or voicemail
• Work from anywhere – staff can log into softphone apps from home or any location and continue making and receiving calls on their business numbers
• Instant rerouting – administrators can change call routing rules in seconds through a web portal, diverting calls to alternative numbers or sites
• No single point of failure – unlike an on-premise PBX, there is no single piece of hardware that can take your entire phone system offline

Disaster recovery scenarios hosted VoIP handles:

• Office power outage – calls route to mobiles and remote workers
• Internet outage – calls failover to 4G/5G backup or alternative sites
• Building inaccessible – entire team works remotely with full phone functionality
• Hardware failure – no on-site hardware to fail; swap a broken phone in minutes

Protect your business communications with a resilient hosted VoIP system from Connection Technologies. Get a quote.

VoIP works by converting your voice into digital data packets that travel over your internet connection to the person you are calling. Here is a simplified step-by-step overview:

How a VoIP call works:

• Step 1: You speak into a VoIP phone, softphone app, or headset
• Step 2: Your voice is converted into digital data using audio codecs
• Step 3: The data packets are sent over your broadband connection to your hosted VoIP provider's servers
• Step 4: The provider routes the call to the recipient – whether they are on VoIP, a mobile, or a traditional landline
• Step 5: The data is converted back into audio at the other end

What you need to get started with VoIP:

• Reliable broadband – a stable connection with at least 100kbps per concurrent call (most business broadband easily handles this)
• IP phones or softphones – dedicated VoIP desk phones (such as Yealink handsets) or software apps on your computer/mobile
• A hosted VoIP provider – Connection Technologies configures everything for you, including number porting, user setup, and call routing

Most businesses are fully up and running within a few days. Request a quote and we will handle the entire setup.

Most businesses can be fully migrated to a hosted VoIP phone system within 5–15 working days, depending on the complexity of the setup and whether number porting is required.

Typical migration timeline:

• Day 1–2: Discovery and planning – we assess your current setup, number of users, required features, and any special requirements
• Day 3–5: System configuration – your hosted VoIP system is configured in the cloud, including users, extensions, call routing rules, auto attendant, and voicemail
• Day 5–7: Hardware delivery – pre-configured IP phones are delivered to your premises, ready to plug in
• Day 5–10: Number porting – your existing business numbers are ported from your old provider (this runs in parallel with setup)
• Day 10–15: Go-live and training – the system goes live, staff receive training, and we provide hypercare support during the first few weeks

What can speed things up:

• Using new numbers instead of porting (instant activation)
• Using softphones instead of physical handsets (no hardware delivery wait)
• Having your current provider details ready for the porting process

What can slow things down:

• Complex number porting from certain providers
• Large multi-site deployments requiring phased rollouts
• Integration with existing CRM or business systems

Connection Technologies manages the entire migration process. Get started and we will provide a detailed timeline for your business.

The cost of a business VoIP phone system varies depending on the number of users, features required, and whether you need new handsets. However, VoIP is almost always significantly cheaper than traditional phone systems.

Typical UK business VoIP pricing:

• Hosted VoIP per user: £8–20 per user per month, depending on the feature package
• IP desk phones: £50–300 per handset (one-off cost). Popular models include Yealink T-series phones
• Softphone apps: usually included free – turn any laptop or mobile into a business phone
• Number porting: typically free or a small one-off charge to transfer your existing numbers
• Call costs: most packages include unlimited UK landline and mobile calls

Cost comparison – VoIP vs traditional phone lines:

• ISDN line rental: £25–35 per channel per month + call charges
• Hosted VoIP: £8–20 per user per month with calls included
• Typical saving: 30–60% reduction in monthly telephony costs

Hidden savings to consider: no maintenance contracts, no engineer call-out fees, no hardware depreciation, and reduced costs for multi-site businesses as all locations connect through one system.

Get a free, no-obligation VoIP quote from Connection Technologies and see exactly how much your business could save.

Modern hosted VoIP systems are highly secure when properly configured, using multiple layers of protection to safeguard your business communications.

