Free VoIP Trial & Phone Systems for UK Business
Future-proof your office before the 2027 switch-off with a carrier-grade VoIP phone system. Get expert hardware setup, free desk phones, and a seamless transition from traditional lines.
30-60% cost reduction vs traditional lines
Free remote calling minutes included
2027 PSTN switch-off ready
Setup in 1-2 weeks
25 Years' UK Experience
1000+ Businesses Connected
99.9% Uptime Guarantee
UK-Based Personal Support
Jump to: VoIP vs Landline | Cost Savings | Technical Specs | Switching FAQ
Choosing a VoIP phone system isn’t just about software; it’s about ensuring your physical office infrastructure survives the PSTN shutdown. As a leading UK hardware authority, Stride Communications provides a robust VoIP phone system that replaces legacy ISDN lines with high-definition voice clarity and zero-downtime migration.
A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system is the essential modern infrastructure that converts analogue voice signals into digital data packets and transmits them over the internet, bypassing traditional copper phone lines (PSTN/ISDN). This technology offers enhanced features, flexibility for remote work, and significant cost reductions (30-60%) compared to legacy systems
Curious about the technical “how-it-works“? Visit our Comprehensive Guide: What is VoIP? for a deep dive into the technology.
What Exactly is a VoIP Phone System?
☁️ Want to Host This Entirely in the Cloud?
If your business is moving toward a 100% remote or hybrid model, you may not need physical servers at all.
Our Unified Communications (UCaaS) platform allows you to run your entire office through a single digital interface on laptops and mobiles. Learn about our Cloud Phone System hosting and UCaaS features here.
Why Traditional Phone Systems Are Holding UK Businesses Back
The Hidden Costs and Limitations of Outdated Telephony
PSTN/ISDN Switch-Off Deadline
- 2027 is closer than you think: BT Openreach is decommissioning all PSTN and ISDN lines by January 2027
- No new analogue installations: Traditional phone lines are already unavailable in many areas
- Migration complexity: Last-minute switches will face installer shortages and premium pricing
Financial Drain
- Line rental costs £15-30 per line/month: Multi-line businesses pay hundreds monthly before making a single call
- Per-minute call charges: Typical 5-15p/minute rates add up quickly
- Limited scalability: Adding new users requires physical line installations (£200-500 per extension)
The question is whether you upgrade proactively on your terms, or reactively under pressure.
As of January 2026, Openreach has accelerated the “Stop-Sell” phase. If your local exchange is on this list, you cannot buy new copper lines or make changes to existing ISDN setups. You must switch to VoIP immediately to avoid service freezes.
| Region | Status (as of 2026) | Impact on Business |
|---|---|---|
| National (UK Wide) | ACTIVE STOP-SELL | No new WLR (Analogue/ISDN) orders allowed. |
| High Wycombe & Bucks | Priority Exchange | Rapid migration required to avoid installer bottlenecks. |
| Major Cities (London, Brum, Mcr) | Full Fibre Priority | 75% coverage reached; copper services being withdrawn. |
| Salisbury & Mildenhall | 100% Retired | Traditional lines no longer exist in these areas. |
Not sure if your office is affected? Contact our UK team for a free Exchange Audit →
What You'll Get: VoIP Phone System Benefits
Real Outcomes That Transform Your Business Communications
Cost Reduction
30-60% lower monthly telephony costs. Free UK landline calls.
Remote Work
Free remote calling minutes. Work from anywhere with your office number.
Enterprise Features
Call recording, auto-attendant, CRM integration, analytics.
True Scalability
Add users in minutes. Scale from 1 to 1000+ users on the same platform.
Business Continuity
99.9% uptime SLA. Automatic failover. Geo-redundant hosting.
AI Receptionist and AI Call Scoring
Automated call handling and scoring for smarter customer interactions.
Key Performance Improvements
+15-30%
Call Answer Rate
-40-65%
Telecom Cost Per Employee
+25%
Remote Worker Productivity
Complete VoIP System — Deskphone, Apps & CRM Integration
A flexible VoIP system that brings together devices, apps, and integrations to streamline every business call.
Deskphone for VoIP Systems
Equip your office with high-performance VoIP deskphones, the cornerstone of professional business communication. Our selection, including leading brands like Yealink and Poly, offers superior HD audio, intuitive interfaces, and advanced features such as video capabilities for executive models. Ensure crystal-clear conversations and robust call management, providing dependable, dedicated communication tools essential for any modern workspace. Perfect for busy offices, reception areas, and specialized roles requiring consistent, high-quality voice connectivity.
Explore Our Professional VoIP Deskphone & Handset Selection
Desktop App (VoIP)
A software application installed on a computer (Windows, macOS) that transforms it into a fully functional phone within a VoIP system. It allows users to make and receive calls, manage voicemails, view call history, and access contacts directly from their desktop. Desktop apps offer flexibility, allowing employees to use their computer’s headset for calls and integrate seamlessly with other desktop applications, making them perfect for remote workers or those who primarily work at their computer.
