The Quick Answer
Mitel is a traditional telephony market leader often found in large UK enterprises, particularly in the public sector and established corporations. However, Mitel systems can be expensive to maintain and scale, often requiring proprietary hardware and complex licensing structures. 3CX is the modern alternative, offering easier remote work setup, open-standards hardware compatibility, native cloud capabilities, and a seamless migration path from legacy ISDN systems ahead of the UK's PSTN switch-off.
Key Difference: Mitel solutions typically require vendor-specific hardware and maintenance contracts, whilst 3CX operates on open SIP standards, allowing businesses to choose their own hardware and significantly reduce ongoing costs.
Mitel's Market Position
Mitel has been a fixture in UK business telephony for decades:
- Heritage: Established in 1973, Mitel has deep roots in traditional PBX systems
- Market presence: Strong in healthcare (NHS trusts), education, and large enterprises
- Product range: Mitel MiVoice Business, MiVoice Connect, MiCollab for Unified Communications
- Deployment: Primarily on-premise, though cloud options exist through Mitel's acquisition of ShoreTel
- Typical customer: Organisations with 100+ users, often with legacy infrastructure investments
3CX's Modern Approach
3CX represents the new generation of business phone systems:
- Founded: 2005, specifically to challenge proprietary PBX vendors
- Philosophy: Open standards, software-based, platform-agnostic
- Deployment flexibility: On-premise (Windows, Linux), cloud-hosted, or fully managed
- Target market: SMEs to large enterprises, MSPs, and IT-conscious organisations
- Web conferencing: Built-in video meetings with no per-user fees
Proprietary vs. Open Standards: The Critical Distinction
Mitel's Proprietary Ecosystem
Hardware Lock-In:
- Mitel MiVoice systems often require Mitel-branded phones (5300 IP Series, 6800 SIP Series)
- Proprietary signalling protocols (MiNet) alongside SIP
- Limited interoperability with third-party devices
- Expensive handset costs: £150-£350 per phone depending on model
Integration Challenges:
- Custom APIs for CRM integration
- Requires Mitel-specific connectors for Microsoft Teams
- Third-party integrations often need middleware
Migration Reality: If you're sitting on older Mitel phones that use proprietary protocols, switching to 3CX will likely require new handsets. However, the long-term savings typically offset this initial investment.
3CX's Open Standards Philosophy
True SIP Compatibility:
- Works with any SIP phone from manufacturers like Yealink, Polycom, Fanvil, Snom
- Supports software phones on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
- No vendor lock-in whatsoever
Cost Implications:
- Entry-level SIP phones: £40-£80
- Mid-range: £80-£150
- Executive models: £150-£250
- Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) via mobile and desktop apps: £0 additional hardware cost
Integration Benefits:
- Native Microsoft 365 integration
- Google Workspace support
- Webhook APIs for custom integrations
- Pre-built connectors for Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and 40+ CRM platforms
The PSTN Switch-Off: Why This Matters NOW
The UK's Digital Switchover
By December 2025, BT Openreach will complete the PSTN/ISDN shutdown:
- All traditional phone lines will cease to function
- Businesses must migrate to IP-based telephony
- Stop-sell already in effect since September 2023 for new ISDN installations
How This Affects Mitel Users
If you're running an old Mitel system:
- Older Mitel PBXs were designed around ISDN30 trunks and analogue lines
- These systems cannot function without PSTN connectivity
- Upgrading to SIP trunking on legacy Mitel often requires:
- Expensive gateway hardware
- Software licence upgrades
- Professional services for reconfiguration
- Potential compatibility issues
The Hidden Costs: Many UK organisations discovered their "fully depreciated" Mitel system suddenly requires a £15,000-£40,000 investment just to maintain basic functionality post-ISDN.
3CX's Native IP Advantage
Born in the SIP Era:
- 3CX was designed from inception for SIP trunking
- No gateway hardware required
- Direct SIP trunk connection to any UK provider (Gamma, Voicefone, VoIPfone, etc.)
