| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The BT PSTN switch-off in January 2027 means every UK business on traditional telephone lines faces an urgent deadline. But switching to a cloud phone system is not just a compliance necessity — it is an opportunity. Cloud systems cost less to run, include enterprise features at no extra charge, support remote working natively, and integrate with CRM and business tools. By 2026, 85% of UK businesses will have transitioned to Unified Communications. This guide helps you choose the right cloud phone system. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our Verdict RingCentral MVP is the most feature-complete cloud phone system for UK SMEs. 3CX is the best for businesses wanting flexibility and self-hosting options (free for up to 10 users). bOnline is the best budget option. Microsoft Teams Phone is the best for businesses already using Microsoft 365. All cloud systems must be migrated to before January 2027 — do not wait until the last minute. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSTN Switch-Off 2027: What UK Businesses Must Do | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BT confirmed the full retirement of the UK copper PSTN and ISDN networks by January 2027. Any business using: traditional analogue phone lines, ISDN2 or ISDN30 digital lines, or traditional PBX boxes connected to copper lines — must migrate to VoIP or cloud telephony before January 2027. 33% of UK small businesses still use outdated hardware that costs an average of £1,200 more per year in maintenance than modern cloud alternatives. Source: HJS Technology (March 2026). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best Cloud Phone Systems UK 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cloud vs Traditional Phone System: Cost Comparison | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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10 Must-Have Features for UK Cloud Phone Systems 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a cloud phone system? A cloud phone system (also called hosted VoIP or cloud PBX) makes and receives phone calls via the internet rather than traditional copper telephone lines. The system is hosted in secure data centres — your business connects via internet, with handsets, mobile apps, or softphones on computers. Unlike traditional PBX, there is no on-site hardware to maintain, and features like call recording, auto-attendant, and CRM integration are included as standard. Why do UK businesses need to switch to cloud phone systems by 2027? BT is switching off the UK's PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN copper telephone lines by January 2027. Every UK business still using traditional telephone lines — including ISDN2, ISDN30, and analogue lines — must migrate to a VoIP or cloud phone system before this date. Businesses that do not switch will lose their phone service entirely. Source: BT, Connection Technologies (March 2026). How much does a cloud phone system cost in the UK? UK cloud phone systems typically cost £6–20 per user per month for a full-featured cloud system. bOnline from £5.99/user/month. RingCentral MVP from £7.99/user/month. 3CX free for up to 10 users (cloud hosting extra). Connection Technologies Hypercloud from £8.50/user/month (all features included). Monthly costs are typically 40–60% lower than maintaining traditional ISDN lines. Can I keep my existing phone number when switching to a cloud phone system? Yes — number porting transfers your existing landline or mobile number to the new cloud system. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks and your number remains active throughout. Most reputable providers handle the porting process for you as part of onboarding. What internet speed do I need for a cloud phone system UK? A cloud phone call uses approximately 100 kbps per concurrent call. For a business making 10 simultaneous calls, you need 1 Mbps dedicated bandwidth minimum — well within the capability of most business broadband connections. Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router prioritise voice traffic to prevent call quality issues when the internet is busy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Disclaimer: Prices change frequently — always verify with providers. Sources: Drewberry, keyperson.quest, MoneySuperMarket, Legal & General, HJS Technology, Connection Technologies, Simply Business, Bionic, expertsure.com, HMRC. April 2026. |
Best Cloud Phone System UK 2026: Top VoIP Providers Compared
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