3CX Phone System: Your Certified UK Partner for Installation, Dedicated Hosting, and Expert Support
The UK’s leading open-standards Unified Communications solution, backed by certified expertise for maximum performance, security, and scalability.
2027 PSTN switch-off ready
Setup in 1-2 weeks
25 Years’ UK Telecoms Experience
Certified 3CX Advanced Partner
99.999% Uptime Guarantee (Hosting)
UK-Based Personal Support
What is 3CX Phone System?
The 3CX Phone System is the world’s leading open-standards, software-based IP PBX that has fundamentally changed the landscape of modern business communication. Its core philosophy is freedom: freedom from vendor lock-in, freedom from fixed hardware, and freedom from high per-user fees.
It is a sophisticated Unified Communications (UC) platform renowned for its flexibility, powerful feature set, and unique Simultaneous Call (SC) licensing model. It unifies voice, video conferencing, chat, and mobile apps into a single, comprehensive solution, allowing staff to communicate seamlessly from any location or device.
3CX’s Core Advantages:
Software-Driven: Runs as an application on Windows, Linux, or in the Cloud (preferred solution), removing the need for costly, proprietary hardware.
Open Standards: Works with a vast array of affordable, off-the-shelf IP Phones, headsets, and SIP Trunks, protecting your investment.
Built-in Mobility: Every license includes mobile apps (iOS/Android) and a Web Client, ensuring employees can use their professional extension from anywhere
How Does a 3CX Phone System Work?
A 3CX Phone System works as a modern, software-based IP Private Branch Exchange (PBX) that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to manage all your business communications over your existing internet connection.
It replaces traditional phone lines and bulky, proprietary hardware with a flexible, digital platform that handles calls, video conferencing, messaging, and more.
💡 Key Components & How It Works
Unlike general VoIP providers with rigid platforms, Stride Communications is an expert in the 3CX ecosystem, certified to deploy the system in the configuration that suits your business best.
1. PBX Core (3CX Software) The brain of the setup—installed on-premise or in the cloud. It handles call routing, extensions, voicemail, queues, and IVR, acting as the central hub for all business communications.
2. Endpoints (User Devices) The tools your team uses to connect: IP desk phones, desktop softphones, or 3CX mobile apps. Each device registers with the PBX to make and receive calls seamlessly.
3. SIP Trunks (External Lines) Virtual phone lines from a VoIP provider that link your PBX to the global PSTN, enabling calls to and from landlines and mobiles worldwide.
Why Choose a Specialist 3CX Phone System Partner?
The power of 3CX lies in its versatility and open architecture, which allows businesses to customize nearly every aspect of their communications. However, this flexibility requires deep expertise in deployment, SIP trunk configuration, and network optimization. Choosing a certified 3CX Phone System partner like Stride Communications guarantees you receive the best outcome, security, and long-term support
Certified Expertise & Deployment Flexibility
Unlike general VoIP providers with rigid platforms, Stride Communications is an expert in the 3CX ecosystem, certified to deploy the system in the configuration that suits your business best.
Fully Managed Cloud Hosting
Dedicated 3CX instance on secure, high-availability UK cloud infrastructure with full management.
On-Premise (Self-Managed)
Full installation and configuration for businesses requiring internal data control.
Hybrid Deployment
Secure communication between remote offices using 3CX Session Border Controller (SBC).
Unlocking the Simultaneous Call License Model
One of the biggest financial advantages of 3CX is its license model based on simultaneous calls (SC), not per-user seats.
Cost Efficiency: Pay only for peak traffic capacity, not per employee
Unlimited Extensions: Add unlimited users under a single license tier
Expert Sizing: Our engineers recommend the exact SC license needed
Dedicated UK 3CX Hosting and Infrastructure
The stability and voice quality of your 3CX Phone System depend directly on the underlying hosting infrastructure.
High-Availability UK Cloud Infrastructure
Guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) with voice packet prioritization
Geo-redundancy across multiple UK data centres for 99.999% uptime
GDPR compliance and dedicated security measures for VoIP protection
SIP Trunking Optimisation
Automated setup with provisioning templates in 3CX Management Console
Scalable channels that match your Simultaneous Call license
Guaranteed number porting with zero downtime for UK numbers
Enterprise-Grade Performance
Direct connection to SIP Trunk Gateways for HD voice clarity
Mitigation of jitter, latency, and packet loss
Protection against toll fraud and common VoIP security threats
Scalable Channels
Instantly scale your SIP channels (lines) to match your 3CX Simultaneous Call license, ensuring you always have the right capacity for inbound and outbound calling.