- Session Border Controller included for secure remote connectivity
Migration Path:
- Supports hybrid deployment during transition
- Can run alongside existing systems
- Gradual user migration possible
- No "forklift upgrade" required
Licensing Complexity: Transparent vs. Byzantine
Mitel's Licensing Matrix
Mitel's licensing structure is notoriously complex:
Base Licensing:
- MiVoice Business: Per-concurrent-call pricing
- User licences sold separately from system capacity
- Software Assurance (maintenance): Typically 18-22% of licence value annually
Add-On Features Require Additional Licences:
- Mobility (mobile twinning)
- Contact centre features
- Advanced call routing
- Hot desking
- Unified Communications (MiCollab)
- Conference bridge ports
Typical Cost Example:
50-user Mitel MiVoice deployment
Base system: £8,000-£12,000
User licences: £150-£250 per user = £7,500-£12,500
UC licences: £80-£120 per user = £4,000-£6,000
Annual Software Assurance: £3,500-£5,500
Total first year: £23,000-£36,000
Ongoing annual costs: £3,500-£5,500+
3CX's Simplified Licensing
One Licence, All Features:
- Priced by simultaneous calls (not users)
- All features included: UC, conferencing, CRM integration, mobile apps
- No hidden add-ons
Pricing Structure (reseller-dependent, but typical UK ranges):
- 4SC (Simultaneous Calls): £135-£180/year
- 8SC: £250-£350/year
- 16SC: £450-£650/year
- 32SC: £850-£1,200/year
- 64SC: £1,500-£2,000/year
- 128SC: £2,500-£3,500/year
Important Notes: Pricing varies by reseller and support package. Perpetual licences available (one-time fee). Annual subscription includes all updates and upgrades. Hosted/cloud pricing typically £8-£15 per user/month.
Cost Comparison Example (50 users, ~25 simultaneous calls):
3CX 32SC annual subscription: ~£850-£1,200
Savings vs. Mitel: £2,650-£4,300 per year
Deployment Options: Flexibility vs. Rigidity
Mitel's Deployment Landscape
Traditional On-Premise:
- MiVoice Business runs on dedicated hardware appliances
- Requires server room space, UPS, cooling
- Physical installation by certified Mitel engineers
- 4-6 week typical deployment timeframe
Cloud Attempts:
- MiVoice Office (formerly ShoreTel Cloud): US-centric platform
- Limited UK data centre presence
- Mixed reviews from UK customers on reliability
- Separate product line from MiVoice Business (migration not straightforward)
Challenges:
- Cannot easily move between deployment models
- Vendor hosting only (cannot self-host in your chosen cloud)
- Limited control over infrastructure
3CX's Deployment Versatility
On-Premise Options:
- Windows Server: Standard or Data Centre editions
- Linux: Debian-based, lower resource overhead
- Dedicated appliances: Pre-configured hardware from partners
- Virtualised: VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox support
Cloud Deployment:
Deploy on your own cloud infrastructure:
- Microsoft Azure
- Amazon AWS
- Google Cloud Platform
- DigitalOcean, Vultr, OVH, etc.
- Full root access and control
- UK-based data centres readily available
Hosted/Managed Options:
- Fully managed by 3CX partners
- No infrastructure management required
- White-label options for MSPs
Migration Between Models: A unique 3CX advantage: backup and restore your configuration between deployment types. Start on-premise, move to cloud later without rebuilding your entire phone system.
