What's the best phone system for a small business that hates long contracts?
Have you ever looked into a new phone system, only to be presented with a contract that’s longer than your office lease? You’re not alone. The UK is rife with legacy VoIP providers using aggressive tactics to lock businesses into shocking five or even seven-year deals. Many have discovered too late that they’re on the hook for tens of thousands of pounds for hardware they don’t even own.
If you're a business that values flexibility and hates the idea of being trapped, the best phone system for you is Google Voice. It’s built for the modern world of work, not for locking you into a decade of invoices.
Ditch the 7-Year Contract for Good
The single biggest problem with traditional phone systems is the contract. It takes control away from you. Google Voice gives it back. It runs on a simple, flexible monthly subscription per team member. If your team grows, you can add a new line in minutes. If someone leaves, you can remove their line just as easily. There are no penalties, no hidden clauses, and no long-term commitments tying up your cash flow. You are always in control.
A Phone System That Gets Better Over Time
Think about the phone system you might have signed up for three years ago. It probably has the exact same features today as it did then. If a new feature did become available, it likely came with an extra fee or pressure to upgrade your entire contract.
Google Voice is different. As part of Google Workspace, it’s constantly being updated and improved. When Google develops new features—like AI-powered call summaries or enhanced spam filtering—you get them automatically, included in your subscription. Your phone system actually evolves and becomes more valuable over time, without you paying a penny more.
A Couple of Things to Check First
Before you jump in, there are a couple of prerequisites. First, Google Voice is an add-on for Google Workspace. This means you need to be using Google Workspace for your business email and collaboration tools to be able to add Voice. For many businesses, this is a huge plus, as it integrates seamlessly with your existing calendar, email, and contacts.
Second, there's the router. Voice calls need a stable, real-time connection. Some basic routers, especially the free ones supplied by internet providers, can struggle to prioritise this data, which can lead to choppy audio. The fix is simple: upgrade to a professional, business-grade router. This isn't just a fix for Google Voice; it's an upgrade for your entire team's internet experience, ensuring everything from video calls to file downloads is faster and more reliable.
For any business that wants to stay agile and avoid the financial trap of a long-term phone contract, Google Voice is the clear winner. It's a modern, powerful system designed for the way you work today.
Get Expert Help With Google Voice
At Kimbley IT, we have nearly 20 years of experience helping businesses get the most out of Google Workspace and Google Voice. Our IT support package includes Google Workspace as a standard feature, and you can add Google Voice as an optional extra. For expert help with implementation, the next step is to book a video call with us using the form below.