Number Porting Guaranteed
We manage the entire process of porting your existing UK geographical and non-geographic numbers to the 3CX system with zero downtime, eliminating business risk.
Core Features: Transforming Communication with 3CX
The 3CX Phone System is not just a PBX; it is a Unified Communications platform designed to enhance team collaboration and customer service. We configure and optimize every core feature to meet your specific operational needs.
Unified Communications & Mobility
✅ Mobile/Desktop Softphones: Full office extension on any device — calls, video, chat, presence.
✅ Real-Time Presence: See colleague status instantly — improves efficiency and professionalism.
✅ WebRTC Video Conferencing: No downloads for guests. Screen share, record, HD quality.
Advanced Call Centre and Queue Management
✅ Intelligent Call Queues: Round Robin, Ring All, Longest Waiting — optimise CSAT.
✅ Digital Receptionist (IVR): Multi-level menus (e.g., “Press 1 for Sales”) — 24/7 self-service.
✅ Call Recording & Reporting: Compliance-ready recording + actionable analytics.
Integration with Business Applications
✅ CRM Integration: Screen Pop & Click-to-Dial for Salesforce, HubSpot, Dynamics — boost productivity.
✅ Microsoft 365 / Teams Sync: Unified presence, contacts, and calendar — no dual clients needed.
✅ Contact synchronization and advanced calling features
Introducing 3CX Whisper AI Integration
Stride Communication introduces 3CX Whisper AI Integration — unlocking the future of business communication with intelligent voice technology. This next‑generation solution combines the reliability of 3CX with the advanced capabilities of Whisper AI, delivering clarity, insight, and smarter customer engagement.
Experience the Next Generation of Business Communication: Our integration transforms every call into a source of actionable intelligence. By embedding AI into your communication framework, we help businesses move beyond simple conversations to data‑driven decision making.
Key Features
✅ Advanced Speech Recognition – Real‑time transcription ensures accuracy and efficiency in every interaction.
✅ Conversation Analysis – Gain deep insights into customer needs and improve service outcomes.
✅Emotion Detection – Identify sentiment and tone to enhance customer experience and strengthen relationships.
Stride Communication ensures this integration is modular, scalable, and brand‑compliant, giving your business the tools to lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Stride Communications 3CX Support and Management Mandate
Choosing 3CX is selecting market-leading software; choosing Stride is securing market-leading support.
Managed Installation & Migration
1. 🔍 Discovery & Sizing
Managed Updates and Security Patches
2. ☁️ System Provisioning
Dedicated instance deployment on UK cloud
3. 📶 Network Optimization
QoS configuration and SBC deployment
4. 📞 Hardware Setup
Pre-configured IP phones and app setup
5. 🎓 Go-Live & Training
Comprehensive user and admin training
Proactive Monitoring & 24/7 Support
Managed Updates and Security Patches
24/7/365 Infrastructure Monitoring
UK-Based Advanced Certified Engineers
Full Control & Self-Management
Intuitive Management Console Training
Administrator empowerment for day-to-day operations
Custom reporting for actionable business insights
Cost Effectiveness and Scalability: The 3CX Financial Advantage
A highly compelling financial case against traditional proprietary PBXs and seat-based cloud systems.
Licence Simplicity & Savings
Predictable annual flat fee - no per-user charges
Eliminate expensive PBX hardware with cloud hosting
Free inter-office calls across all locations
Scalability on Demand
Instant SC license upgrades without hardware changes
Zero geographic limitations for global expansion
Perfect for seasonal business fluctuations
Investment Protection
Open SIP standards - avoid vendor lock-in
Reuse existing standards-based IP phones
Future-proof your communications investment
3CX Phone System Licensing & Pricing Plans
Your Total Cost = SC License (Annual) + SIP Trunks (Monthly) + Managed Hosting (Monthly)
Transparent, predictable pricing — no hidden fees. Low-cost international calling rates included.