Remote Work Capabilities: A Post-2020 Reality Check
Mitel's Remote Work Approach
Traditional Architecture:
- Designed for office-based deployments
- Remote workers typically connect via:
- Corporate VPN (adds complexity and latency)
- Mitel Border Gateway (expensive additional hardware: £3,000-£8,000)
- MiCollab client for softphone (additional per-user licence)
Mobile Integration:
- Mobile twinning available but requires licensing
- Separate mobile app (MiVoice Mobile)
- Call quality dependent on VPN stability
- IT overhead for VPN troubleshooting
Real-World Challenges:
- Bandwidth consumption over VPN
- Call quality issues when working from home
- Complex firewall configurations
- Difficult for non-technical users
3CX's Remote-First Design
Built-In Remote Capabilities:
- Session Border Controller (SBC) included in every licence
- No VPN required for remote extensions
- Direct secure SIP connection from anywhere
Unified Communications Apps:
- Desktop apps: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Mobile apps: iOS, Android
- Web client: No installation required
- All use the same licence – no separate mobile licencing
WebRTC Technology:
- Click-to-call from web browsers
- Video conferencing built-in (up to 250 participants)
- Screen sharing included
- Chat and presence
BYOD-Friendly:
- Employees use their own devices
- No desk phone required for remote workers
- Significant hardware cost savings
Feature Comparison: Modern Essentials
| Feature |
Mitel MiVoice Business |
3CX |
| Auto Attendant |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Call Recording |
✅ (licence required) |
✅ Included |
| Voicemail-to-Email |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Hot Desking |
✅ (additional licence) |
✅ Included |
| Call Queuing |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Video Conferencing |
❌ Requires MiCollab |
✅ Built-in (up to 250 participants) |
| CRM Integration |
⚠️ Limited (via middleware) |
✅ 40+ native integrations |
| Mobile Apps |
✅ (separate licence) |
✅ Included |
| Web Client |
⚠️ Via MiCollab |
✅ Included |
| Microsoft Teams Integration |
✅ (complex setup) |
✅ Native |
| SMS/Text Messaging |
❌ |
✅ Built-in |
| Call Flow Designer |
⚠️ Complex proprietary tool |
✅ Visual drag-and-drop |
| Whisper/Barge/Monitor |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Ring Groups |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Time-Based Routing |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Fax Server |
⚠️ Via third-party |
✅ T.38 support included |
Support & Maintenance: The Hidden Operational Costs
Mitel Support Model
Certified Partner Network:
- Installation and support through authorised Mitel partners only
- Cannot procure support from multiple vendors easily
- Partner dependency for all changes
Support Costs:
- Annual Software Assurance: 18-22% of licence value
- Maintenance contracts: £2,000-£8,000+ annually for 50-user system
- Covers software updates and telephone support
- On-site visits typically charged separately at £150-£250 per hour
Update Cadence:
- Major releases every 18-24 months
- Requires paid Software Assurance to access
- Updates often need professional installation
- Downtime required for upgrades
Technical Expertise:
- Requires Mitel-certified technicians
- Limited talent pool in UK market
- Higher labour costs
3CX Support Approach
Partner Flexibility:
- Choose from hundreds of UK-based partners
- Switch partners if unsatisfied
- Self-manage if you have in-house IT expertise
Subscription Benefits:
- Annual subscription includes all updates
- Access to 3CX support portal
- Community forums
- Extensive documentation and video tutorials
Update Process:
- Quarterly updates with new features
- One-click updates from web interface
- Minimal to zero downtime
- Automated backup before updates
Knowledge Base:
- Comprehensive online documentation
- YouTube tutorial library (1000+ videos)
- Active community forum
- Partner-led webinars
Self-Service Capability:
- Web-based management console
- IT managers can make changes without vendor dependency
- Reduces reliance on expensive external support
- Lower total cost of ownership
Integration Capabilities: Connecting Your Business Tools
Mitel's Integration Landscape
CRM Integrations:
- Salesforce connector available (additional cost)
- Basic screen-pop functionality