Security measures in hosted VoIP:

• Encryption – calls are encrypted using TLS (signalling) and SRTP (media), preventing eavesdropping
• Firewall protection – enterprise-grade session border controllers (SBCs) protect against unauthorised access
• Authentication – strong passwords and two-factor authentication for user accounts and admin portals
• Fraud detection – automatic monitoring for unusual call patterns (e.g. sudden spikes in international calls)
• Geo-blocking – restrict calls to specific countries to prevent toll fraud
• Regular updates – your provider applies security patches automatically

Common VoIP security threats and how to prevent them:

• Toll fraud – hackers making expensive international calls on your account. Prevention: geo-blocking, call spend limits, strong passwords
• Eavesdropping – intercepting call audio. Prevention: TLS/SRTP encryption
• Denial of service – flooding your system to disrupt calls. Prevention: SBC protection, DDoS mitigation
• Phishing – social engineering to obtain login credentials. Prevention: staff training, two-factor authentication

Connection Technologies partners with providers that maintain ISO 27001 certification and comply with UK data protection regulations. Discuss security requirements with our team.

Modern business VoIP systems deliver call quality that is equal to or better than traditional phone lines, provided you have a decent internet connection.

What affects VoIP call quality:

• Bandwidth – each concurrent call requires approximately 100kbps. Most business broadband connections can comfortably handle dozens of simultaneous calls
• Latency – the delay between speaking and being heard. Under 150ms is imperceptible. UK-hosted VoIP providers typically achieve under 30ms
• Jitter – variation in packet arrival times. Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router prioritise voice traffic to eliminate this
• Packet loss – lost data packets cause audio dropouts. A stable connection with less than 1% packet loss delivers excellent quality

How to ensure reliable VoIP:

• Use a dedicated internet connection or configure QoS to prioritise voice traffic
• Choose a provider with UK data centres – lower latency and compliance with UK data regulations
• Use wired connections for desk phones where possible (Wi-Fi is fine for softphones)
• Have a backup connection – a 4G/5G failover ensures calls continue even if your primary broadband drops

Uptime guarantees: reputable hosted VoIP providers offer 99.9%+ uptime SLAs backed by redundant, geographically distributed data centres.

Connection Technologies only partners with Tier 1 UK-hosted VoIP providers. Get a quote and we will assess your connectivity.

The world of VoIP and hosted telephony comes with its own terminology. Here is a plain-English glossary of the most common terms:

• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – technology for making phone calls over the internet
• SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) – the signalling protocol used to set up, manage, and end VoIP calls
• PBX (Private Branch Exchange) – a business phone system that manages internal extensions and external calls
• Hosted PBX / Cloud PBX – a PBX system managed in the cloud by your provider, with no on-site hardware
• SIP Trunk – a virtual phone line connecting your phone system to the public telephone network via the internet
• IP Phone – a desk phone designed to work over an internet connection
• Softphone – a software application that turns a computer or mobile into a phone
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response) – an automated phone menu that routes callers to the right department
• ACD (Automatic Call Distribution) – intelligent call routing that distributes calls across a team
• PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – the traditional copper telephone network being switched off in 2027
• ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) – digital phone lines being retired as part of the PSTN switch-off
• Codec – software that compresses and decompresses voice data for transmission
• QoS (Quality of Service) – network settings that prioritise voice traffic for better call quality
• DID (Direct Inward Dialling) – individual phone numbers that route directly to specific extensions
• UC (Unified Communications) – a platform combining voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) – technology that delivers power to IP phones through the network cable
• Number Porting – transferring your existing phone numbers to a new provider

Have a question about a term not listed here? Contact Connection Technologies and our team will be happy to help.

IP phones (also called VoIP phones) are desk phones specifically designed to make calls over an internet connection rather than a traditional phone line. They look and feel like regular office phones but connect to your network via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.