Explore the Desktop App and Video Chat Capabilities
Remote Working - Mobile Calling app
A dedicated application for smartphones and tablets (iOS, Android) that extends the capabilities of a VoIP phone system to mobile devices. It enables users to make and receive calls using their business number, access company directories, manage voicemails, and set call forwarding, even when away from the office. This feature ensures business continuity and accessibility, empowering employees to stay connected and productive from any location with an internet connection.
Core VoIP Features
These are the fundamental capabilities that define a functional VoIP phone system. They include essential communication tools like inbound and outbound voice calling, internal extension dialing, and intelligent call routing to direct calls efficiently. Core features also encompass voicemail with options like voicemail-to-email, call hold and transfer functionalities, caller ID for identifying callers, call waiting notifications, and Do Not Disturb settings, ensuring basic yet comprehensive telephony operations for any business.
Advanced Team Management and Features
Our VoIP systems go far beyond these core capabilities. We provide advanced functionality that empowers your managers and contact centre supervisors, including enterprise-grade tools for staff enablement and agent performance. This includes features like compliant call recording, auto-attendant, and more.
If you require specific supervisor features like Call Whisper, Call Barge, or detailed agent monitoring reports, you can:
CRM Integration (VoIP Systems)
This powerful feature connects the VoIP phone system directly with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software like Salesforce or HubSpot. Key functionalities include screen pops, where caller information automatically appears upon an incoming call, and click-to-call, allowing dialing directly from the CRM. It also automates call logging and activity tracking, ensuring every customer interaction is recorded, and synchronizes contact data. This integration streamlines workflows, enhances efficiency, and provides agents with critical context, significantly improving customer service and sales processes.
Business Portal (VoIP Management)
A secure, web-based dashboard designed for administrators and users to manage the VoIP phone system’s settings and features. Administrators can easily perform user management (add/edit users), configure intricate call flows (auto-attendants, routing rules), and access comprehensive reports and analytics on call activity. Individual users can manage personal settings like voicemail greetings and call forwarding. The portal provides full control and visibility, enabling quick adjustments and efficient management without constant reliance on IT support or the service provider.
How VoIP Phone Systems Work
The Step-by-Step Journey of a VoIP Call
1
Voice Digitisation
Your voice is captured and converted into digital data packets using advanced audio codecs
2
Packet Transmission
Digital voice packets travel over your internet to our UK-hosted cloud servers
3
Call Routing & Processing
Our platform applies your business rules: auto-attendant, call forwarding, CRM lookups
4
Delivery & Conversion
Packets are reassembled and converted back to analogue audio for the recipient
5
Two-Way Communication
Same process occurs simultaneously in both directions with imperceptible latency
Pricing & Typical Costs
Transparent VoIP Phone System Investment (No Hidden Fees)
Starter Foundation License
£11.95
per user / month
Best for: Small teams, startups, micro office, home users
- Pay-as-you-go calls
- Optional Mobile & Desktop calling app £2.99 per month
- BT Analogue to VoIP Converter box one off £69 IF REQUIRED
- Free UK telephone number or keep your existing
- Call transfer
- Voicemail to email
- Call forwarding
- Free support & maintenance
- 99.99% uptime SLA
Standard License
£19.99
per user / month
Best for: Growing SMEs, hybrid teams
- Plus – Foundation Features
- Unlimited UK mobile & landline calls
- Free desk phone
- Free UK telephone number or keep your existing
- Mobile & Desktop calling app
- Basic features + optional advanced features
- Optional Auto attendant (IVR) £1.50 per user
- Optional Call queuing £3.20 per user
- Optional Call recording £4.99 per user
- Free support & maintenance
- 99.99% uptime SLA
AI Enterprise License
£34.95
per user / month
Best for: Larger organisations, call-heavy teams – Minimum licence requirement
- Unlimited UK mobile & landline calls
- Free desk phone
- Free UK telephone number or keep your existing
- Mobile & Desktop calling app
- Advanced features included
- Auto attendant (IVR)
- Call queuing
- Call recording
- AI-powered phone system
- CRM integration
- WhatsApp & Microsoft Teams integration
- Hot desking
- Free support & maintenance
- 99.99% uptime SLA
International License
£29.95
per user / month
Best for: UK businesses operating globally
- Any international phone number or keep your existing
- Pay-as-you-go calls
- Mobile & Desktop calling app
- Basic calling features
- Keep your existing international number
- Free support & maintenance
- 99.99% uptime SLA
Discover the full range of VoIP phone system plans and transparent pricing tailored to your business needs.
