PRI service had its time, but most businesses have outgrown it. Modern options cost less, scale faster, and support today’s mobile workforces. If your enterprise network design still relies on PRI circuits, now’s the time to take a closer look at your infrastructure and explore better solutions.

Plus, we’ll address simple ways that Meter makes this entire process easier for you.

What is a PRI circuit?

PRI (primary rate interface) circuits use ISDN technology to deliver 23 voice channels and one data channel over a single T1 line. Each channel handles its own call, allowing businesses to manage multiple conversations without interference.

The setup worked well when offices relied on physical desk phones and needed stable connections. Back then, a single PRI line replaced dozens of separate phone lines, cutting down on wiring and simplifying call management.

PRI telecom providers pushed this technology hard throughout the 1990s and early 2000s because it improved call quality and reliability over older analog systems. However, times changed. Communication moved online, and PRI couldn’t keep up. Fixed lines that once solved business problems now limit growth and flexibility.

For a more in-depth look at PRI, check out our article on "What is PRI? A 2025 guide to ​primary rate interface."

PRI service limitations in modern business networks

Office communication looks nothing like it did 20 years ago. Teams work remotely, collaboration happens across apps, and businesses expect tools that scale fast.

PRI service was built for a different era. Holding onto it limits growth, increases costs, and creates unnecessary technical headaches.

Physical wiring limits flexibility

PRI depends on copper wiring and bulky on-site equipment like PBXs. Expanding capacity means running more circuits through walls and racks. Scaling isn’t just expensive—it’s slow.

Channel limits waste money

PRI locks businesses into fixed channel bundles. Paying for 23 channels is required even if only five stay active most of the time. Need 30? That triggers a full second circuit, adding costs for capacity you might barely use.

No real support for remote or hybrid work

Legacy PRI telecommunications systems force teams to stay tied to office desks or deal with clunky call-forwarding setups. Native mobile or desktop app support doesn’t exist, making remote collaboration harder than it should be.

Providers are walking away from PRI

Telecom carriers no longer invest in aging PRI infrastructure. Many are phasing it out entirely. Over time, expect rising costs, fewer support options, and limited service availability for businesses still using it.

What does that mean for your business when you need a new alternative? In the following chart, we’ve lined up 3 other options for you to consider instead of PRI: 

Comparing modern alternatives to PRI

SIP trunking

SIP trunking moves your phone lines online while keeping control of the PBX. It replaces physical circuits with virtual connections over the internet. Businesses often use it to modernize phone systems without a full migration to the cloud.

Here's what makes SIP trunking worth considering:

• Add or remove lines one at a time—no more buying blocks of 23 channels.
• Use your existing internet connection to handle voice traffic, cutting down on wiring projects.
• Lower monthly service costs compared to PRI, especially for growing teams.
• Extend the life of current PBX systems while adding modern features like caller ID and call routing.

Where SIP trunking falls short:

• Managing an on-premises or virtual PBX still takes internal resources.
• Voice quality depends on strong, well-managed internet connections.
• Setup and maintenance often require experienced IT staff.

SIP is a smart middle ground for businesses not ready to fully embrace cloud calling. It improves cost efficiency and scalability without disrupting established workflows.

Cloud-based VoIP

Cloud VoIP shifts all call management online, often through conference call bridges. Calls route through a cloud provider, and teams connect using IP desk phones, softphones, or mobile apps. No PBX hardware or dedicated circuits required.

What cloud VoIP brings to the table:

• Setup is fast and doesn’t require bulky on-site systems.
• Team members can make and receive calls from anywhere using business numbers.
• Features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and usage analytics come standard.
• Subscription pricing keeps costs predictable and often lower than legacy systems.

What to watch out for with cloud VoIP:

• Businesses lose some control over system customization.
• Call quality depends entirely on internet stability.
• Advanced integrations or call handling rules may be limited by the provider.

Cloud VoIP fits best for growing businesses and remote-first teams. Many providers also offer redundancy options to minimize downtime if internet outages occur.

UCaaS

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) goes beyond calls. It combines phone, video conferencing, team messaging, and collaboration tools into one platform. Everything runs in the cloud, supporting modern workflows across devices and locations.

Why UCaaS leads for distributed teams:

• Centralizes all business communication tools in a single platform.
• Supports remote and hybrid teams with dedicated apps for mobile and desktop.
• Grows easily with team size, no complex upgrades required.
• Integrates with CRMs, productivity tools, and helpdesk platforms to streamline workflows.

When UCaaS might not be the right fit:

• Small teams with simple needs may find the additional features unnecessary.
• Relying on a single vendor adds some operational risk.
• Teams may need time to adjust and learn the new platform.

UCaaS makes the most sense for businesses managing distributed teams or looking to consolidate fragmented communication systems. It reduces app sprawl while improving productivity and collaboration.

