Northern Ireland Hosted VoIP Telecoms Reseller Market Guide

Barclay Communications

Overview

Barclay Communications represents how local, Belfast-based providers can differentiate themselves for the NI market. Their approach focuses on deep local knowledge and personalised service rather than scale and brand recognition, designed to meet business needs in ways that larger providers simply cannot match.

With partnerships with industry leaders such as Gamma and iPECS, Barclay Communications offers VoIP for small businesses, featuring both cloud and on-premises deployment options. Users consistently report excellent call quality and reliability.

Barclay Communications operates primarily as a direct service provider, taking a consultative approach that focuses on building direct customer relationships rather than developing extensive channel partnerships.

Key Highlights

Corporate Telecom

Overview

Established in 2004, Corporate Telecom has built its business model around acting as an intermediary between customers and multiple network providers. Positioning themselves as both brokers and resellers, they maintain premium partnerships with major UK networks including Northern Ireland.

Offering BT Cloud Voice for their VoIP solution, customers can gain the same benefits as direct BT services. Their infrastructure approach is built around leveraging partnerships rather than ownership, focusing resources on customer service and technical expertise.

Their commercial model is built around long-term customer relationships rather than transactional sales, helping customers avoid vendor lock-in situations through their ability to recommend the most appropriate solutions regardless of supplier.

Key Highlights

Fibrus

Overview

Fibrus are unique as a regional full-fibre network operator within Northern Ireland. As the primary contractor delivering Project Stratum - a government-subsidised programme connecting approximately 76,000 underserved rural premises - they have played a central role in transforming Northern Ireland’s connectivity landscape.

VoIP Solution: Fibrus’ VoIP service includes voicemail, withhold number, and call diverts (set up via customer service). Priced at around £10 per month, it includes unlimited anytime calls to UK and Ireland fixed line and mobile numbers, plus free number transfer. While feature-light compared to competitors, it is positioned as a simple, cost-effective option for customers.

Infrastructure: Owning and operating their fibre optic network gives Fibrus a unique advantage, especially in rural areas where their network is often the only viable high-speed option. Their footprint spans regions including Down, Antrim, and Fermanagh. Unlike resellers reliant on wholesale access, Fibrus maintains full control over FTTP infrastructure, ensuring direct oversight of quality and expansion into underserved regions where BT/Openreach or Virgin Media lack presence.

Partner Programme: Fibrus runs a wholesale-focused programme centred on Retail Service Provider (RSP) partnerships. Public funding mandates open access for Project Stratum areas, enabling multiple providers to compete on Fibrus’ infrastructure. New wholesale partners benefit from a step-by-step onboarding process with dedicated technical and commercial support. While Fibrus prioritises broadband delivery, partners are positioned to differentiate through hosted VoIP, managed services, and other value-added offerings.

Commercial Considerations: Fibrus’ rural strategy presents both challenges and opportunities. Lower customer density increases acquisition costs, but limited competition in coverage areas supports higher margins and strong customer loyalty. Their wholesale model ensures partners can capture value while Fibrus concentrates on delivering high-quality fibre infrastructure.

Key Highlights

Simplicity Group

Overview

VoIP Solution: Simplicity delivers business VoIP telephony and cloud telephone systems under the Agility brand across Northern Ireland and the wider UK. Their offering includes interactive voice menus, custom on-hold marketing, free on-net calls, number availability, and site-to-site transfers for multi-location businesses. While their feature set is more limited compared to larger players, they position themselves around “a competitive price and a better service than any other provider.”

Infrastructure: Leveraging their partnership with Gamma, Simplicity provides full-fibre broadband via Openreach, hosted telephony, and SIP-based voice solutions. This model enables them to focus on service quality and customer support rather than managing their own infrastructure.

Partner Programme: As a platinum partner and value-added reseller for Gamma, Simplicity layers their own services on top - setup, support, and customisation. Their solutions are designed to support multi-site businesses with free on-net calls, site-to-site transfers, and comprehensive hosted voice features. This single-provider approach appeals to organisations seeking streamlined, integrated service delivery.

Commercial Considerations: By specialising in cloud telephony and value-added services, Simplicity differentiates through expertise and regional focus rather than price competition. Their bespoke, tailored approach attracts businesses seeking premium cloud voice solutions and high-touch service, even at a higher cost.

Key Highlights

Yellowcom

Overview

Yellowcom is a regional service provider focusing on direct service delivery throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and parts of Scotland. They operate from bases in Belfast, Glasgow and Dublin, with over 15 years of experience supporting businesses with tailored communication solutions.

Yellowcom's business phone systems include cloud-based VoIP, on-premise PBX and hybrid solutions offering call analytics, remote work facilitation, call diversion to mobiles, and business-grade security, all supported by local experts.

Their commercial model emphasises tailored, cost-effective telecoms solutions with a focus on local expertise and personalised service, though they don't offer a reseller or partner programme, focusing on direct service delivery to end customers.

Key Highlights

BT

Overview

Arguably the most recognisable brand name in this list, BT’s key advantage lies in its infrastructure scale. For many businesses, BT represents the safe choice, a provider with the resources and track record to support even the most demanding requirements. Their approach combines the reliability and coverage that comes from infrastructure ownership, therefore selling reliable connectivity through both fixed and mobile lines.