- Requires middleware for most platforms
- Limited pre-built connectors
Unified Communications:
- MiCollab suite (separate licensing)
- Microsoft Teams integration (complex setup, requires gateway)
- Email client integration limited
Contact Centre:
- Mitel MiContact Centre (completely separate product)
- Expensive add-on
- Not seamlessly integrated with base system
3CX's Integration Ecosystem
Native CRM Integrations (Included):
- Salesforce
- Microsoft Dynamics
- HubSpot
- Zoho CRM
- Freshsales
- Pipedrive
- Sugar CRM
- Bullhorn
- And 30+ more
Features:
- Click-to-dial from CRM
- Automatic screen-pop on incoming calls
- Call logging and recording linked to records
- Contact synchronisation
Microsoft 365 Integration:
- Outlook plugin for click-to-dial
- Teams integration (appear as Teams contact)
- SharePoint presence integration
- Azure AD authentication
Webhook API:
- Custom integrations via REST API
- Real-time call events
- Extensive developer documentation
- No middleware required for basic integrations
Migration Process: Making the Switch
Why UK Businesses Are Moving Away from Mitel
Common Triggers:
- PSTN switch-off forcing upgrade decisions
- High maintenance renewal costs
- Remote work inadequacy exposed by pandemic
- End-of-life announcements for older systems
- Difficulty finding Mitel-trained engineers
- Desire for cloud/hybrid deployment
Planning Your Migration from Mitel to 3CX
Assessment Phase (Week 1-2):
Audit current Mitel setup:
- Number of extensions
- Simultaneous call capacity
- Trunk connections (ISDN, SIP)
- Integrated applications
- Custom features in use
Identify phone hardware compatibility:
- Do your Mitel phones support SIP?
- If proprietary, budget for replacement handsets
- Document call flows and auto-attendants
- Evaluate SIP trunk providers
Design Phase (Week 2-3):
- Determine 3CX deployment model (on-premise, cloud, hosted)
- Calculate simultaneous call licensing requirement
- Design call routing and IVR flows
- Plan network infrastructure:
- VLAN for voice traffic
- QoS configuration
- Firewall rules for SBC
- Select hardware (if on-premise)
Testing Phase (Week 3-4):
- Deploy 3CX in test environment
- Configure sample extensions and call flows
- Test SIP trunk connectivity
- Pilot with small user group (5-10 users)
- Validate CRM integrations
- Test remote worker scenario
Migration Phase (Week 4-6):
- Parallel running: Operate both systems simultaneously
- Migrate users in stages:
- IT department first
- Then non-customer-facing departments
- Customer-facing teams last
- Port main phone numbers (can take 5-10 working days)
- User training sessions
- Monitor call quality and user feedback
Decommission Phase (Week 6-8):
- Final user migration
- Remove Mitel system from service
- Cancel Mitel maintenance contracts
- Reclaim server room space/power
Hybrid Approach: Some businesses run 3CX alongside Mitel for 3-6 months, gradually migrating departments. This reduces risk and allows ample testing.
Real-World Use Cases: Who's Switching and Why
Case Study 1: Manufacturing SME (85 Users)
Previous Setup:
- Mitel MiVoice Business (12 years old)
- ISDN30 trunks
- Annual maintenance: £4,200
Challenges:
- PSTN switch-off deadline looming
- Needed mobile integration for field engineers
- Mitel quote for SIP upgrade: £18,000
3CX Solution:
- 64SC on-premise deployment on existing server
- Yealink T54W phones (£120 each)
- Mobile apps for 30 field engineers
- Total cost: £11,500 (hardware + licence)
- Annual subscription: £1,600
Results: £2,600 annual saving on maintenance. ROI achieved in 14 months. Field engineers report better call quality on mobile. IT manager can now make changes without waiting for vendor.
Case Study 2: Professional Services Firm (45 Users)
Previous Setup:
- Mitel MiVoice Office (cloud)
- Per-user licensing: £22/user/month = £11,880/year
Challenges:
- Poor call quality during peak times
- Limited UK support hours (system hosted in US)
- Needed better Microsoft Teams integration
- No CRM integration
3CX Solution:
- Hosted 3CX from UK partner
- 32SC deployment
- HubSpot CRM integration configured
- Cost: £12/user/month = £6,480/year
Results: £5,400 annual saving. Improved call quality (UK-based hosting). Screen-pop from HubSpot increased efficiency. Video conferencing now used for client meetings (saving Zoom costs).
