DE
VOIP Systems Consultant

VoIP System
Restoration & Migration

Has your FreePBX system failed? You're facing a critical decision: rebuild on the same complex platform, or migrate to a modern, commercially-supported solution.

Complete Migration

UGX 2,100,000

License + Consultancy (4-6 hours)

3CX PRO License
Full Setup & Migration
Grandstream Integration

Ongoing support: UGX 400,000/year

Full pricing details

The "Free" Myth

FreePBX is "free as in puppy" - zero upfront cost, but high ongoing maintenance, security patching, and technical debt.

Consultant

David Emiru Egwell

Recommendation

3CX Professional

For Teams

10-500+ Users

Strategic Analysis

Why I Recommend 3CX Over Rebuilding FreePBX

Before detailing the technical scope, it's important to understand why I recommend moving away from FreePBX for most business environments.

At a Glance: Key Differences

Feature
3CX
3CX
F
FreePBX
Licensing ModelAnnual (by simultaneous calls)Free (paid modules)
Setup & MaintenanceLow: Automated updatesHigh: Manual Linux CLI
Mobile AppNative & Excellent3rd-party apps
SecurityAutomated IP blacklistManual Fail2Ban setup
ReliabilityVendor-supportedAdmin-dependent

The "Free" Myth

Total Cost of Ownership

FreePBX is "free as in puppy, not free as in beer." There is no upfront software cost, but there is a very real cost in ongoing maintenance.

Hidden costs of "free" FreePBX:

  • Regular Linux security patches (manual)
  • Asterisk version upgrades (complex)
  • Module compatibility issues
  • Security hardening (Fail2Ban, firewall)
  • No vendor support
  • Higher risk of system failure

3CX: Complete Package

What's included

For a modest annual fee, 3CX provides a "complete package" that is significantly more stable, secure, and user-friendly.

Included with 3CX Professional:

  • Automatic security updates
  • Native iOS/Android apps
  • Video conferencing (250 participants)
  • Live chat & WhatsApp integration
  • Global IP blacklist protection
  • Vendor support and documentation
Scope of Work

Complete Migration Service

Full restoration of telephony services, Grandstream handset integration, and MTN VoIP connectivity.

Server Deployment

3CX installation on dedicated virtual server

  • Provision hosting environment
  • Install 3CX Professional Edition
  • Configure firewall rules
  • Set up automatic backups
SIP Trunk Configuration

Re-establish MTN VoIP connectivity

  • Configure MTN SIP trunk
  • Set up routing rules
  • Configure DID assignments
  • Test call quality
Phone Integration

Provision your Grandstream handsets

  • Factory reset all phones
  • Configure auto-provisioning
  • Set up BLF keys
  • Program speed dials
Extension Setup

Configure all user extensions

  • Create 17 user extensions
  • Set up voicemail boxes
  • Configure ring groups
  • Set up IVR menus
Security Hardening

Enterprise-grade protection

  • Enable global IP blacklist
  • Configure anti-hacking
  • Set up TLS encryption
  • Implement strong passwords
Training & Handover

Ensure your team is confident

  • Administrator training
  • End-user training
  • Mobile app setup
  • Documentation handover

Hardware Compatibility

Your Existing Equipment

  • Grandstream IP Phones - Fully supported
  • Existing network - No changes needed
  • MTN VoIP trunk - Reconfigured for 3CX

No Additional Hardware

Your Grandstream handsets are certified for 3CX and will be auto-provisioned. All phone numbers retained. The migration preserves your hardware investment.

Project Timeline

Estimated 4-6 Working Hours

A streamlined approach ensures minimal disruption to your operations. I work efficiently to restore your telephony services while ensuring everything is configured correctly.

