While email, text and direct messages dominate daily communication, phone calls still matter – especially for small and midsize businesses. Whether you’re a solo accountant working out of a home office or storefront [AD1] or a growing software company with hundreds of employees, you need voice communication that’s dependable, clear and always available. Clients still call with urgent questions. Vendors still need to coordinate the details. And internal teams often need to talk through challenges and solutions in real time.
The key is choosing business phone systems that seamlessly integrate with your digital channels. That’s where Spectrum Business Voice and Spectrum Business Connect can help. These solutions offer flexible, reliable business phone services with features like unlimited nationwide calling, voicemail-to-text transcriptions, video conferencing and more. And they’re all backed by a secure network with enterprise-grade SLAs featuring 99.99% availability from Spectrum Business.
Before choosing the right business phone system, it’s important to understand the core technologies available today and the pros and cons for small and midsize businesses.
Traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange)
PBX systems are on-premises business phone networks that route internal and external calls through physical hardware installed at your business location. These systems often support desk phones with extensions, call transfers and internal communication between teams.
Pros
Cons
Traditional PBX business phone systems can still make sense for some larger enterprises with on-site IT teams, but for many SMBs, they’re simply too rigid and costly.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
VoIP uses your Internet connection to transmit voice calls rather than relying on traditional copper phone lines. These business phone systems often include advanced features like voicemail-to-email, smart call screening and mobile apps that let you take business calls from anywhere.
Pros
Cons
VoIP phone services are a go-to choice for many SMBs today, especially when powered by a high-quality network and supported by the right provider.
Cloud-Based Phone Systems (Including UCaaS)
Cloud systems build on VoIP technology by hosting all call management functions – like routing, voicemail and collaboration tools – in secure data centers. They’re typically offered as Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), combining voice, video, messaging and file sharing in one integrated solution.
Pros
Cons
Cloud-based business phone systems offer the most flexibility and future readiness, particularly for growing teams and businesses with distributed workforces.
No matter how your business is structured, or where your team works, Spectrum Business offers flexible, reliable phone solutions built to match the way you operate today.
Spectrum Business Voice is our robust business phone service, packed with more than 35 advanced calling features. It’s a great fit for storefronts, offices and service-based businesses that want dependable Voice service without the complexity of a full cloud-based setup. It’s easy to install, simple to manage and designed to keep you connected with unlimited calling, voicemail, call forwarding and more.
If you need more mobility, collaboration tools or remote flexibility, Spectrum Business Connect with RingCentral is our cloud-based platform that brings Voice, video, messaging and file sharing into one streamlined system. It’s a unified communications solution that helps your team stay in sync, whether you’re across the hall or across the country.
Both of these solutions are backed by our secure, high-performance network and supported by people who understand small and mid-sized businesses. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward Voice service or a full-featured communications system, business phone systems from Spectrum Business have you covered.
Both Spectrum Business Voice and Spectrum Business Connect offer a wide range of tools to help you communicate clearly, collaborate easily and work smarter – no matter where business happens.
Spectrum Business Voice delivers a reliable, full-featured voice solution for SMBs that want crystal-clear calling and simplified management.
Voicemail-to-email: Voicemails are delivered straight to your inbox, so you can stay on top of client messages from anywhere.
Simultaneous ring: Ring your desk phone and mobile phone at the same time – so you’re always in reach.
Call forwarding: Automatically send calls to another number when you’re on the go or out of the office.
Call blocking and screening: Reduce spam and unwanted calls so you can focus on the conversations that matter.
Anonymous call rejection: Automatically filter out calls from blocked or unknown numbers.
Call logs: Access recent call records for tracking, follow-ups or reporting.
Speed dial: Quickly connect with your most frequent contacts.
Hunt groups: Route incoming calls to a group of phones in a specific order until someone answers.
Spectrum Business Connect with RingCentral brings voice, video and messaging into one seamless experience.
All-in-one app: Make calls, join video meetings and collaborate with your team in a single app.
Team messaging: Collaborate with colleagues, clients and contractors quickly and easily.
HD video meetings: Host secure video conferences with clients or colleagues across devices.
Voicemail transcription: Instantly convert voicemails into text so you can read messages on the go.
Softphones for mobile and desktop: Use your business number on any device; no desk phone required.
Call park and pickup: Let team members “park” a call for someone else to pick up on another line.
Call queues: Keep incoming callers in a virtual line and route them automatically when you’re busy.
Real-time analytics: Monitor call volume, duration and service levels to identify trends and improve service.
CRM and productivity tool integrations: Sync your communication platform with tools like Salesforce, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
Multi-location support: Manage calls, settings and users across multiple offices or remote teams.
When you choose solutions from Spectrum Business, you get more than a phone system. You get a partner who understands how small and midsize businesses work – and what you need to stay connected, responsive and in control.
One provider, one bill: We offer Internet, Voice, Mobile and more – so you can manage everything in one place. No juggling vendors, no conflicting support numbers and no wasted time.
No annual contracts: We don’t lock you into long-term commitments. You get the flexibility to scale your service up or down as your business evolves.
Simple, transparent pricing: We believe pricing should be clear and predictable. That’s why our phone services come with straightforward monthly rates and no hidden fees.
Committed to keeping you connected 100% of the time: We run on a secure, private network designed to minimize downtime. Your calls stay clear, consistent and uninterrupted – whether you’re in the office or on the move.
U.S.-based business support: When you need help, you can reach our dedicated business specialists 24/7. We understand the urgency of business problems and act fast to help resolve them.
Solutions that scale with you: From solo storefronts to companies with hundreds of employees, our business phone systems grow as you do. Add lines, connect remote teams or upgrade features – without switching platforms.
Spectrum Business Voice is our phone service for businesses with advanced calling features, ideal for businesses with a physical presence. Spectrum Business Connect is our cloud-based unified communications platform that combines voice, video, messaging and file sharing – perfect for teams who need flexibility and remote access.
Yes – we make it easy to port your current business number, so your clients and partners won’t experience any disruption.
Most Spectrum Business Voice installations are completed in just a few days. If you’re using Spectrum Business Connect, we can often get you up and running even faster – especially if you’re using softphones or mobile devices.
Absolutely. Our Business Connect app works on iOS and Android devices, so your team can call, message or join video meetings from anywhere.
In many cases, yes. Spectrum Business Voice often works with your current phones, and Business Connect supports a wide range of devices, including softphones and IP phones.
No. We don’t require annual contracts. You get the flexibility to scale or change your service as your business evolves.
Not at all. We’ve designed our systems to be easy to set up and simple to manage, even if you don’t have in-house IT. And if you ever need help, our U.S.-based support team is here for you.