Popular IP phone brands for business:

• Yealink – the most widely deployed IP phone brand globally. Yealink phones offer excellent build quality, crystal-clear audio, and a range of models from basic to executive. Popular models include the Yealink T33G (entry-level), T46U (mid-range), and T58W (premium with video)
• Poly (formerly Polycom) – known for outstanding audio quality, particularly for conference phones
• Cisco – enterprise-grade phones with advanced security features
• Grandstream – budget-friendly options with solid feature sets

What to look for in a business IP phone:

• HD voice – wideband audio codecs for crystal-clear call quality
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) – powers the phone through the network cable, reducing cable clutter
• Colour display – easier to navigate menus and see caller information
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – for wireless headsets and flexible placement
• Expansion modules – add extra line keys for receptionists or busy teams

Connection Technologies supplies and pre-configures IP phones from leading manufacturers, delivered ready to plug in and use. Request a quote including handsets.

VoIP requires surprisingly little bandwidth. Most UK business broadband connections can comfortably handle a hosted VoIP phone system.

Bandwidth requirements per call:

• One VoIP call uses approximately 80–100 kbps (kilobits per second) in each direction
• 10 simultaneous calls require roughly 1 Mbps upload and 1 Mbps download
• HD voice calls use slightly more – around 128 kbps per call
• Video calls require 1–2 Mbps per participant

What matters more than raw speed:

• Latency – the delay between speaking and being heard. Under 150ms is ideal for clear conversations
• Jitter – variation in latency. Low jitter ensures consistent call quality without choppy audio
• Packet loss – lost data packets cause gaps in audio. Under 1% packet loss is acceptable
• Upload speed – often overlooked, but VoIP needs good upload speeds as well as download

Recommended broadband for VoIP:

• 1–5 users: standard business broadband (FTTC/VDSL) is usually sufficient
• 5–20 users: fibre broadband (FTTP) or a dedicated business connection recommended
• 20+ users: leased line or dedicated Ethernet connection for guaranteed bandwidth and quality

Tips for optimal VoIP performance:

• Use QoS (Quality of Service) settings on your router to prioritise voice traffic
• Consider a separate VLAN for voice traffic on larger networks
• Have a 4G/5G backup connection for failover

Connection Technologies assesses your broadband as part of the VoIP setup process. Get a quote and we will recommend the right connectivity.

A cloud phone system (also known as cloud PBX or cloud telephony) is a business telephone system delivered entirely over the internet from secure, redundant data centres. There is no physical PBX hardware on your premises – everything is managed in the cloud.

Benefits of a cloud-based phone system:

• Work from anywhere – your team can make and receive calls on their business number from the office, home, or on the go using desk phones, laptops, or mobile apps
• Reduced costs – no expensive hardware to purchase or maintain, with predictable monthly per-user pricing
• Instant scalability – add or remove users in minutes as your business grows or seasonal demand changes
• Built-in resilience – cloud systems have automatic failover and geographic redundancy, so your phones keep working even if your office loses power
• Enterprise features as standard – auto attendant, call recording, call analytics, voicemail-to-email, call queues, and integration with CRM systems
• Always up to date – software updates and security patches are applied automatically by your provider

Cloud telephony is the natural replacement for ageing on-premise PBX systems and traditional PSTN lines. Connection Technologies helps UK businesses migrate seamlessly. Get your free cloud phone system quote.

A hosted phone system (also called hosted VoIP or hosted PBX) is a cloud-based business telephone system where all the call-handling technology is managed in secure data centres rather than on your premises.

With a traditional on-premise PBX, you need expensive hardware installed in your office, ongoing maintenance contracts, and specialist engineers for any changes. A hosted phone system eliminates all of that – your provider manages the infrastructure, software updates, and security, while you simply connect IP phones or softphones to your internet connection.