| Element | Traditional Per-Seat Cloud PBX (e.g., 50 Users) | 3CX Phone System by Stride (50 Users on 16SC PRO) | Annual Savings with 3CX |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBX License Cost | 50 Users @ £15/user/month = £9,000/year | 16SC PRO Annual License = approx. £1,450/year | £7,550 |
| Managed UK Hosting | Included/Fixed Fee | Dedicated Managed Hosting = approx. £300/year | (Variable) |
| SIP Trunks (Call Capacity) | Fixed lines often bundled | Pay-as-you-Go Channels (approx. £15/month) | (Variable) |
| Setup & Support | Basic support only | Managed Installation, Training & 24/7 Support | Higher Value |
| Total Annual Cost (Estimate) | £9,000+ | £1,750+ | Significant |
⭐ Example Cost Breakdown: The 50-User Mid-Size Business
| License Tier | Ideal For | SC Capacity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Start-ups & Micro-SMEs (1–20 Users) | 4SC / 8SC | Unlimited Extensions, Mobile Apps, IVR, SIP Trunks |
| PRO | Growing SMEs & Call-Heavy Teams (20–100 Users) | 8SC / 16SC / 32SC | + Advanced Queues, CRM Integration, Call Reporting |
| Enterprise | Large Corporates & Regulated Sectors (100+ Users) | 64SC / 128SC / 256SC+ | + MS Teams Direct Routing, Skill-Based Routing, Hot Standby |
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Cost Savings?
The 3CX Simultaneous Call (SC) license model guarantees dramatic savings, but it requires expert sizing to ensure peak performance. Don’t pay for user seats you don’t need—pay only for the capacity you use.
Our certified engineers will analyze your call traffic and recommend the exact SC license you need, guaranteed.
Free SC Sizing Audit: We review your call volumes and provide a guaranteed license recommendation.
Transparent Quote: Receive a simple, all-inclusive quote covering the SC license, managed UK hosting, and SIP Trunks.
PSTN Switch-off Ready: Future-proof your business communications today.
Ready to calculate your cost savings based on the Simultaneous Call model?
Real Voices, Real Benefits: Our Latest 3CX Google Reviews
Real results from UK businesses who made the switch
1000+ UK businesses trust Stride | 5/5 average rating | 98% first-contact resolution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Comprehensive Answers to Your 3CX Questions
What is 3CX?
A 3CX Phone System is a modern, software-based IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange) that acts as a comprehensive Unified Communications (UC) platform. It replaces traditional phone systems by managing all calls, video conferencing, and live chat over the internet (VoIP).
The system uses a central server (cloud or on-premise) and client applications to give every employee a full business extension accessible from their desktop, web browser, or mobile phone, enabling seamless communication from any location.
What is a Simultaneous Call (SC) license, and how does it save me money?
The SC license model means you pay for call capacity, not per-user. For example, a 16SC license supports 16 concurrent calls at any one time but can register an unlimited number of extensions/users (e.g., 500 users). This offers massive savings for organizations where not all staff are constantly on the phone.
Does Stride manage the process of porting my existing UK phone numbers (01/02/03)?
Yes. We manage the entire, risk-free process of porting your existing geographical numbers (01, 02) and non-geographic numbers (03, 0800) to the 3CX system with zero downtime, eliminating the risk of losing business continuity.
Is 3CX suitable for a business that uses Microsoft 365?
Absolutely. The Professional and Enterprise editions support synchronization of user status, contacts, and calendar presence. The Enterprise edition provides full MS Teams Direct Routing functionality, unifying your 365 and telephony environments.
Will the 3CX phone system work on my existing broadband connection?
In most cases, yes. VoIP requires a stable, high-quality connection, but the bandwidth requirement is low (approx. 0.1 Mbps per call). As part of our managed deployment, we audit your connection and configure your network’s QoS to prioritize voice traffic, guaranteeing call quality.
Do I need a physical desk phone to use 3CX?
No. You can choose a “Softphone Only” setup, utilizing the powerful 3CX Mobile App (iOS/Android) or the Web Client on your PC/Mac with a simple headset. Physical IP desk phones are optional and available if you prefer a traditional handset.
Secure Your Communications Future Today
The 3CX Phone System offers the most powerful, flexible, and cost-effective software platform on the market. But software is only as good as its implementation.
By partnering with Stride Communications for your 3CX Phone System installation, hosting, and support, you gain an affordable, powerful, and future-proof communications platform backed by dedicated UK expertise. Leverage the unique Simultaneous Call licensing model to dramatically reduce your operational expenditure and equip your team with a truly unified communications experience
Ready to Deploy the 3CX Phone System?
Leverage the power of the 3CX Phone System without the complexity of managing it yourself. Our certified engineers deliver a seamless deployment, guaranteed security, and proactive 24/7 support.
Ready to calculate your cost savings based on the Simultaneous Call model?