Case Study 3: Healthcare Provider (150 Users, Multiple Sites)
Previous Setup:
- Mitel MiVoice Business across 4 locations
- Complex networking between sites
- Annual maintenance: £12,000
Challenges:
- Disaster recovery concerns (all on-premise)
- Difficulty managing multi-site dial plan
- Expensive to add new sites
- Remote consultations needed during pandemic
3CX Solution:
- Cloud deployment on Azure (UK South region)
- 96SC licence
- SIP phones reused where compatible, new handsets where required
- Implementation: 3CX Titanium partner
Results: Geographic redundancy achieved. New sites now take days not months. Video consultations via 3CX web client (GDPR-compliant). £7,000+ annual saving on maintenance.
The Pros & Cons: An Honest Assessment
Mitel MiVoice: Strengths
✅ Established Reputation: Decades in the market. Trusted by large enterprises and public sector. Known quantity for risk-averse organisations.
✅ Feature-Rich Platform: Comprehensive telephony features. Proven reliability for traditional use cases. Strong call centre capabilities (with MiContact Centre).
✅ Existing Investment: If you've already paid for perpetual licences, continuing may seem logical. Existing staff knowledge and training. Established vendor relationship.
Mitel MiVoice: Weaknesses
❌ High Total Cost of Ownership: Expensive licensing, maintenance, and support. Proprietary hardware requirements. Regular forced upgrades to maintain support.
❌ Complexity: Steep learning curve for administrators. Requires specialist knowledge for changes. Licensing matrix confusing and opaque.
❌ Remote Work Limitations: VPN dependencies. Additional hardware for remote extensions. Poor mobile experience vs. modern alternatives.
❌ Vendor Lock-In: Difficult to switch vendors. Hardware compatibility limited. Integration limitations.
❌ Cloud Transition Challenges: MiVoice Office is separate product line. Migration from on-premise to cloud not straightforward. Limited infrastructure control.
3CX: Strengths
✅ Cost-Effective: Transparent, simple licensing. 60-70% lower TCO vs. legacy systems. No hidden costs or surprise renewals.
✅ Open Standards: Choice of hardware vendors. SIP compatibility. Freedom to choose providers.
✅ Modern Remote Work Features: Built-in UC apps. No VPN required. Excellent mobile and desktop experiences.
✅ Easy Administration: Web-based management console. Visual call flow designer. Self-service capability reduces vendor dependency.
✅ Deployment Flexibility: On-premise, cloud, or hosted options. Portable between deployment models. Your choice of infrastructure.
✅ Rich Integrations: 40+ native CRM connectors. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Webhook API for custom integrations.
3CX: Weaknesses
❌ Migration Investment Required: If Mitel phones are proprietary, replacement needed. Time investment in migration project. Learning curve for administrators (though gentler than Mitel).
❌ Advanced Contact Centre: Whilst 3CX includes call queuing and basic ACD, very large contact centres (100+ agents) with complex requirements may need dedicated platforms. No Mitel-equivalent wallboard out of the box (third-party options available).
❌ Partner Variance: Quality of implementation varies by partner. Hosted pricing inconsistent across resellers. Requires due diligence in partner selection.
❌ Enterprise Politics: Perceived as "SME solution" by some (though handles 1000+ users). May face resistance from risk-averse procurement. Less analyst coverage than established vendors.