Phase 1
30-45 min

Assessment & Planning

  • Audit current system state and documentation
  • Gather MTN SIP trunk credentials
  • Inventory all Grandstream phone models
  • Plan extension numbering and call flow
Phase 2
30-45 min

Server Deployment

  • Deploy 3CX on hosting environment
  • Configure network and security settings
  • Apply 3CX Professional license
  • Set up backup procedures
Phase 3
1-2 hrs

Configuration

  • Configure MTN SIP trunk
  • Create all 17 extensions
  • Set up IVR, ring groups, and queues
  • Configure voicemail and call recording
Phase 4
1-2 hrs

Phone Provisioning

  • Factory reset Grandstream phones
  • Configure auto-provisioning
  • Test each extension
  • Set up BLF and speed dials
Phase 5
30-45 min

Testing & Go-Live

  • End-to-end call testing
  • Mobile app configuration
  • User training session
  • Documentation handover

4-6

Working Hours

17

Extensions Configured

Zero

Number Changes Required

The Technology

World-Class VOIP Platforms

I specialize in two industry-leading platforms. Each has unique strengths - my role is to help you choose the right solution.

3CX

3CX Phone System

350,000+ organizations worldwide

3CX is a software-based PBX that delivers enterprise communications at a fraction of the cost. From SMB to enterprise call centers, 3CX scales seamlessly.

Windows / Linux / CloudUp to 1024 CallsFree for 10 Users
Unified Communications
Voice, video, chat in one platform.
Video Conferencing
Up to 250 participants with recording.
Live Chat & WhatsApp
Multi-channel messaging.
Web Client
Browser-based, no install needed.
Mobile Apps
iOS/Android with push notifications.
Call Center
Queues, wallboards, SLA monitoring.
AI Analytics
Transcription and sentiment analysis.
Flexible Hosting
Self-hosted or 3CX cloud.
Comparison

3CX vs FreePBX

Both platforms are excellent - the right choice depends on your priorities.

Feature
3CX
3CX
F
FreePBX
Per-User Licensing
No (by calls)
No (unlimited)
Web Management
Mobile Apps
Included
3rd-party
Video Conferencing
Built-in
Module
Live Chat
Built-in
N/A
WhatsApp
Built-in
N/A
Cloud Hosting
Available
Self-host
Customization
Moderate
Complete
SIP Flexibility
Certified
Any provider
Setup Complexity
Easy
Advanced

3CX
Choose 3CX If...

  • Built-in video conferencing
  • Live chat & WhatsApp integration
  • Polished mobile apps
  • Quick setup, minimal overhead
  • Managed hosting option

F
Choose FreePBX If...

  • Maximum customization
  • No recurring license fees
  • Any SIP trunk provider
  • Custom Asterisk integrations
  • Complete vendor independence
Investment

Clear, Transparent Pricing

Complete cost breakdown for your 17-user team migration from FreePBX to 3CX.

3CX Logo
Recommended Package
3CX PRO (8 Simultaneous Calls)
Perfect for your 17-user team. Most offices have 20-30% of staff on calls at any time.

3CX PRO License

UGX 1,300,000

per year

Consultancy Fee

UGX 800,000

one-time

Total Investment

UGX 2,100,000

first year

What's Included in Consultancy
  • System assessment & planning
  • 3CX server deployment
  • SIP trunk configuration (MTN VoIP)
  • Grandstream phone provisioning
  • IVR & call queue setup
  • Staff training session
  • 30-day post-migration support
3CX PRO Features
  • Web client, desktop & mobile apps
  • Video conferencing (up to 100 participants)
  • Call recording
  • CRM integration (Salesforce, HubSpot)
  • Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace sync
  • Advanced call queues & routing
  • Call flow designer

Ongoing Support (Optional)

System monitoring, security updates, config changes, priority WhatsApp support.

UGX 400,000

per year

Ready to Get Started?

Contact me for a free consultation. I'll assess your needs and provide a detailed proposal.

WhatsApp: +256 761 607 500
Get in Touch

Ready to Restore Your Phone System?

Whether your FreePBX has failed or you're planning a migration to 3CX, I'm here to help. Reach out for a free initial consultation.

WhatsApp (Preferred)

+256 761 607 500

Service Area

Uganda & East Africa

Response Time

Within a few hours

Message Me on WhatsApp

What to Expect

1

Free Consultation

We'll discuss your current situation, requirements, and I'll give you an honest assessment of your options.

2

Detailed Proposal

You'll receive a written proposal with exact scope, timeline, and pricing - no hidden fees or surprises.

3

Quick Turnaround

Once approved, most migrations are completed within 6-9 working days with minimal disruption to your team.

When messaging: Include your organization name, approximate number of extensions, and briefly describe what happened to your current system.