Hosted VoIP vs on-premise PBX:

• Upfront cost – Hosted: minimal (phones only). On-premise: thousands for PBX hardware
• Maintenance – Hosted: included by your provider. On-premise: your responsibility
• Scalability – Hosted: add/remove users instantly. On-premise: may need new hardware
• Remote working – Hosted: built-in. On-premise: requires additional configuration
• Disaster recovery – Hosted: automatic failover. On-premise: single point of failure
• Updates – Hosted: automatic. On-premise: manual and often costly

For most UK businesses, a hosted phone system offers better value, greater flexibility, and future-proof technology. Compare hosted VoIP packages with Connection Technologies.

A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a business telephone system that manages internal and external calls for an organisation. It handles call routing, extensions, voicemail, call transfer, and other telephony features.

Types of PBX systems:

• Traditional PBX – physical hardware installed on your premises, connected to PSTN/ISDN lines. Being phased out with the PSTN switch-off
• IP PBX – on-premise hardware that uses VoIP (internet) for calls instead of traditional lines
• Hosted PBX (Cloud PBX) – the PBX runs in the cloud, managed by your provider. No hardware on your premises beyond IP phones

Hosted PBX vs on-premise PBX comparison:

• Capital expenditure – Hosted: none. On-premise: £2,000–20,000+ depending on size
• Monthly cost – Hosted: £8–20 per user. On-premise: maintenance contracts + line rental + call charges
• IT resource required – Hosted: none. On-premise: specialist knowledge or outsourced support
• Remote working – Hosted: native support. On-premise: requires VPN and additional configuration
• Disaster recovery – Hosted: built-in. On-premise: your responsibility
• Lifespan – Hosted: always current. On-premise: hardware typically needs replacing every 7–10 years

For the vast majority of UK businesses, hosted PBX offers the best combination of features, flexibility, and value. Compare hosted PBX packages with Connection Technologies.

A softphone is a software application that turns your computer, tablet, or mobile phone into a fully functional business phone. Instead of using a physical desk phone, you make and receive calls through an app using your internet connection.

How softphones work:

• Download the softphone app to your device (PC, Mac, iPhone, Android)
• Log in with your VoIP account credentials
• Make and receive calls on your business number using your device's microphone and speakers (or a headset)
• Access all your phone system features – transfer calls, check voicemail, see colleague availability, join conference calls

Benefits of using a softphone:

• Work from anywhere – your business phone number follows you wherever you have internet access
• Cost savings – no need to purchase physical handsets for every user
• Single business number – customers always see your business number, never your personal mobile
• Seamless handover – start a call on your desk phone and transfer it to your mobile app as you leave the office
• Ideal for remote and hybrid workers – staff at home or on the road have the same phone system experience as those in the office

Most hosted VoIP systems from Connection Technologies include softphone apps for desktop and mobile at no extra cost. Get a quote to learn more.

A virtual phone number is a telephone number that is not tied to a specific physical phone line or location. Calls to a virtual number are routed over the internet to any device you choose – a desk phone, mobile, laptop, or even multiple devices simultaneously.

Types of virtual phone numbers:

• Local geographic numbers – numbers with area codes like 0113 (Leeds), 0161 (Manchester), or 020 (London), giving your business a local presence in any UK city
• Non-geographic numbers – 03 numbers that cost callers the same as a local call from anywhere in the UK
• Freephone numbers – 0800 numbers that are free for callers, ideal for sales and customer service lines
• International numbers – local numbers in other countries, allowing overseas customers to call you at local rates

Business benefits of virtual phone numbers:

• Professional presence – appear local in multiple cities without needing physical offices
• Flexible call routing – route calls to different team members, offices, or mobiles based on time of day or availability
• Track marketing campaigns – assign different numbers to different adverts and track which campaigns generate the most calls
• Business continuity – your number stays with you regardless of where you are physically located

Virtual numbers are included with hosted VoIP systems from Connection Technologies. Get a quote and we will set up the numbers you need.

An IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system, often called an auto attendant, is an automated phone menu that greets callers and routes them to the right person or department without needing a receptionist.