UK-Specific Considerations
GDPR Compliance
Both platforms can be GDPR-compliant, but considerations differ:
Mitel:
- MiVoice Business (on-premise): Data stays in your infrastructure
- MiVoice Office (cloud): Check data residency – some US-based hosting
- Call recording storage must be managed carefully
- Data Processing Agreements (DPA) required with Mitel
3CX:
- Full control over data location (choose your deployment region)
- UK-based cloud providers readily available (AWS London, Azure UK South)
- Built-in call recording controls and retention policies
- Easy to implement right-to-erasure requests
Ofcom Regulations
- Emergency calls (999): Both platforms support emergency calling via SIP trunks, but verify with your chosen trunk provider for location accuracy
- Number porting: Standard WLR3/SIP porting processes apply to both
- CLI presentation: 3CX offers more flexibility in outbound CLI management
UK SIP Trunk Providers
Popular choices for 3CX migrations:
- Gamma: Leading UK wholesale provider, excellent 3CX compatibility
- Voicefone: Strong UK presence, good support
- VoIPfone: SME-focused, competitive pricing
- Gradwell: Feature-rich, reliable
- 4Com: Full-service UC provider
Most offer free 3CX compatibility testing.
Financial Analysis: 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Scenario: 50-User Organisation, 25 Simultaneous Calls
Mitel MiVoice Business (On-Premise):
| Item |
Year 1 |
Years 2-5 |
| System Hardware/Licences |
£23,000 |
- |
| Phones (Mitel) |
£10,000 |
- |
| Installation/Configuration |
£4,000 |
- |
| Annual Software Assurance |
£4,200 |
£16,800 |
| Trunk Costs (SIP) |
£1,200 |
£4,800 |
| Annual Total |
£42,400 |
£21,600 |
| 5-Year Total |
£106,800 |
3CX (On-Premise, Annual Subscription):
| Item |
Year 1 |
Years 2-5 |
| Server (existing or new) |
£2,000 |
- |
| 32SC Licence (annual) |
£1,000 |
£4,000 |
| Phones (Yealink) |
£6,000 |
- |
| Installation/Configuration |
£2,500 |
- |
| Annual Updates (included) |
- |
- |
| Trunk Costs (SIP) |
£1,200 |
£4,800 |
| Annual Total |
£12,700 |
£5,800 |
| 5-Year Total |
£35,900 |
Savings: £70,900 over 5 years (66% reduction)
This doesn't account for:
• Reduced IT support costs (3CX easier to manage)
• Avoided VPN complexity for remote workers
• Included video conferencing (vs. buying Zoom/Teams licences)
• Flexibility to switch deployment models
Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask
When Mitel Still Makes Sense
Remaining with Mitel might be appropriate if:
- Recent Investment: You upgraded to current Mitel MiVoice within last 3 years and committed to long maintenance contract
- Highly Specialised Integration: Custom integration that would be expensive to replicate
- Very Large Enterprise: 500+ users with complex multi-site requirements and dedicated Mitel support team already in place
- Risk Aversion: Organisation culture heavily favours "nobody gets fired for buying IBM/Mitel" mentality
- Budget for Migration Unavailable: Though this is often false economy given long-term costs
When 3CX Is the Clear Choice
3CX should be your primary consideration if:
- PSTN Switch-Off Deadline: You need to migrate away from ISDN and Mitel upgrade costs are prohibitive
- Remote Work Priority: Hybrid working is here to stay and you need better mobile/home worker support
- Cost Pressure: Budget constraints or desire to reduce ongoing telephony spend significantly
- IT Self-Sufficiency: In-house IT team wants control without vendor dependency
- Cloud Strategy: Moving infrastructure to cloud and want telephony to follow
- CRM Integration Needed: Sales or support teams need proper screen-pop and click-to-dial
- Growth Plans: Scaling up and don't want to pay per-user licensing
- MSP-Managed: Working with managed service provider who recommends 3CX
Questions for Your Stakeholders
For IT Director/Manager:
- Can our team manage the phone system or do we want vendor dependency?
- What are our disaster recovery requirements?
- How important is deployment flexibility (on-premise vs. cloud)?
- Do we have skills to manage SIP trunking?
