# Business Phone Service in your area Whether you need a few phone lines or a complete hosted VoIP system, Cox Business offers business phone service for companies of all sizes. Contact us today to find out why you should choose Cox Business as your business phone provider in your area. [View Business Phone Plans](https://www.cox.com/business/phone/business-phone.html) ## Business Phone Features At Cox Business, we know that you have an array of needs when it comes to answering and routing customer phone calls. Here's a look at what our business phone service offers. - **Caller ID** - Know who's calling your company before you answer and block calls. - **Call Waiting** - Catch important business calls, even when you're on another call. - **Last Number Redial** - Connect quickly to recent incoming or outgoing work calls. - **Call Notify** - Stay on top of your calls with email notifications for missed calls or new voicemails. - **Call Forwarding** - Forward calls when you're busy or unavailable. - **Three-way Calling** - Merge calls easily between three parties. - **Call Holding** - Place calls on hold while you make another call. - **Speed Dialing** - Access frequently-used or hard-to-remember numbers with a single digit. [Compare 40+ Phone Features](https://www.cox.com/business/phone/features.html) ## your area Business Phone FAQs ### How does a business phone system work? A business phone system is designed to provide communication between your employees and your customers. Rather than having individual, single-line business phones for each employee, a unified collaboration system streamlines internal and external communications. There are three broad categories for types of business phone systems: analog, private branch exchange (PBX), and voice over internet protocol (VoIP). Analog systems are landline-based and allow multiple incoming calls to ring on a single phone. The system requires a receptionist to direct calls to specific extensions and does not support intra-office calling. PBX and VoIP systems work similarly but automate many of the processes that must be handled manually on an analog business phone system. PBX systems receive calls through a buffer—a centralized, electronic receiving area—and then connect callers with their desired extension via an automated process, rather than relying on a human receptionist. Additionally, PBX systems allow intra-office communication; employees can dial an extension to reach their colleagues without having to engage an external line. PBX systems require a physical infrastructure on-site, so there is an upfront investment in building out that system, plus required maintenance and upkeep throughout the life of the business phone system. VoIP systems offer the same benefits as a PBX system, but they are cloud-based and maintained by a business phone service provider like Cox Business. They help eliminate the need for costly installation and upkeep of PBX hardware. ### How much does a business phone line cost in your area? Business phone line costs vary based on the number of lines, phone service type, included features, and selected add-ons. You'll also want to account for upfront costs, including equipment, installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, and fees. To learn more about the VoiceManager plans and additional phone services available in your area, contact our sales team about a [Business Phone Line](https://www.cox.com/business/phone/business-phone.html). ### How do I get a virtual business phone number? Virtual number service is an optional offering from Cox Business. A virtual business phone number provides you inward calling on a cloud-based number, which can be routed to any of your office phones. You can ring both mobile and landline phones, and you're able to select how, when, and where each phone rings based on the time of day or the person who is calling. For business owners wishing to establish a local presence and avoid using a less personalized toll-free number, a virtual business phone number allows you to select a number with a local area code that can ring anywhere. ### How do I set up a small business phone system? The steps for setting up your [small business phone system](https://www.cox.com/business/phone.html), will vary depending on the type of system you choose. For small business owners looking to utilize their existing equipment, a Cox Business Phone plan (hosted on our secured network) allows for quick setup without investing in expensive equipment. Our voice over internet protocol (VoIP) systems are cloud-based and hosted on the Cox Business network. As these business phone systems do not require businesses to provide equipment or infrastructure, our team manages all updates and installations. As a part of the business telephone service selection process, you can choose your business phone number. You may wish to use a local number, toll-free number, or both. It's also possible to maintain your existing business phone number if you'd prefer. Once your business phone service has been selected and your business phone number has been established, you can set up the system internally for you and your employees. Record a main message with your business information and manage all employee extensions and access via the MyAccount Web portal. The portal provides an easy-to-use interface to manage a variety of features including out-of-office messages, call forwarding, and much more. ## Explore Business Voice Resources - **[Benefits of VoIP](https://www.cox.com/business/phone/resources/benefits-of-voip.html)** - Explore how VoIP systems can enhance your business' efficiency. - **[How to choose a phone provider](https://www.cox.com/business/phone/resources/how-to-choose-a-provider.html)** - From bundled phone options to add-on features, making a decision is easy with these quick tips. - **[What is VoIP and how does it work?](https://www.cox.com/business/phone/resources/what-is-voip-and-how-does-it-work.html)** - Level up your services by taking advantage of VoIP systems for small businesses. ## Cloud-based Calling for Your Teams Go fully hosted with our IP Centrex system – an advanced, scalable VoIP phone solution that includes all hardware and equipment, along with comprehensive technical support. [Learn About Hosted VoIP](https://www.cox.com/business/phone/hosted-voice.html) --- †Cox Business Prepaid Mastercard® Available to new commercial data subscribers (excluding government agencies, schools and national accounts) in Cox service areas. Minimum 12-month contract required. Online redemption required within six months of receipt of prepaid card redemption email and must follow instructions received after service activation. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a minimum of 90 consecutive days after install. Limit one card per customer. Allow 20 days after completion of all redemption requirements for delivery. Cox reserves the right to withhold the issuance of any prepaid card in the event Cox reasonably determines there is fraud associated with the account. Card/Virtual card is issued by Pathward®️, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. No cash access or recurring payments. Card can be used where Debit Mastercard is accepted. Virtual card can be used where Debit Mastercard is accepted online, for phone/mail orders or in stores that accept mobile wallet. Card/Virtual card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Terms and conditions apply.