PSTN to Digital solution confusion

[MitsterP]

Good morning

Our current set up with XLN Telecom on the PSTN network means that we have one main number, but 2 lines. Therefore when one line is in use, the 2nd line rings/can be used for outbound calls. There are no separate phone ports for each, as both handsets use the same DECT base which is plugged into a single socket.

Now BT Local Business have suggested cloud voice with their broadband with 2 x cloud voice lines. XLN have suggested I don't need x2 cloud voice lines - but are somewhat limited in what they offer in terms of handsets anyway.

We are a small business, and have the second line for overflow so two employees can use phones at the same time, and our customers can still get through if the main line is engaged.

BT now do their new digital voice solution which is different to cloud voice. Will this do what I need on the essentials or enhanced package? 

Any guidance or help would be appreciated, as I feel I'm being oversold on cloud voice with either BT or XLN when my needs are pretty basic/simple.

Thank you

[rodney23koy]

Hello,

If your needs are simply to keep one main business number while allowing two people to make or receive calls at the same time, then you don't necessarily need a full Cloud Voice setup with multiple advanced features. The key requirement is having two simultaneous call paths (channels), not necessarily two separate phone numbers. BT Digital Voice may be sufficient if the business package supports multiple handsets and concurrent calls, but many standard Digital Voice packages only allow one active call at a time. Before committing, ask BT specifically whether your chosen package supports two simultaneous inbound/outbound calls on the same number. If it doesn't, then a two-line Cloud Voice solution (or equivalent VoIP service) may be the better option. Make sure you're paying for the functionality you actually need rather than extra features you'll never use.