Do You Need an IT Company to Set Up Your Phones? Probably Not.

If your business is switching to a VOIP phone system (phone calls made over your internet connection, instead of the copper phone line) and you are not sure whether you need to hire an IT company to set it up or whether your provider handles it for you, this assessment gives you an honest answer. Most businesses under 20 staff do not need an IT company. Answer five questions about your setup and we will tell you exactly where you sit.

Not sure whether you need professional IT help for your phone setup, or what your provider handles vs. what you need to manage yourself? Tell us your team size and what system you are switching from.

Ask us directly →
1 How many staff will use the phone system?
2 How many office locations do you have?
3 Do you need your phone system to connect to any other software?
4 Are you replacing an existing PBX system? (a physical box in your office that manages calls)
5 Do you need any of these? (tick all that apply)
6 How comfortable is the person setting this up with technology?

Your result is based on the complexity factors most commonly associated with needing IT support. If your result says you can self-serve but something about your setup feels complicated, tell us the specifics and we will give you a direct answer →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do IT companies charge to set up VOIP?

In Australia, expect $1,000-3,000 for a simple 5-15 user setup, $3,000-8,000 for complex setups with CRM integration or multi-site, and $200-500/month for ongoing managed services. For simple setups, your provider includes this at no charge.

What does ongoing IT support for my phone system actually include?

Typically: initial setup, ongoing configuration changes (adding/removing users, changing call routing), monitoring, firmware updates, and first-line support. For most small businesses under 20 staff, your phone company's included support covers all of this.

Can my existing IT company manage our phone system?

Yes. If you already have an IT partner, most cloud phone systems give them admin access to manage your system. This is often the most cost-effective approach for businesses with 20 or more staff.

What if I start without an IT company and realise I need one later?

No problem. You can bring in an IT company at any stage. The provider's system is already set up and running, the IT company just gets admin access to manage it going forward.

Why do IT companies recommend against DIY setup?

Because setup fees are how many earn initial revenue. For genuinely complex setups (50+ users, CRM integrations, compliance requirements), they add real value. For a 5-person office on a cloud phone system, the provider handles everything the IT company would charge for.

Australian VOIP Setup Cost Reference (2026)
  • IT company one-off setup (5-15 users, simple): $1,000-3,000 AUD
  • IT company one-off setup (15-50 users, complex / CRM integration): $3,000-8,000 AUD
  • Managed services ongoing: $200-500/month AUD (typically $15-30/user)
  • Cloud phone system provider-included onboarding: $0 (standard with most providers)
  • Provider onboarding typically includes: account setup, handset provisioning, number porting, basic training
  • Provider onboarding typically excludes: CRM integration, multi-site networking, compliance configuration
  • Threshold where IT company adds clear value: 30+ staff, CRM/helpdesk integration, multi-site, compliance recording