When someone calls your business, the IVR plays a recorded greeting and presents options – for example: “Press 1 for Sales, Press 2 for Support, Press 3 for Accounts.” The caller selects an option and is automatically connected to the correct team.

Benefits of IVR and auto attendant for businesses:

• Professional image – even small businesses can present a polished, corporate-level first impression
• Reduced missed calls – calls are routed efficiently so customers reach the right person first time
• Time savings – eliminates the need for a dedicated receptionist to manually transfer calls
• Out-of-hours handling – play different messages and routing rules outside business hours
• Multi-level menus – create sub-menus for different departments or services

ACD (Automatic Call Distribution) works alongside IVR to intelligently distribute incoming calls across a team – for example, routing to the agent who has been idle longest, or distributing calls evenly across a sales team.

IVR and auto attendant are included as standard with most hosted VoIP systems from Connection Technologies. Get a quote to see what is included.

Remote call control is a feature that allows you to manage and control your VoIP phone calls from a separate application or device – typically your computer, CRM system, or unified communications client.

How remote call control works:

Instead of picking up your desk phone to dial, answer, transfer, or hang up calls, remote call control lets you perform these actions from your PC screen. Click a contact in your CRM or address book and the call is automatically placed through your IP phone or softphone.

Key remote call control features:

• Click-to-dial – click a phone number in any application (CRM, email, web browser) to instantly place a call
• Screen pop – incoming caller information automatically appears on your screen before you answer
• Call transfer – transfer calls to colleagues with a click, including attended and blind transfers
• Hold and resume – place calls on hold and resume them from your computer
• Presence management – see which colleagues are available, on a call, or away

Business benefits:

• Faster call handling and improved productivity
• Better customer experience with instant caller identification
• Seamless CRM integration – call logs and notes are automatically recorded
• Reduced misdials and manual errors

Remote call control is available with hosted VoIP systems from Connection Technologies. Get a quote to learn more about our integration options.

Shared Line Appearance (SLA) is a VoIP feature that allows multiple phones to share the same phone line or extension. When a call comes in on that line, all phones configured with the shared line ring simultaneously, and any of them can answer.

How shared line appearance works:

• A single phone number or extension is assigned to multiple devices
• All devices show the real-time status of the line (idle, ringing, in use, on hold)
• Any device can pick up, hold, or resume calls on the shared line
• If one person puts a call on hold, another person can pick it up from their phone

Common uses for shared line appearance:

• Reception and front desk – multiple receptionists can answer the main company number
• Executive/assistant – an assistant can answer and manage calls on behalf of an executive
• Small teams – a sales team sharing a single sales line
• Multi-device users – the same line on your desk phone and your softphone app

Related feature – Remote Call Control: This allows you to control your desk phone from your computer, including answering, hanging up, transferring, and placing calls on hold, all from your screen.

Shared line appearance and remote call control are available on most hosted VoIP systems. Get a quote from Connection Technologies.

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is the technology standard used to set up, manage, and terminate voice calls over the internet. A SIP trunk is essentially a virtual phone line that connects your phone system to the public telephone network via your internet connection.

How SIP trunking works:

Traditional phone systems use physical ISDN lines or analogue lines to connect to the telephone network. SIP trunking replaces these with a virtual connection over your broadband, delivering the same functionality at a fraction of the cost.

Benefits of SIP trunking:

• Cost savings of 30–60% – SIP trunks are significantly cheaper than ISDN lines, especially for businesses making high volumes of calls
• Flexible capacity – add or remove channels instantly without waiting for physical line installations
• Number portability – keep your existing business phone numbers when switching to SIP
• Geographic flexibility – use local numbers from any UK area code regardless of your physical location
• Business continuity – calls can be automatically rerouted to mobiles or other sites if your primary connection fails

Do you need SIP trunks? If you have an existing on-premise PBX that you want to keep, SIP trunking is the most cost-effective way to connect it to the telephone network. If you are starting fresh, a fully hosted VoIP system may be a better option as it includes SIP connectivity as standard. Speak to our team to find the right solution.

