A Wake-Up Call for Business Telecoms
A recent BBC News article reported a growing number of complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and questionable contracts within the telecoms industry. While the article doesn’t name specific companies, many businesses across the UK will recognise the warning signs, unexpected long-term commitments, expensive hardware, and services that don’t always deliver as promised.
At a time when many firms are already reviewing costs, contracts, and digital infrastructure ahead of the ISDN switch-off in 2025, it’s clear that businesses must look more closely at their providers, and their options.
This is where Forest Call Switch comes in. Designed as a genuine, customer-first alternative to solutions like HiHi, it offers a feature-rich, reliable and flexible service, without the inflated price tag or rigid contracts.
What Is Forest Call Switch?
Forest Call Switch is a cloud-based phone system designed for UK businesses of all sizes. Unlike older systems that rely on landlines or outdated tech, Call Switch uses VoIP (Voice over IP), meaning your business phone system works over your internet connection, whether in the office, at home or on the move.
It’s ideal for modern working, scalable as your team grows, and packed with features that help you stay connected without paying over the odds.
Why UK Businesses Are Rethinking HiHi
HiHi is best known for its branded touchscreen phones. These handsets look the part, but they come with a cost. And with HiHi’s model focused around hardware-first sales, many business owners find themselves tied into long-term, high-cost agreements for equipment they may not even need.
HiHi’s sales approach has raised eyebrows in the industry, and the BBC’s reporting only reinforces the need for business owners to proceed with caution when entering telecom contracts.
Forest Call Switch offers a refreshing alternative: transparent pricing, flexible device options, and no gimmicks, just business-ready phone systems that deliver.
Seven Reasons Forest Call Switch Is a Better Alternative to HiHi
1. Better Value for Money
HiHi handsets look impressive, but you’re paying a premium for branding. With Forest Call Switch, you can choose from top-tier, business-grade handsets like the Grandstream GXV3380 or the Yealink T54W, paired with Android tablets if you still want touchscreen functionality. Both options come at a lower monthly cost than HiHi and deliver more in terms of call handling and integration.
Plus, Forest includes unlimited UK calls in all plans. That means no nasty surprises when the bill arrives.
2. Full Features Without the Fluff
Forest Call Switch provides all the features a modern business needs:
- Voicemail to email
- Call recording (90 days included as standard)
- Call menus and auto-attendants
- Video conferencing
- CRM integration (Salesforce, Zoho, HubSpot & more)
- Microsoft Teams integration
- Remote softphone access (ideal for hybrid working)
These are features often locked behind higher-tier plans with other providers, if they’re available at all.
3. Designed for the Way You Work Today
Whether your team is fully office-based, fully remote or somewhere in between, Forest Call Switch adapts to your working style:
- Use the softphone app on desktop, tablet or mobile
- Easily transfer calls between devices
- Set up hunt groups, redirect calls and manage users through an easy online portal
- No specialist knowledge or training required
HiHi’s model is more rigid, largely centred around its own proprietary devices, less suitable if your business needs flexibility or works across multiple locations.
4. No Pushy Sales or Surprise Costs
Forest Communications takes a consultative approach. There’s no hard sell, no pressure, and no unnecessary kit. You’ll speak with a dedicated account manager who will help you build a package based on your business needs and budget, nothing more.
This stands in stark contrast to some providers in the industry who prioritise volume sales over service. Again, the BBC’s article makes it clear that many businesses have been caught out by confusing contract terms and misleading pitches.
Forest’s commitment to transparency and long-standing client relationships ensures you know exactly what you’re getting, and what it will cost.
5. ISDN Switch-Off Ready
With BT Openreach switching off all ISDN and traditional landlines by December 2025, businesses across the UK need to ensure they’re VoIP-ready. Forest Call Switch provides a smooth transition away from legacy systems:
- SIP trunking for existing hardware
- Fully hosted solutions for a complete upgrade
- Expert advice to avoid disruption
If you’re still using old phone lines, now is the time to plan ahead, and Forest can help you make the switch with minimal fuss.
6. Reliable Support, Right Here in the UK
Forest is a British company with more than 30 years in the telecoms industry. You’ll never have to battle through overseas call centres or automated systems. Every client gets a named contact and direct access to technical support when it’s needed.
Compare that with the frustration many businesses feel when dealing with large telecoms companies, slow response times, unhelpful support, and zero accountability.
Forest offers real customer service, tailored to your business.
7. No Long-Term Tie-Ins If You Don’t Want Them
One of the key criticisms in the telecoms industry, highlighted by the BBC’s investigation, is around long-term contracts that are hard to exit.
Forest offers flexible contract terms, including short-term agreements and the ability to scale up or down as your business changes. There are no sneaky auto-renewals or exit penalties buried in small print.
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for HiHi, There’s a Better Way
Choosing the right phone system is about more than just hardware. It’s about service, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and whether your provider truly puts your business first.
Forest Call Switch ticks all those boxes, and more. With competitive pricing, powerful features, and transparent service, it’s the clear choice for any UK business looking for a HiHi alternative they can trust.
As the telecoms landscape shifts and the ISDN switch-off looms, there’s never been a better time to review your current setup. And with Forest, you can do that without pressure, hassle or commitment, just a straightforward conversation about what’s best for your business.
Ready to explore a better business phone system?
Get in touch with Forest Communications for a no-obligation demo or quote today.
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