Unique Communications has worked in business communications in Windsor since 1961 and still installs and supports business phone systems today. We offer cloud-hosted VoIP and on-site systems, move your existing numbers across, set up the handsets and train your staff. When something needs changing, you call a local office, not an overseas help desk.
Cloud (hosted) or on-site?
| Cloud (hosted VoIP) | On-site system | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | The system runs in a secure data centre. Your phones connect over the internet. | A phone system (PBX) sits in your building and connects to phone lines or SIP trunks. |
| Upfront cost | Low. Mainly handsets and setup. | Higher. You buy the system. |
| Monthly cost | Per user, per month. | Lines or trunks, plus optional service plan. |
| Works from home or mobile | Yes, with the desktop and mobile apps. | Possible, with extra setup. |
| Suits | Most offices, multi-site businesses, hybrid teams. | Larger sites, factories, or businesses with existing equipment or patchy internet. |
Not sure? Read our guide: Hosted or on-site business phone systems?
What does a business phone system cost per user?
You can use desk handsets, or the free mobile and desktop apps. On-site systems are quoted after a site visit. The things that change the price are the number of users, the handsets you choose, call recording, and whether you need new cabling.
Features that matter
| Feature | What it does for you |
|---|---|
| Auto attendant | “Press 1 for sales…” so callers reach the right person first time. |
| Voicemail to email | Messages arrive in your inbox as audio files. |
| Mobile and desktop apps | Make and take calls on your office number from anywhere. |
| Call recording | For training, quality and dispute resolution. |
| Hunt groups and queues | Ring a team at once or in turn, and hold callers in a queue. |
| Video meetings and team chat | Included in our Elevate cloud platform, with HD voice and 90+ calling features. |
Switching over
- Keep your numbers. We port your existing numbers so customers do not notice the change.
- 911. We register the correct civic address for every location so emergency calls show where you are.
- Cut-over. We schedule the switch for a quiet time, test inbound and outbound calls, and stay on site until it works.
- Training. A short session for staff and a one-page guide for the front desk.
Phones, hardware and cabling
We supply desk phones, conference phones, cordless handsets and headsets, and we can install the network cabling and paging that go with them.
Support
Changes to users, menus and call routing are handled by our local team.
Common questions
Can we keep our current phone numbers?
Yes. We port your existing numbers to the new system.
Does a cloud phone system work if the internet goes down?
Calls can be set to forward automatically to mobiles or another location, so customers still reach you.
Can staff use their mobile with the office number?
Yes. The mobile app lets staff make and take calls showing the business number.
Can you reuse our existing handsets?
Sometimes. Send us the model numbers and we will check compatibility.
How does 911 work on VoIP?
We register the civic address of each site, and for remote users the address can be updated, so emergency services know where the call comes from.
Do you install phone systems outside Windsor?
Yes, across Essex County, Chatham-Kent and London.
Is there a minimum number of users?
No. We set up systems for businesses with a handful of staff and for large multi-site companies.
Do you also do internet or network cabling?
We install structured network cabling, and can advise on the internet connection your phone system needs.