The best VoIP phone system for a small business depends on your specific needs, but the key features to look for are reliability, ease of use, scalability, and value for money.

What makes a good small business phone system:

• Low upfront costs – hosted VoIP systems require minimal investment, often just the cost of IP handsets or even free softphone apps
• Pay-per-user pricing – most hosted VoIP providers charge a simple monthly fee per user, making costs predictable and scalable
• Professional features – auto attendant, call queues, voicemail-to-email, and hunt groups help small teams sound professional
• Mobile integration – staff can use their business number on mobile apps when working remotely or on the go
• Easy management – web-based portals let you manage users, call routing, and settings without needing an IT department

Typical costs for small business VoIP in the UK:

• Hosted VoIP: from £8–15 per user per month
• IP desk phones: from £50–150 per handset (one-off)
• Inclusive UK calls: usually included in the monthly fee

As an independent provider, Connection Technologies compares packages from multiple hosted telephony suppliers to find the best deal for your business. Get a free comparison quote – it takes less than a minute.

The fundamental difference is how calls are transmitted: VoIP uses your internet connection while traditional landlines use copper telephone wires (the PSTN network).

VoIP vs traditional landline comparison:

• Call cost: VoIP – typically included in monthly fee. Landline – per-minute charges on top of line rental
• Monthly cost: VoIP – £8–20 per user. Landline – £25–35 per line plus call charges
• Features: VoIP – auto attendant, call recording, voicemail-to-email, mobile apps, video. Landline – basic call waiting and voicemail
• Scalability: VoIP – add users in minutes. Landline – order new lines, wait weeks for installation
• Remote working: VoIP – works anywhere with internet. Landline – fixed to your premises
• Reliability: VoIP – cloud-based with automatic failover. Landline – single point of failure at your premises
• Future-proof: VoIP – the modern standard. Landline – PSTN being switched off by 2027
• Call quality: VoIP – HD wideband audio. Landline – narrowband audio (lower quality)
• International calls: VoIP – very cheap or included. Landline – expensive per-minute rates

The bottom line: VoIP is cheaper, more feature-rich, more flexible, and future-proof. With the PSTN switch-off approaching in 2027, every UK business will need to move to VoIP eventually – and those who switch sooner benefit from lower costs and better features immediately.

Compare VoIP packages with Connection Technologies and see how much you could save versus your current landline costs.

The PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is the traditional copper-wire telephone network that has served the UK for over a century. BT Openreach is switching off the PSTN by January 2027, meaning all traditional analogue and ISDN phone lines will stop working.

What this means for your business:

• Traditional landlines and ISDN lines will no longer function after the switch-off date
• Any equipment connected to analogue lines (fax machines, alarm systems, door entry systems, PDQ machines) will need to be migrated
• Openreach has already stopped selling new ISDN lines and is actively migrating exchanges

What you need to do:

• Audit your current setup – identify all services that rely on traditional phone lines
• Switch to VoIP – a hosted VoIP phone system runs over your broadband and is the direct replacement for PSTN and ISDN services
• Upgrade your broadband – ensure you have a reliable internet connection capable of handling voice traffic
• Port your numbers – your existing business phone numbers can be transferred to your new VoIP system
• Plan early – do not wait until the last minute as demand for migration services will increase as the deadline approaches

Connection Technologies is helping hundreds of UK businesses prepare for the PSTN switch-off. Get a free migration assessment to ensure your business is ready.

Unified Communications (UC) brings together all your business communication tools into a single, integrated platform. Instead of using separate systems for phone calls, video meetings, instant messaging, and file sharing, UC combines them into one seamless experience.

