If you’re looking at installing a Cisco Phone System, you’ll need to factor in installation costs, equipment costs, and monthly fees. Costs can be broken down by the initial setup costs and ongoing monthly fees.

Setup costs range from $1,000 to over $20,000. Monthly fees range from $20-$100 per user. You’ll also have to pay additional costs for training and system maintenance.

What is a VoIP Phone?

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone systems provide telephony services over the internet, rather than through cable or a mobile provider. Therefore, they’re popular options for business phone systems.

These VoIP phones provide unified communication systems that offer pros including mobility and reliability. Since VoIP systems rely on the Internet, so you’ll need a strong and stable connection (Source).

Why Cisco?

Cisco is one of the leading providers of VoIP phone systems. They offer a variety of systems to suit businesses of different sizes, and they offer other communication services.

Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Cisco collaboration solutions such as their phone systems. Cisco is continuously improving its security to stop data loss over the Internet lines.

Determining What Type of Phone System You Need

Cisco offers a variety of phone systems, varying in price, number of users and features. Currently, they offer five different series: 3900, 6900, 7800, 7900, and 8800.

3900 Series

This is the most basic phone system Cisco offers. It only supports one phone, the SIP phone 3905. As a basic option, it includes features such as speakerphone, mute, and caller ID.

Since this phone only has essential capabilities, this system is best for areas that only experience occasional use such as hallways, classrooms, and lobbies.

6900 Series

This system is one step up from the 3900 series, yet it’s still meant for basic, occasional use. It supports the IP phone 6901, which includes a call waiting feature and multiple ringtones.

7800 Series

The 7800 series provides high-fidelity audio for handset, headset, and speaker systems. Unlike the 3900 and 6900 series, the 7800 series is meant for frequent use.

This system supports remote workers and offers four different phones. All of the phones have programmable keys, allowing for speed-dial.

The 7800 series can also be integrated with the cloud via Cisco Spark.

7900 Series

This system provides businesses with colored screen displays and access to Gigabit internet.  All phones in this system come with speakerphones and handsets that support G.722 wideband audio.

This system does not support mobile workers nor remote workers. If you’re looking for a basic system with colored displays, the 7900 series is a good choice.

8800 Series

As the most advanced system, the 8800 series provides a plethora of features and options.

This system supports HD video calling on all of its desk phones. Since this system supports remote workers, employees can communicate via video conference calls, even if they’re in different locations.

The system also supports mobile workers with the IP Wireless Phone 8821 and 8821-EX. Workers can link their contact lists and call histories between their desk and mobile phones.

Another feature of this system is the IP Conference Phone 8832. This phone provides quality audio during conference calls in rooms up to 400 square feet in size.

All phones in this system support Wideband audio, providing an excellent audio experience. Phones in this system support up to ten lines, allowing employees to connect with a number of customers or clients at the same time.

Installation Costs

Since Cisco phone systems rely on the internet, you need to make sure you have high-speed internet. If you don’t, you’ll need to pay for an upgrade.

Even if your internet is sufficient, you’ll need to pay for the installation of routers and other equipment. The install costs increase based on the number of users on the system.

Install costs typically range from $1,000-$20,000. However, they may be higher if you’re installing a large, complex system.

Monthly Fees

Depending on your type of system and phones, monthly fees range from $20-$100 per user. If you have more users, you’ll have higher fees.

The complexity of your phones also impacts monthly fees. Phones in the 3900 series will have a lower monthly fee than those in the 8800 series.

Training Costs

When you add a new system, employees must be trained on how to use it. Sometimes basic training is included with installation costs, but this is not always the case.

If training isn’t included with the installation, expect to pay upwards of $50/hour for training. Remember, training costs will increase with an increase in the number of users.

Cisco’s Phone Costs

As you might expect, the costs of individual phones and other endpoints vary with complexity. We list the price for each phone, based on series.

Buying used phones can reduce the price, but used phones bring uncertainties about reliability. We’ve broken down the costs of phones based on their series.

 Other Equipment Costs

Additional equipment such as headphones, softphones, and headsets come with extra costs. This equipment ranges from $30-$150.

Adding a Cisco Phone System

If you’re looking to add a VoIP Phone System, Cisco is a good option to explore. Remember that your costs will depend on the complexity of your system and the number of users.

The total cost of a Cisco Phone System will include installation costs, equipment costs, training costs, and monthly payments. You’ll also have to pay for upgrades and the related additional training.

If you’re unsure if Cisco is the right choice, take a look at other VoIP phone system providers.