For Finance Director:
- What's our 5-year TCO comparison?
- What's the payback period on migration investment?
- Can we afford ongoing Mitel maintenance increases?
- What's our appetite for capital vs. operational expenditure?
For Operations/User Community:
- How critical is mobile working?
- Do we need video conferencing built-in?
- Would CRM integration improve productivity?
- How important is ease of use?
Migration Checklist: From Mitel to 3CX
3 Months Before:
- Audit current Mitel system (licences, features in use, trunk config)
- Document call flows, auto-attendants, hunt groups
- Identify phone hardware: SIP-capable or proprietary?
- Assess network infrastructure (VLAN, QoS, bandwidth)
- Select 3CX deployment model
- Obtain 3CX quotes from 3+ UK partners
- Select SIP trunk provider and test compatibility
- Get approval for migration budget
2 Months Before:
- Engage chosen 3CX partner
- Design new system architecture
- Calculate simultaneous call requirements (monitor Mitel for 2 weeks)
- Order hardware (server if on-premise, phones if required)
- Plan network changes (firewall rules, SBC configuration)
- Design training programme for users and IT staff
- Create detailed migration project plan
1 Month Before:
- Deploy 3CX in test/parallel environment
- Configure sample extensions and test call quality
- Test SIP trunk failover and emergency calling
- Configure CRM integrations
- Pilot with 10-15 users (IT department ideal)
- Gather feedback and refine configuration
- Train IT support staff on 3CX administration
- Submit number porting request (can take 10 working days)
Migration Week:
- Final user communications
- Conduct user training sessions (by department)
- Migrate users in phases (non-customer-facing first)
- Monitor call quality dashboards
- Address issues immediately
- Provide extra IT support during transition
- Complete number porting cutover (typically evening/weekend)
Post-Migration:
- Week 1: Daily check-ins with users, monitor call quality
- Week 2: Address any configuration refinements
- Week 4: User satisfaction survey
- Month 2: Review analytics, optimise call routing
- Month 3: Cancel Mitel maintenance (check contract notice period)
- Decommission Mitel hardware
Conclusion: The Verdict for UK Businesses
The choice between Mitel and 3CX represents a broader decision: maintain legacy infrastructure or embrace modern, flexible VoIP?
Mitel served UK businesses well for decades, but the market has fundamentally shifted. The PSTN switch-off, remote work revolution, and demand for integrated UC have exposed the limitations of proprietary systems designed for a different era.
3CX offers UK organisations:
- 66-70% lower total cost of ownership over 5 years
- Freedom from vendor lock-in through open standards
- Remote work capabilities that match modern working patterns
- Deployment flexibility to suit your infrastructure strategy
- Self-service administration reducing reliance on expensive support
- Native integrations with the business tools you already use
For most UK SMEs and mid-market organisations currently running Mitel, the business case for migration is compelling. The initial investment in replacing proprietary phones is quickly offset by reduced licensing and maintenance costs.
Next Steps
- Audit your current Mitel setup – understand what you're paying and what you're actually using
- Calculate your simultaneous call requirement – monitor your Mitel system for 2 weeks to determine accurate 3CX licensing need
- Request 3CX demonstrations from 3 UK partners – compare pricing, support offerings, and expertise
- Test SIP trunk providers – most offer free trials to verify call quality
- Build a business case – present 5-year TCO comparison to stakeholders
- Plan a pilot – test 3CX with a small user group before full commitment
The UK's PSTN deadline is creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise your telephony infrastructure. Whether you choose 3CX or another platform, the key is making an informed decision based on your organisation's needs rather than defaulting to your existing vendor.
For the majority of UK businesses currently on Mitel, 3CX represents the smarter, more cost-effective path forward.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Need help assessing your Mitel system or planning a migration to 3CX? Connect with a 3CX Titanium partner in the UK for a free consultation and business case analysis.
Get Your Free Consultation
Additional Reading & Resources