However, the costs of these systems are often the final determining factor, so this chart illustrates the price ranges of PRI systems vs. the alternatives:

Cost comparison: PRI vs. SIP vs. VoIP vs. UCaaS

How to secure IP-based telephony

Modern voice systems rely on the same networks that handle sensitive business data. Without the right protections, calls can be intercepted, accounts compromised, or services disrupted. Security for IP-based telephony isn’t optional—it’s a core part of protecting both internal operations and customer trust.

Why IP-based phone systems need stronger security

Unlike traditional phone lines, VoIP and other IP-based systems use public and private networks to send call data. That makes them more exposed to risks like:

• Eavesdropping
• Toll fraud
• Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
• Credential theft

Hackers often target poorly secured voice systems because they’re easier to exploit than heavily guarded data centers.

Phone systems also tie directly into customer service, sales, and support teams. A breach doesn’t just threaten call quality—it risks direct financial loss and reputational damage.

Best practices for securing modern phone systems

Securing IP-based phone systems doesn’t have to be complicated, but it must be intentional. A few key safeguards will block most common threats and keep calls private and reliable.

Encrypt all voice traffic

Hackers can easily listen to unencrypted calls. Simple tools are all they need. Protect your calls using Transport Layer Security (TLS) for call setup and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) for the calls themselves.

Turn on encryption by default for all devices. Make sure it’s active on mobile apps and desktop softphones too.

Use firewalls and session border controllers (SBCs)

Standard firewalls don’t fully protect voice traffic. Specialized tools like Session Border Controllers (SBCs) manage VoIP traffic and keep it safe.

SBCs block suspicious traffic, enforce call rules, and prevent common attacks like SIP floods or DoS attacks. They also hide internal systems from the public internet and help manage IP addresses.

Require multi-factor authentication for admin accounts

Hackers target admin accounts to take control of phone systems. If they get in, they can steal calls, change settings, or make expensive international calls on your account.

Protect these accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA). Even if a password is stolen, accounts stay locked without the second verification step.

Separate voice traffic from business data

Mixing voice and business data on the same network increases risks. Hackers can move between systems more easily and disrupt both.

To stop this, set up a separate Virtual LAN (VLAN) for voice traffic. This precaution keeps calls safe and improves quality by giving voice data its own space on the network.

Plan for outages with redundancy and failover

Outages happen, but a good plan keeps phones working. Ask your provider about automatic failover options. Calls can switch to backup internet or mobile devices when problems occur.

Also, review service agreements for uptime guarantees. Test failover systems often to make sure they work when needed.

Steps to transition from PRI service

Moving away from PRI service doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Breaking the process into clear, simple steps makes it easier to manage and reduces the risk of disruption.

1. Audit your current phone system

Start by understanding what’s already in place. Create a full inventory of devices, lines, and services tied to your PRI phone system:

• Count how many channels stay active during peak hours.
• Identify all connected devices, including phones, fax machines, credit card terminals, and alarm systems.
• Review call patterns. Are most calls internal, local, or long-distance?
• Check costs for each circuit and maintenance agreement.

Also, look for problem areas. Are teams asking for mobile access? Are you paying for more capacity than you use? Finding these gaps helps build a stronger case for change.

2. Define your current and future communication needs

Think about how your teams communicate today and how that might change in the next 3 to 5 years:

• Do you want to keep using on-site equipment like PBXs, or move everything to the cloud?
• Are employees working remotely or from multiple offices?
• Would built-in tools like video calls, messaging, or call analytics improve productivity?

Write down must-have features, nice-to-haves, and future needs. Solutions like SIP trunking, cloud VoIP, and UCaaS offer different levels of control, features, and scalability. Knowing what matters most makes it easier to choose the right path.

3. Compare options side by side

Each modern solution solves different problems. Take time to compare them carefully:

• SIP trunking keeps you in control of your PBX but lowers monthly costs and adds flexibility.
• Cloud VoIP removes the need for PBX hardware and simplifies remote access.
• UCaaS replaces separate tools with an all-in-one platform that handles calls, video, messaging, and team collaboration.

Compare solutions based on cost, available features, ease of use, support options, and future scalability. Also, review how each solution handles remote work and integrates with the tools you already use.

4. Create a detailed migration plan

Good planning prevents surprises. Build a clear timeline for switching systems and outline each task involved:

• Select a provider early and involve them in planning.
• Review the process for porting existing phone numbers to the new system.
• Identify any new hardware or software needed and schedule installation.
• Plan the migration in phases if possible. Test in small groups before a full rollout.

Confirm that business-critical systems like alarm lines or fax services have a plan in place. These might need adapters or alternative solutions.

