Desk phones and apps · For businesses evaluating 3CTel
Which desk phone should I choose?
Pick the phone for the role, not the brand. Most desks need a basic two- or three-line phone with a decent speakerphone. Reception and anyone who transfers a lot benefit from a larger colour screen and extra line keys or an expansion module. People who move around need a cordless DECT handset. Meeting rooms need a conference phone. A 3CTel specialist recommends specific models for your plan and supplies them pre-configured.
Four kinds of desk phone
- Standard desk phone. Two to three lines, a monochrome or small colour screen, hold, transfer, voicemail and a speakerphone. Right for most people who take a moderate number of calls.
- Reception or manager phone. Larger colour screen, many programmable keys that light up when a colleague is on a call, and the option of an expansion module for dozens more. Right for anyone who transfers calls all day or needs to see who is available.
- Cordless (DECT) handset. A base station plugged into the network and handsets that roam the building. Right for clinics, warehouses, shops and anyone who is not at a desk. Multi-cell systems cover larger buildings.
- Conference phone. Room-filling speaker and microphones, sometimes with expansion mics for long tables. Right for boardrooms and meeting rooms.
Features worth paying for
Gigabit Ethernet pass-through, so the phone and the computer share one cable. Power over Ethernet, so the phone needs no power adapter. A headset port or built-in Bluetooth if the person uses a headset. A good speakerphone if they take calls hands-free. Wi-Fi is available on some models but Ethernet is more reliable for a fixed desk.
Features that rarely matter: video on the phone, touchscreens, and very large numbers of line keys on a desk that only takes a few calls a day.
Brands
Yealink, Poly and similar established makers all produce reliable SIP phones. The differences are mostly screen quality, build and menu style. Consistency across the office matters more than the badge: one brand means one set of instructions, one provisioning template and easier swaps. Let the specialist match models to your plan and confirm they are supported before ordering.
How phones are supplied
Phones ordered through 3CTel arrive pre-configured. Plug into the network, and the phone downloads its settings and registers to your extension. Nothing has to be typed on the phone itself. Replacement or additional phones are set up the same way.
Related questions.
Do I need a phone at every desk?
No. Anyone who is comfortable with a headset and the desktop app can work without a desk phone. Many offices give phones to reception, managers and shared areas, and use the app elsewhere.
How many cordless handsets can one base support?
It depends on the model; single-cell bases typically support several handsets and concurrent calls, and multi-cell systems scale further. Tell the specialist how many roaming users you have and the building layout.
Can I mix desk phones and apps for the same user?
Yes. A user's desk phone, desktop app and mobile app all ring for the same extension, and the person answers on whichever is convenient.
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