Find Out More →
ROI Calculation Framework
40-65%
Cost Savings
vs traditional telephony
8-18 months
Payback Period
including hardware
50-70% lower
5-Year TCO
than traditional PBX
Potential Cost Savings: Traditional vs. Stride VoIP
Many UK businesses are overpaying for legacy line rentals and maintenance. Use the table below to estimate your potential monthly savings when switching to a cloud-based VoIP system.
| Team Size | Avg. Traditional Cost | Stride VoIP Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (1-5 Users) | £150/mo | £60/mo | £1,080+ |
| Medium (10-25 Users) | £500/mo | £220/mo | £3,360+ |
Note: Estimates include line rental, standard UK calling packages, and maintenance fees.
Where Do the Savings Come From?
Elimination of Line Rental: Stop paying for physical copper lines (Openreach/BT) that you no longer need.
Zero Maintenance Fees: We handle all security and software updates in the cloud.
Free Internal Calls: Calls between your office sites or remote workers are 100% free.
Hardware Savings: Use your existing smartphones or laptops instead of buying expensive desk phones.
Engineering for 99.9% Uptime
Our network utilizes Tier-1 Carrier Interconnects to ensure crystal-clear HD audio. We support high-fidelity G.722 codecs and provide automatic 4G/5G failover for total reliability.
Compliance & Risk Management
UK Regulatory Requirements for VoIP: GDPR, PECR, Ofcom & Data Governance
GDPR Compliance
- Lawful basis for recording: Consent, contract necessity, or legitimate interests
- Caller notification via auto-attendant announcements
- Data retention policies with automated enforcement
- AES-256 encryption for stored recordings
- UK-hosted data centres (data never leaves UK)
FCA & Healthcare Compliance
- MiFID II recording requirements met (5-7 years)
- Immutable audit logs with tamper-proof records
- Instant retrieval within 24 hours for regulators
- NHS DSP Toolkit standards compliance
- Secure call handling for patient confidentiality
Stride Communications Compliance Safeguards
UK-Hosted Data
Never leaves UK jurisdiction
Encrypted Storage
AES-256 encryption at rest
Role-Based Access
Only authorised users
Annual Audits
Third-party security checks
VoIP vs Traditional Phone Systems: Side-by-Side Comparison
Stride Communications Ltd delivers modern, scalable VoIP solutions that outperform traditional phone systems on every key metric. Unlike legacy PSTN/ISDN lines, which rely on costly physical infrastructure and lack flexibility, VoIP phone systems use the internet to provide cost-effective, feature-rich, and future-proof telephony.
| Factor | VoIP Phone System | Traditional Phone System (PSTN/ISDN) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (20 users) | £240-500 all-inclusive | £600-1,000+ (line rental + call charges) | ✅ VoIP |
| Setup Time | 1-5 days (mostly remote) | 2-4 weeks (engineer-dependent) | ✅ VoIP |
| Scalability | Add users in minutes via web portal | Requires engineer visit, 1-2 weeks lead time | ✅ VoIP |
| Remote Work Support | Native (mobile/desktop apps, free remote calling) | Expensive workarounds (call forwarding fees) | ✅ VoIP |
| Call Quality | HD voice (G.722 codec), excellent with good internet | Standard voice quality | ✅ VoIP |
| Advanced Features | Included (recording, analytics, CRM, auto-attendant) | Expensive add-ons or impossible | ✅ VoIP |
| Multi-Site Support | Seamless (single system, free inter-site calls) | Complex (separate systems, call charges between sites) | ✅ VoIP |
| Emergency Calling (999) | Supported (location data required) | Automatic location detection | ⚖️ Equal |
| Internet Dependency | Requires reliable broadband (risk mitigated with 4G backup) | Independent of internet | ⚠️ Traditional |
| Power Outage Impact | Requires power (UPS recommended) or mobile failover | Some phones work during power cuts | ⚠️ Traditional |
| Future-Proofing | Aligned with industry direction | Being phased out (2027 switch-off) | ✅ VoIP |
| Migration Path | Stable, evolving technology | No future—forced migration by 2027 | ✅ VoIP |
Hybrid Option: Many businesses transition gradually: Start with VoIP for new users/sites while maintaining traditional lines for a defined period, then migrate fully once confidence builds.
The Reality: Traditional phone systems are a sunset technology. The 2027 PSTN switch-off means every UK business will eventually use VoIP. The only question is whether you migrate proactively (on your schedule, with preparation) or reactively (rushed, expensive, limited choices).
Professional VoIP Handsets & Hardware
A high-performance phone system is only as good as the hardware you use to access it. We provide corporate‑grade IP endpoints designed for HD audio clarity and business resilience.
Executive Desk Phones
A high-performance phone system is only as good as the hardware you use to access it. We provide corporate‑grade IP endpoints designed for HD audio clarity and business resilience.
