UC Licensing Cost Model

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solutions offer flexible licensing models, typically priced on a per-user, per-month basis. However, different vendors approach licensing and pricing in unique ways, including add-ons for PSTN calling, and AI-powered features capabilities.

It must be stated that the UC licensing cost model is for budgetary purposes only and are based on our own opinions. There may be additional costs vendor not detailed in this article. No validity can be assured and actual costs are based on individual requirements and at the vendors discretion. Additional discounts may be applied for volume, sector or other reason in procurement.

Licensing & Pricing Breakdown by Provider

Microsoft Teams

• Core Pricing: Microsoft Teams is included in Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise plans, but Teams Phone (for cloud telephony) is an add-on.

• PSTN Calling: Requires a separate Microsoft Calling Plan or Direct Routing via a third-party provider.

• Best Value For: Businesses already using Microsoft 365, as Teams is bundled at no extra cost for meetings and chat.

Example Pricing:

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: £4 per user/month (does not include Teams Phone)

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: £12.50 per user/month (+ £7 per user for Teams Phone)

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: £19.90 per user/month (+ £7 per user for Teams Phone)

• Microsoft Calling Plan: Starts at £5 per user/month for PSTN calls

Zoom Phone

• Core Pricing: Zoom Phone offers standalone cloud telephony services or can be bundled with Zoom Meetings.

• PSTN Calling: Included in some plans (US & Canada) but requires additional charges for international or global coverage.

• Best Value For: Businesses that prioritize video-first collaboration and need integrated telephony.

Example Pricing:

• Zoom Phone Basic: £8 per user/month

• Zoom Phone Pro: £15 per user/month

• Zoom Phone Enterprise: £20+ per user/month (custom pricing)

• Unlimited Calling Add-On: Available at an additional cost per region

RingCentral

• Core Pricing: RingCentral offers feature-rich cloud telephony and UCaaS solutions with flexible pricing tiers.

• PSTN Calling: Unlimited calling is included in most plans (region-dependent).

• Best Value For: Businesses needing robust VoIP telephony, call center features, and integrations.

Example Pricing:

• RingCentral Core: £15 per user/month

• RingCentral Advanced: £20 per user/month

• RingCentral Custom/Enterprise: £25+ per user/month

8x8

• Core Pricing: 8x8 provides global UCaaS with built-in telephony, making it a cost-effective alternative to RingCentral.

• PSTN Calling: Global calling is included, with competitive international rates.

• Best Value For: Businesses with global operations needing a cost-effective cloud PBX.

Example Pricing:

• 8x8 X2 (Basic UCaaS Plan): £12 per user/month

• 8x8 X4 (Advanced UCaaS + Analytics): £20 per user/month

• 8x8 Enterprise: £25+ per user/month (custom pricing)

  
  

Cisco Webex

• Core Pricing: Webex is highly secure and offers AI-powered collaboration, telephony, and video conferencing.

• PSTN Calling: Available through regional pricing models or third-party integrations.

• Best Value For: Enterprises with strict compliance/security needs or businesses already using Cisco networking products.

Example Pricing:

• Webex Suite Basic: £11 per user/month

• Webex Suite Standard: £18 per user/month

• Webex Enterprise: £25+ per user/month

Pricing Comparison Table

We’ve compiled a pricing comparison table that breaks down each UC provider’s licensing structure, PSTN calling options pricing.

Provider	Basic Plan Pricing (Per User/Month)	Standard Plan Pricing (Per User/Month)	Enterprise Plan Pricing (Per User/Month)	Unlimited Calling Included?	PSTN Calling Costs
Microsoft Teams	~£4 (Business Basic) + £7 for Teams Phone	~£12.50 (Business Standard) + £7 for Teams Phone	~£19.90 (Business Premium) + £7 for Teams Phone	No (Add-on required)	Requires Direct Routing or Calling Plan
Zoom Phone	~£8 (Zoom Phone Basic)	~£15 (Zoom Phone Pro)	~£20+ (Enterprise Custom)	Limited (US/Canada only)	Varies by country
RingCentral	~£15 (Core)	~£20 (Advanced)	~£25+ (Custom Pricing)	Yes (Varies by region)	Included in higher tiers
8x8	~£12 (X2)	~£20 (X4)	~£25+ (Custom Pricing)	Yes (Global coverage)	Competitive global rates
Cisco Webex	~£11 (Webex Suite Basic)	~£18 (Webex Suite Standard)	~£25+ (Webex Enterprise)	Yes (Limited regions)	Regional pricing applies

Conclusion: Which UCaaS Provider Offers the Best Value?

Choosing the right UCaaS provider depends on your business needs and budget:

• Best for Microsoft 365 users: Microsoft Teams + Teams Phone (low-cost integration with Office apps)

• Best for video-first communication: Zoom Phone (simple interface, AI-powered meetings)

• Best for business telephony & call centers: RingCentral (enterprise-grade VoIP & analytics)

• Best for global PSTN coverage: 8x8 (cost-effective worldwide calling plans)

• Best for enterprise security & compliance: Cisco Webex (highly secure, AI-enhanced collaboration)

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