Alternatives Guide
Best Telstra Alternatives Australia 2026
Telstra has been a default choice for Australian businesses, but rising costs, rigid contracts, and limited UCaaS features are driving companies to explore better options. Here's how modern alternatives compare.
Why businesses are switching from Telstra
- Higher per-user costs vs cloud-native UCaaS providers
- Limited unified communications — voice, video & messaging often siloed
- Long lock-in contracts with less flexibility
- Fewer AI-powered features like auto-attendant and call analytics
Top Telstra alternatives
RingCentral
- All-in-one UCaaS platform
- AI-powered call insights
- 300+ integrations
Zoom Phone
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent video + phone bundle
- Easy to deploy
Microsoft Teams Phone
- Native M365 integration
- Familiar interface
- Enterprise-grade security
8x8
- Unlimited international calling
- Strong contact centre
- Competitive SMB pricing
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my Telstra number?
Yes. All major UCaaS providers support number porting from Telstra. The process typically takes 5–10 business days.
Is Telstra Business still worth it?
For businesses that need a simple landline replacement, possibly. But for unified communications, video, and AI features, cloud-native providers typically offer more value.
What's the cheapest Telstra alternative?
Zoom Phone and 8x8 often come in at $15–20/user/month vs Telstra's higher per-seat costs, especially when video is included.
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