In short: BT Digital Voice for Business is BT's cloud-based calling, meetings and applications suite, using Webex apps. It comes in three packages: Essential for a business number with unlimited UK calls, Enhanced adding hunt groups, auto attendant and Call Analytics, and Extra adding Webex meetings, call recording and hot desking. BT says it is separate from BT Cloud Voice.
What is Digital Voice for Business?
Digital Voice for Business is a hosted phone service from BT. Each user gets a business number with calling handled in the cloud, so calls can be made and taken on a computer, a smartphone or a desk phone, wherever there is an internet connection. It uses Webex apps, including the Webex Softphone, and on the top package Webex Basic for meetings and messaging.
BT is clear that it is completely separate from BT Cloud Voice and Cloud Voice Express. It has its own packages, its own app and its own self-service portal. That matters if you are comparing products, because features and numbers do not simply carry over from one to the other. For the differences, see BT Cloud Voice and our wider BT business phone systems guide.
BT offers it in two sizes, up to 10 employees and 11+ employees, so it can serve a small office or a growing company.
Packages: Essential, Enhanced and Extra
| Feature | Essential | Enhanced | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK business number | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited calls to UK landlines and mobiles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting and transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Webex Softphone on your own devices | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-service portal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shared call appearance (one number on several devices) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hunt groups and auto attendant | No | Yes | Yes |
| Busy lamp field and simultaneous ring | No | Yes | Yes |
| Call Analytics | No | Yes | Yes |
| Webex Basic meetings, chat, screen sharing and whiteboards | No | No | Yes |
| Alternate numbers with distinctive ring patterns | No | No | Yes |
| Call recording | No | No | Yes |
| Hot desking, automatic callback and selective call handling | No | No | Yes |
A few points from BT's small print are worth knowing before you choose:
- Hunt groups, auto attendants and alternate numbers need additional numbers, which BT charges for. Two hunt groups and two auto attendants would need four extra numbers, for example.
- Webex Basic on Extra includes unlimited meetings for up to 100 people, limited to 40 minutes each, according to BT.
- Call recording on Extra comes with a year of storage.
- International calls are not part of the unlimited UK allowance. BT offers an international calling plan with a monthly bundle of minutes shared across users, for supported destinations only; premium rate, satellite and special service numbers are excluded.
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a quote based on your team size and package mix.
Set-up and day-to-day management
Digital Voice for Business is designed to be quick to start:
- Fast provisioning: BT says the service can be live within minutes of ordering, subject to a credit check, with no engineer visit needed.
- Self-serve set-up: a guided journey in BT's online account adds users, assigns numbers, connects devices and switches on features.
- Expert set-up if you prefer: BT offers remote set-up by a specialist, or a BT engineer visit to configure the service at your premises, both for a one-off fee.
- Changes when you need them: BT says changes can be made instantly in My Account as and when you need them.
As your BT Business Partner, we can also handle the set-up and changes for you.
Connection and devices
Digital Voice for Business runs over any internet connection with enough capacity for your users, so standard business broadband may be enough. The amount you need depends on how many people are on calls at once.
BT recommends BTnet or BT business fibre broadband for the best results, and a resilient line matters because calls stop if the connection does. Full fibre where available, SoGEA where it is not, and Hybrid Backup on EE Business 4G are the usual building blocks for a small office.
For devices, the Webex Softphone runs on laptops, PCs and smartphones, and BT offers optional desk phones, cordless phones and headsets. Like any digital service, desk phones and routers need mains power, so plan for power cuts.
Numbers and moving from an existing service
BT handles two kinds of number move:
- Port-in: moving a number from another provider to BT.
- Number transfer: moving a number from one BT service to another, such as from a copper line to Digital Voice for Business.
Because Digital Voice for Business is separate from BT Cloud Voice and Cloud Voice Express, check how your existing numbers will move before you commit if you are on one of those today. We confirm this for every number before ordering.
Former BT One Phone users should also read BT One Phone replacement options, and anyone moving off analogue lines should read BT digital phone lines.
Who it suits, and how we help
Digital Voice for Business suits small and growing teams that want a proper cloud phone system set up quickly, with the option of Webex meetings and call recording on the same service. Larger teams with complex call handling, or businesses already on BT Cloud Voice, may be better staying with BT Cloud Voice.
Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner. We will match each user to the right package, work out how many extra numbers your call routing needs, check your connection and move your numbers. Contact us and ask us for a quote.
Why buy BT through Forever Communications
Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner, supplying BT Business connectivity, voice and mobile services to UK organisations. You get BT's network with a named team who knows your account.
- Impartial advice on the right BT product for each site, from Essential, Enhanced, Pro and Ultra business broadband to BTnet and BT Ethernet
- One point of contact for availability checks, orders, installations, moves, upgrades, faults and renewals
- Ready for the PSTN switch-off: digital phone lines, SoGEA, BT Cloud Voice, BT Cloud Phone and Digital Voice for Business, with your numbers kept where possible
- Multi-site and sector know-how for schools, GP surgeries, retailers, hospitality venues and growing offices
- Mobile and security too: EE Business mobiles from BT Group, Hybrid Backup on the EE Business 4G network, and BT security options alongside our wider Cyber Essentials help
We sell to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations. We do not sell consumer or home products.
Want a BT Business quote for your sites?
Tell Forever Communications what you need and we will come back to you by email with options, not a hard sell.
Contact usFrequently asked questions
What is BT Digital Voice for Business?
It is BT's cloud-based calling, meetings and applications suite for businesses, using Webex apps. It is sold in Essential, Enhanced and Extra packages, all with a UK business number and unlimited UK calls.
Is Digital Voice for Business the same as BT Cloud Voice?
No. BT says Digital Voice for Business is completely separate from BT Cloud Voice and Cloud Voice Express, with its own packages, apps and portal.
What is the difference between Essential, Enhanced and Extra?
Essential covers a business number, unlimited UK calls, voicemail and the Webex Softphone. Enhanced adds hunt groups, auto attendant, busy lamp field and Call Analytics. Extra adds Webex Basic meetings, alternate numbers, call recording and hot desking.
Do I need an engineer to set up Digital Voice for Business?
No. BT says the service can start within minutes of ordering with no engineer visit. Remote and on-site expert set-up are available as chargeable options, or we can set it up for you.
What broadband do I need for Digital Voice for Business?
Any internet connection with enough capacity for your users. BT recommends BTnet or BT business fibre broadband, and 4G backup helps keep calls going if the line fails.