A big name on the bill. Someone else's platform underneath.
Telstra is the carrier and the biller, but its small business calling runs on Cisco and Microsoft platforms. VOCPhone owns and operates the network your calls travel on, with the apps and AI Phone Agents on the same system.
Our own networkAustralian ownedAI Phone Agents built in
WHO IS BEHIND YOUR TELSTRA BILLLAYERS
HandsetsCisco, Yealink, Poly
Calling platformCisco or Microsoft
Your billTelstra BusinessOne logo on the invoice
Telstra: 3 or more vendors under one logoVOCPhone: one network, one company
What Telstra does well
The biggest mobile and fixed network in the country, national reach and a brand every customer recognises. For mobile coverage in remote areas, it is hard to beat.
Largest national network
Strong regional mobile coverage
Familiar brand
Wide product range
Where Telstra falls short
01
Three companies in one fault
Calling platforms come from Cisco and Microsoft, handsets from other vendors. When something breaks, the problem can bounce between them.
02
Long terms on Cloud PBX
Telstra Cloud PBX plans have carried terms of up to 60 months. Check the term on any plan before you sign.
03
A big queue for support
Business customers share the same large support organisation. VOCPhone support is Australian and knows your account.
VOCPhone vs Telstra
| Feature | Telstra | VOCPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs the calling platform | ✕Cisco or Microsoft, resold | ✓VOCPhone, on its own network |
| AI receptionist | ~Add-on on some platforms | ✓AI Phone Agents built in, from $49/wk |
| Apps for staff | ~Depends on the platform | ✓VOCPhone apps on PC, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Contract | ✕Cloud PBX up to 60 months | ✓Talk to us; AI has no contract |
| Support | ~Large telco queue | ✓Australian support team |
| Vendors behind the service | ✕3 or more | ✓1 |
Based on each provider's public information and published user reviews, 2026. Figures are indicative; confirm current pricing with the provider.
What you end up paying for
With Telstra
Telstra plan and platformvaries
Handsets from third partiesextra
AI assistant tierextra
Long term commitmentpossible
Companies to deal with2 or more
With VOCPhone
Phone system, numbers and appsper user
AI Phone Agents, unlimited, training includedfrom $49/wk
AI talk time, lower with bundlesper minute
Lock-in contractnone
Companies to deal with1
Why businesses switch to VOCPhone
1
We own the network
VOCPhone owns and operates the network your calls run on. There is no carrier behind a reseller behind a platform vendor, so there is one company responsible.
2
AI Phone Agents built in
Unlimited AI Phone Agents that answer, book and hand over to your team, from $49 a week, on the same system as your people.
3
Apps on every device
Calls, SMS, chat and HD video meetings in the VOCPhone apps for PC, Mac, iOS and Android, on your business numbers.
4
Routing without an integrator
IVR, call queues, ring groups and time conditions are part of the service, not a project with a partner.
5
Australian, start to finish
Australian owned, Australian hosted and Australian supported, with 15 years in the market and 99.99% network uptime.
6
Keep your numbers
We port your existing numbers across, so customers keep dialling the number they already know.
Questions people ask
Does Telstra build its own business phone system?
Telstra's small business calling products are built on Cisco and Microsoft platforms. Telstra is the carrier and the biller. VOCPhone owns and operates the network its calls run on.
Can I move from Telstra to VOCPhone and keep my number?
Yes. We port your existing numbers across, so customers keep calling the number they know.
Does VOCPhone include an AI receptionist?
Yes. AI Phone Agents are built into the phone system, from $49 a week for unlimited agents, training included.
One network. One company. AI built in.
Book a 15 minute demo, or upload your current phone bill and we will show you what you would pay with VOCPhone.
Or talk to a person on 1300 663 222
All comparisonsvs Optus Loopvs RingCentralvs Aircallvs Dialpadvs Microsoft Teamsvs Cisco Webexvs Conventional VoIPvs 3CXvs VoIPline Telecomvs MAXOvs Aussie Broadbandvs TelairVOCPhone AI Phone Agents
Competitor details come from each provider's public website, checked 28 September 2026. They can change, so confirm current pricing with the provider. Names are trademarks of their owners, used for comparison only.