Virgin Media phone systems review – Prices, features and value explained

Virgin Media Business, a major player in the UK’s telecom sector, offers business phone solutions that cater to organisations of various sizes. Here, we’ll review Virgin Media phone system features, pricing, pros and cons, and considerations to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your business.

Features of Virgin Media business phone systems

Virgin Media Business provides a range of phone system solutions, from traditional landlines to cloud-based VoIP systems. Key features include:

1. Cloud Voice – Virgin Media’s Cloud Voice solution offers a flexible, internet-based phone system that can be easily scaled for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and call reporting, all accessible through a user-friendly online dashboard.
2. Landline options – For businesses that still rely on traditional phone lines, Virgin Media Business also offers standard PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) lines. These are ideal for companies with simple telephony needs and those operating in areas with limited internet connectivity.
3. SIP Trunks – Businesses with larger, more complex needs can consider Virgin Media’s SIP Trunking service, which connects existing PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems to the cloud, enabling calls over the internet. This service is beneficial for companies that want to transition to internet-based calls without fully replacing their existing infrastructure.
4. Unified communications – Virgin Media’s phone systems integrate with Microsoft Teams, offering a unified communication platform that combines phone, video conferencing, and chat. This can streamline internal and external communication, particularly for hybrid and remote teams.
5. Call management and reporting – Call analytics and reporting tools are included to provide insights into call volume, response times, and performance. These features support businesses in improving customer service and operational efficiency.
6. Mobility features – Virgin Media’s solutions are designed for mobile use, allowing employees to make and receive calls from anywhere using mobile apps or desktop softphones, making it easy for remote teams to stay connected.

Virgin Media phone systems pricing

Virgin Media Business does not openly publish detailed prices for its phone systems, which may vary based on business size, system type, and features required. Here’s a general overview of pricing considerations for their key products:

• Cloud Voice – Starting prices are typically in line with the industry standard for VoIP solutions, often ranging from £10 to £30 per user per month, depending on the features and service plan selected.
• SIP Trunks – SIP Trunking is generally offered on a per-channel basis, which typically costs between £5 and £15 per channel per month, depending on the number of channels and call volumes.
• Traditional landlines – Pricing for landline services usually includes a fixed monthly fee plus call charges, with rates varying based on call volume and destination (e.g., local, international).

To get an exact quote, it’s recommended to contact Virgin Media directly, as they tailor packages based on business requirements and are open to negotiating competitive rates for larger enterprises.

Pros – What we like

1. Reliability – Virgin Media Business is known for its extensive network infrastructure, offering high levels of reliability and uptime, crucial for businesses that rely on consistent communications.
2. Scalability – The cloud-based nature of their phone solutions means it’s easy to add or remove users, making it suitable for businesses experiencing growth or seasonal demand shifts.
3. Unified communications integration – Integration with Microsoft Teams is particularly advantageous for businesses using this platform, as it enables seamless collaboration across different communication channels.
4. 24/7 support – Virgin Media Business offers round-the-clock technical support, ensuring quick issue resolution and peace of mind for business owners.
5. Flexible contracts – Virgin Media offers a range of contract options, including short-term and long-term plans, which can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each business.

Cons – Potential drawbacks

1. Limited transparency on pricing – Unlike some competitors, Virgin Media does not publish standard pricing, which can make it challenging for businesses to compare costs upfront.
2. Potential for higher costs – For small businesses, particularly those with limited budgets, Virgin Media’s pricing may be on the higher end, particularly for additional features and advanced configurations.
3. Complex installation for SIP Trunks – While SIP Trunks offer flexibility for existing PBX systems, setting them up can be complex and may require expert assistance, potentially adding to the upfront costs.
4. Limited customisation options – Some businesses report that Virgin Media’s systems, while functional, have fewer customisation options compared to competitors, which could be a drawback for organisations with unique telephony needs.

Customer support and service

Virgin Media Business provides 24/7 support for its business customers, a valuable asset for companies that operate outside of standard business hours.

Their support includes phone, online, and live chat options, allowing businesses to resolve issues quickly.

In addition, Virgin Media has a range of service level agreements (SLAs) that outline guaranteed response and resolution times, which vary depending on the service package chosen.

Virgin Media reviews and ratings

Here are the ratings for Virgin Media Business from popular review sites:

1. Trustpilot: Virgin Media Business has a low rating of 1.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on numerous reviews, with common complaints focusing on customer service and reliability issues.
2. Reviews.io: Similarly, Virgin Media Business has a 1.2 rating out of 5 on Reviews.io, also reflecting significant dissatisfaction, with only around 5% of reviewers recommending the service.
3. Broadband.deals: While this site focuses primarily on Virgin Media Business broadband, it aligns with Trustpilot’s low rating, echoing a 1.2 out of 5 rating, citing both customer support challenges and variable service quality.

These scores suggest that while Virgin Media Business offers strong technical capabilities, customer experiences with support and service consistency appear mixed to negative across several independent review platforms.

Review – Is Virgin Media Business the right choice for you?

Virgin Media Business offers a solid phone system solution for UK businesses, particularly those prioritising reliability, scalability, and integration with tools like Microsoft Teams.

It’s a strong choice for companies looking for unified communication options, mobile flexibility, and robust support services.

However, businesses with tighter budgets or highly specific customisation requirements might find Virgin Media’s options somewhat limited in flexibility and transparency on pricing.

Final verdict – Virgin Media review

For businesses that rely on consistent connectivity and are comfortable working with a provider known for its network strength and support, Virgin Media Business could be a strong contender.

However, if customisation, full pricing transparency, or low cost is a top priority, it’s worth comparing other providers to ensure the best value for your specific needs.

Virgin Media Business offers a reliable, scalable, and support-rich environment that is especially appealing for organisations prioritising high-quality communication infrastructure.

FAQ – Virgin Media review