Groundwire on iOS and Android
The standard softphone for hosted systems. Calls use your data connection, so a mobile signal is not strictly required — Wi-Fi works.
Hosted extensions
A business number on the phone that is already in your pocket
Hosted extensions run on FreePBX in our UK infrastructure and reach your team through the Groundwire app. Same number, same voicemail, wherever the work happens.
Features
What you get with every extension
Secure sign-in
Each extension gets its own SIP user, a separate auth user and a strong password, shown once in the portal.
UK numbers
Geographic numbers for the Borders and beyond, presented as your business number on every call you make.
Call limits and fraud protection
Per-extension call limits and international restrictions are set up with you, so a compromised account cannot run up an open bill.
Encrypted calls
SRTP media encryption and TLS signalling between the app and the PBX. Your calls are not carried in the clear.
Routing that fits the business
Ring groups, time conditions, IVR menus and voicemail-to-email — configured around how you actually answer the phone.
What you need
Less kit than you would expect
A hosted extension is software. That means the setup is shorter and there is nothing on site to fail silently in a cupboard.
- Broadband. A normal business connection is enough for voice; we will check it before cutover.
- A phone. The Groundwire app on iPhone or Android. Desk handsets are optional.
- Your numbers. New UK numbers from us, or we can discuss porting existing ones.
Good to know
- Works over Wi-Fi, 4G and 5G.
- Each user has their own extension and voicemail.
- Desk phones can be added later without changing numbers.
- UK-only: numbers and calls are for UK use.
- For businesses only: we don’t supply home or household customers.
- Business Lite plan: £3.99 a month.
- Business plan, with 100 free UK minutes a month: £8.99 a month.
Security
Locked down by default
Phone systems get attacked: registration attempts, toll fraud, nuisance calls. We set the boring protections up front so you are not relying on good luck.
TLS & SRTP
Signalling and media are encrypted between the app and the PBX.
Call limits
Spend and destination limits per extension, agreed with you.
UK-only routing
No international destinations unless you ask for them in writing.
Monitored trunks
Registrations and trunk health are watched; we act on anomalies.
Questions
The ones we get asked most
Can I keep my existing number?
Usually yes. Porting depends on the current provider and contract. Tell us the number and who it is with and we will confirm before anything is switched.
Do I need a desk phone?
No. Most people start with the app. If a desk handset suits reception better, we can add one later on the same extension.
What happens if the broadband goes down?
The app can use mobile data instead, so calls keep working. We will agree a fallback with you as part of setup.
Can calls be recorded?
Call recording is available, but it comes with legal obligations — you must inform callers and have a lawful basis. We will only enable it after you have that in place.
Is it only for businesses in the Borders?
We support UK businesses. Being local matters most for on-site work and for people who want to deal with us face to face.
Work out what your team needs
Tell us how many people answer the phone and how you want calls to flow. We will come back with a straightforward proposal.