Key features:
- Optima HD Voice Technology
- Dual-port Gigabit Ethernet
- Zero-Touch Provisioning
Wireless & Mobility
For dynamic teams, we offer DECT wireless solutions and professional noise‑cancelling headsets for full office mobility.
Key features:
- 50m Indoor Wireless Range
- Acoustic Shield Technology
- All-Day Comfort Design
Included in our technical system audit.
The Stride Technical Architecture
Enterprise-grade reliability built on a foundation of high-spec hardware and optimized connectivity
1. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support
Our hardware supports IEEE 802.3af/at (PoE), eliminating the need for individual power adapters. This simplifies cable management and allows for centralized power backup via UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) at the switch level.
2. Advanced QoS Management
Voice traffic is prioritised using Quality of Service (QoS) tagging. By segregating voice and data packets, we ensure crystal‑clear audio even during periods of high bandwidth demand on your local network.
3. Handset Specifications
Our standard endpoints feature Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for PC pass‑through, TLS/SRTP encryption for secure communication, and support for the Opus codec for superior audio performance in low‑bandwidth environments.
Need a full site audit for PoE or QoS compatibility? Contact our Technical Team →
Proof & Case Snapshots
Real UK Businesses Using Stride VoIP: Measurable Outcomes
Professional Services Firm
18 Users, Buckinghamshire
Challenge: £850/month phone bills, poor remote work support
Results: 52% cost reduction, 97% call answer rate
- Payback period: 11 months
Multi-Site Retail Business
65 Users, 5 Locations
Challenge: Separate systems per site, expensive inter-site calls
Results: £2,400/month savings, 34% improvement in routing
- All sites connected in 2 weeks
Common Success Patterns
35-60%
Cost reduction
3-10 days
Implementation time
90%+
User adoption
Improved
Call quality
60-70%
Feature utilisation
What Our Customers Say on Google
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 About Business VoIP
How does a VoIP phone system work?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) works by converting your voice into digital data packets and transmitting them over the internet rather than traditional copper wires. When these packets reach their destination, they are instantly converted back into audio. This allows you to make phone calls from a computer, a specialized VoIP phone, or even a smartphone app.
Will I save money by switching to VoIP?
Yes, most businesses see a 40% to 60% reduction in costs after switching to VoIP. Because the system uses your existing internet connection, you eliminate the need for expensive hardware maintenance and “per-line” rental fees from traditional telcos. Additionally, international and long-distance rates are significantly lower than standard PSTN lines.
Do I need a special internet connection for VoIP?
No special connection is required, but bandwidth quality is critical. For high-definition voice calls, we recommend a stable fiber-optic connection with a minimum of 100 Kbps of upload/download speed per concurrent call. To ensure crystal-clear audio, many businesses implement “Quality of Service” (QoS) settings on their routers to prioritize voice traffic over standard data.
Can I keep my existing business phone number?
Absolutely. This process is called Number Porting. Under current regulations, you have the legal right to move your existing landline or toll-free numbers to a VoIP provider. The process typically takes 7–14 days, and there is no downtime for your business during the transition.
What happens to VoIP if the internet goes down?
Modern business VoIP systems include Automatic Failover features. If your office internet fails, your calls can be instantly rerouted to mobile apps, a secondary office location, or an external voicemail-to-email service. This ensures your business stays reachable even during a local outage.
How much does a business VoIP system cost?
Typical per-user costs: £12-30/month depending on features. Example for 20 users: £240-600/month total (vs £600-1,000+ for traditional system).
Is VoIP call quality as good as traditional lines?
With good internet: Yes, often better. VoIP supports HD voice (G.722 codec) which provides noticeably clearer audio than standard phone lines.
What happens in 2027 with the PSTN switch-off?
BT Openreach is decommissioning all traditional analogue phone lines by January 2027. By switching to VoIP now, you avoid the 2026-2027 rush and start saving money immediately.
How does the 2027 PSTN switch-off affect my existing handsets?
The 2027 PSTN switch-off will render traditional analogue and ISDN handsets obsolete unless they are adapted. Traditional handsets rely on copper-based signals, while the new network is purely digital. To continue using existing hardware, you must use an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) to convert the signal to digital packets. However, for full functionality and security, most UK businesses are upgrading to native IP handsets or software-based VoIP systems to ensure 100% compatibility with the new fibre infrastructure.
Ready to Transform Your Business Communications?
Get enterprise-grade VoIP with transparent pricing and expert UK-based support. Reduce costs by 30-60% while improving team productivity.
Claim Your Free VoIP Trial, Quote & Expert Consultation
Discuss your requirements with our expert team during your free consultation. We’ll assess your connectivity, set up your free VoIP trial, and provide a detailed quote showing exactly how much you’ll save. Simply fill in your details below for your no-obligation trial and quotation, then click ‘Get My Quote’.