5. Communicate changes early and clearly

Employees need to know what’s changing and when. Share the benefits of the new system and explain how it will make their jobs easier:

• Send out clear instructions on how to use new apps or devices.
• Provide short training sessions or quick-start guides.
• Set up a dedicated support channel to help with questions during the rollout.

Early communication reduces frustration and keeps teams productive during the transition.

6. Test the system before going live

Follow these steps to test everything before fully switching over:

• Make test calls to check audio quality and connection reliability.
• Try call forwarding, voicemail, and routing features to confirm they work as expected.
• Simulate an outage or failover scenario to make sure backup systems kick in properly.

Ask a small group of users to try the system first and share feedback. Fix any issues before the final cutover.

7. Review and optimize after deployment

Once the new system is live, continue to monitor its performance by:

• Tracking call quality, dropped calls, and user satisfaction.
• Reviewing analytics to see how features like call routing and mobile access are being used.
• Adjusting configurations to improve call flows or add new features as needed.

A successful transition doesn’t end with deployment. Ongoing monitoring helps get the most value from your new solution and keeps it pushing over time.

Change management tips for a smooth migration

Moving from PRI service to a modern system affects more than just technology. People are at the center of this change, and handling it well makes all the difference. Let teams know what’s changing and why it matters. When people understand the reasons behind the switch, they’re more likely to support it.

Focus on how the new system will improve daily work. Show how it makes remote collaboration easier, reduces frustrating downtime, and simplifies calling from anywhere.

Once teams understand the benefits, provide the tools they need to adjust. Offer short, hands-on training sessions to walk through new apps or devices before the official rollout.

Keep support easy to reach during the transition. Make sure everyone knows where to go for help if problems come up. Quick answers and reliable assistance go a long way in reducing frustration and keeping teams productive while things settle into place.

Provider selection criteria

Picking the right provider is just as important as choosing the right technology. A poor fit can lead to hidden costs, weak support, and systems that can’t keep up as your business grows. Taking time to evaluate vendors carefully helps avoid long-term stress.

Review Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

SLAs should clearly define uptime guarantees and outline how quickly support teams respond to issues. A strong SLA gives you confidence that services will stay available and problems won’t linger unresolved.

Check for scalability

A good provider supports your business today and makes it easy to add new users or features as your needs grow. Ask how quickly they can add capacity and what limitations you might face if your communication needs expand.

Evaluate security practices

Security must be a top concern. Ask how the provider handles data encryption, where data is stored, and what compliance certifications they meet. Well-established providers will have clear answers and documented security processes.

Confirm customer support availability

Customer support plays a big role during both setup and daily operations. Confirm that live support is available when you need it, not just through chatbots or email tickets. Reliable, real-time help is critical during outages or system failures.

Review pricing transparency

Review the pricing model carefully. Transparent providers explain all costs upfront and avoid hidden fees buried in contracts. Flat-rate options make budgeting easier and prevent surprise expenses later.

Frequently asked questions

Are there scalability limitations with PRI circuits?

Yes, each PRI line supports only 23 voice channels. Scaling requires adding more physical circuits, which adds cost.

In terms of cost and flexibility, how does PRI compare to SIP trunking?

PRI is more expensive and less flexible. SIP trunking lets you add or remove channels easily and pay only for what you use.

What should businesses consider when choosing between PRI and SIP?

Consider hardware investment, IT capacity, remote work support, and whether you want to retain an on-premises PBX.

How secure are PRI circuits compared to IP-based solutions?

PRI offers physical isolation but no encryption. IP solutions can use encryption and access control, but they need proper configuration.

What is the future of PRI in the rapidly evolving telecom industry?

PRI is being phased out by most carriers. It's costly to maintain and not designed for internet-era workflows.

Can I keep my phone numbers if I move off PRI?

Yes, providers will port numbers to VoIP or SIP services during migration.

How long does it take to switch from PRI to VoIP?

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on complexity and porting timelines.

Do I need new hardware for VoIP or UCaaS?

Not always. Many VoIP systems work with existing IP phones or even mobile devices and computers.

What happens if the internet goes down?

VoIP and SIP require a stable connection. Failover systems or backup networks are important for continuity.

Is it possible to test new systems before switching?

Many providers offer trial periods or hybrid deployments to test functionality and fit.

What happens to fax machines or alarm systems?

Fax and alarms may need special adapters or alternatives since VoIP doesn’t support analog signals natively.

How do I get help setting up a new system?

A managed network provider can oversee deployment, testing, and training—avoiding internal IT overload.

Simplify your network management with Meter

PRI no longer meets modern business needs. Holding onto it adds costs and blocks growth.

Meter offers a fully managed network that helps businesses replace legacy PRI service with modern, scalable voice solutions. We handle the installation, hardware, and daily management—all under one subscription.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: Meter-built access points, switches, security appliances, and power distribution units work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed experience: Meter provides proactive user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide an address and floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly subscription fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.