A typical unified communications platform includes:

• Voice calls – VoIP phone system with full PBX features
• Video conferencing – HD video meetings with screen sharing
• Instant messaging – real-time team chat and presence indicators
• Voicemail – visual voicemail with voicemail-to-email transcription
• Mobility – desktop and mobile apps so staff can communicate from anywhere
• Integration – connects with CRM systems, email platforms, and business applications

Why unified communications matters:

• Improved productivity – staff switch between communication channels seamlessly without juggling multiple apps
• Better collaboration – remote and office-based teams stay connected through a single platform
• Cost reduction – one platform replaces multiple subscriptions and systems
• Enhanced customer experience – faster response times and more consistent communication

Modern hosted VoIP systems from Connection Technologies include unified communications features as standard. Request a demo to see how UC can transform your business communications.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol – it is a technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls over the internet rather than through traditional copper telephone lines (PSTN).

Instead of converting your voice into analogue signals sent along wires, VoIP converts speech into digital data packets and transmits them over your broadband connection. This means you can make calls from a desk phone, a mobile app, or a computer – anywhere you have an internet connection.

Key benefits of VoIP for businesses:

• Lower costs – VoIP calls are significantly cheaper than traditional landline calls, especially for international and long-distance calls
• Flexibility – staff can make and receive calls from any location using softphones, mobile apps, or IP desk phones
• Scalability – adding new users takes minutes, not weeks of waiting for new phone lines to be installed
• Advanced features – call recording, auto attendant, call queues, voicemail-to-email, and video conferencing are included as standard
• Future-proof – with the PSTN switch-off approaching, VoIP is the modern standard for business communications

Connection Technologies delivers enterprise-grade hosted VoIP solutions tailored to UK businesses of all sizes. Get a free VoIP quote to see how much you could save.

With a hosted VoIP system, you need far less telephone answering equipment than with traditional phone setups. Most answering functionality is built into the cloud platform.

Essential equipment for a hosted VoIP system:

• IP desk phones – dedicated VoIP handsets from brands like Yealink, Poly, or Cisco. These connect to your network via Ethernet and are pre-configured by your provider
• Headsets – wireless or wired headsets for hands-free calling, essential for busy teams and call centre agents
• Softphone software – free apps for PC, Mac, and mobile that turn any device into a business phone (no physical equipment needed)
• Network switch – a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch to power and connect your IP phones
• Reliable broadband – business-grade internet connection with sufficient bandwidth for your call volume

What you do NOT need with hosted VoIP:

• No PBX hardware – the call-handling system runs in the cloud
• No answering machines – voicemail is built into the system with voicemail-to-email
• No separate auto attendant device – IVR menus are configured through a web portal
• No ISDN cards or line adapters – everything runs over standard internet
• No maintenance contracts – your provider manages all software and infrastructure

Connection Technologies supplies pre-configured IP phones and headsets delivered ready to plug in. Get a quote including all the equipment you need.

You do not necessarily need to buy phones separately. Most hosted VoIP providers, including Connection Technologies, supply pre-configured IP phones as part of your package, often at discounted prices or included in your monthly fee.

Do I need special handsets for VoIP?

Yes – traditional analogue phones will not work with a VoIP system. You need either:

• IP desk phones – purpose-built VoIP handsets that connect to your network. Brands like Yealink, Poly, and Cisco are the most popular in the UK
• Softphone apps – free software that turns your existing computer or mobile into a business phone (no hardware needed)
• ATA adapters – in some cases, an analogue telephone adapter can connect an existing phone to a VoIP system, though this is not recommended for business use

Typical UK pricing for VoIP phones:

• Entry-level IP phone (e.g. Yealink T33G): £50–80
• Mid-range IP phone (e.g. Yealink T46U): £120–180
• Premium IP phone (e.g. Yealink T58W with camera): £200–300
• Conference phone (e.g. Yealink CP920): £200–350
• Wireless DECT phone (e.g. Yealink W73P): £80–130

Why buy through your VoIP provider:

• Phones arrive pre-configured – plug in and they work immediately
• Warranty and support handled by one company
• Often available on a rental basis to reduce upfront costs
• Guaranteed compatibility with your hosted VoIP platform

Connection Technologies supplies and configures all major IP phone brands. Get a quote with handset options included.