VoIP Solution: BT offers Cloud Voice and Cloud Voice Express, providing hosted VoIP that integrates with CRM systems and third-party applications. Features include automated call redirects, real-time caller information, virtual receptionist, and customisable business hours - improving call management and customer interactions. Deployment is straightforward, competitively priced, and available for both SMEs and large enterprises.

Infrastructure: BT Wholesale Hosted Communications (WHC) underpins much of Northern Ireland’s VoIP market, often resold under partner brands. With Openreach managing fixed-line infrastructure, BT retains an edge in service quality, troubleshooting, and cost control. Connectivity options include SoADSL, SOGEA, FTTP, Ethernet, SIP trunking, and hosted VoIP. EE’s 4G and 5G mobile network further extends reach with 72 upgraded sites supporting widespread coverage.

Partner Programme: BT Wholesale’s partner programme offers multi-tier reseller options, including full white-labelling for resellers to maintain their brand identity. The Partner Plus Online Hub provides quoting tools, provisioning systems, APIs, and access to the BT Training Academy, webinars, and pre-sales expertise. Elite partners also receive dedicated account management.

Commercial Considerations: As a premium provider, direct entry into Partner Plus requires significant commitments, including a £250,000 annual spend and multi-year terms - suited to larger resellers. Smaller resellers typically access BT through wholesale aggregators, lowering entry barriers while enabling growth. Revenue sharing is structured via a points-based commission system, with higher tiers rewarding increased volumes and supporting long-term recurring revenue streams.

Key Highlights

Daisy Communications

Overview

Daisy Communications are a major aggregator through their Digital Wholesale Solutions (DWS) division, providing resellers with access to enterprise-grade telecoms and IT services through a flexible wholesale model.

VoIP Solution: In partnership with Gamma, Daisy offers a fully cloud-based VoIP solution that delivers cost-effective telephony with features such as call forwarding, call handling, remote office capability, and admin portals. Optional extras - including call recording, CRM integrations, video calling, presence monitoring, and webchat - may incur additional charges.

Infrastructure: Daisy leverages tier 1 carrier partnerships with BT and TalkTalk for fixed connectivity, while also offering business mobile plans through O2 and Vodafone. Their service portfolio includes broadband across SoADSL, SOGEA, and FTTP technologies, enabling resellers to meet diverse business needs. Enterprise-grade connectivity is supported through Ethernet leased lines, hosted VoIP systems, and SIP trunks.

Partner Programme: Daisy’s low barriers to entry make them particularly attractive to SME-focused resellers needing access to enterprise-grade services without the capital or volume commitments of direct carrier relationships. Their programme also supports larger resellers with full white-label capabilities, enabling customer ownership and brand recognition without infrastructure investment.

Commercial Considerations: Daisy’s aggregator model is significantly more accessible than direct carrier programmes, avoiding large upfront commitments or multi-year contracts. This makes it ideal for startups and smaller Northern Ireland companies expanding their service offerings. The trade-off is tighter margins compared to direct relationships, requiring partners to differentiate through service quality and customer relationships rather than pricing alone.

Key Highlights

Gamma Telecom

Overview

Gamma Telecom operates as the UK market leader in cloud voice and as the top SIP trunk provider by volume. Their advanced cloud-based voice platforms, including the Gamma Horizon hosted PBX system, make them a leading choice for resellers seeking enterprise-grade VoIP solutions.

VoIP Solution: Gamma’s cloud-hosted VoIP services deliver cost-effective telephony with features such as call forwarding, call handling, remote office capability, admin portals, and business system integrations. Deployment is simple, with a strong emphasis on user experience, call quality, security, and flexibility across hardware and softphone options.

Infrastructure: While Gamma does not own last-mile fibre, they wholesale Openreach lines for broadband and Ethernet, investing instead in the voice and communications layer. Their Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services provide business mobile SIMs that integrate with voice platforms, enabling partners to deliver complete communications packages.

Partner Programme: Gamma’s 100% channel-focused model offers flexibility for different reseller types. Smaller partners benefit from a commission-based model where Gamma manages provisioning, billing, and support - allowing resellers to focus on sales and relationships. Larger MSPs and service providers can access white-label models with higher margins and increased operational responsibility. Support includes dedicated account managers and co-branded marketing resources to strengthen competitiveness.

Commercial Considerations: Gamma’s entry terms are relatively accessible, with standard 3-year wholesale agreements providing predictability without excessive commitments. Volume incentives reward growth and loyalty, supporting business development. However, Gamma’s wide market availability means competition among partners is high, making differentiation through service quality and customer care critical to success.

Key Highlights

Plusnet

Overview

VoIP Solution: Plusnet does not currently offer its own VoIP solution. However, digital voice is available with a Plusnet router, and third-party VoIP providers are compatible, allowing customers who use Plusnet broadband to access digital phone services through external providers.

Infrastructure: Operating as a value-focused provider, Plusnet leverages BT and Openreach infrastructure. Their fibre broadband services, with speeds up to 76 Mbps, are designed for SMEs seeking cost-effective solutions without premium pricing.

Partner Programme: Plusnet supports bulk purchasing arrangements for both internal consumption and onward resale. Their partner programme includes a dedicated portal and helpdesk, providing self-service tools that reduce operational overhead. Features such as self-service billing and autonomy over end-user support allow partners to maintain direct customer relationships while lowering reliance on Plusnet’s support resources.

Commercial Considerations: With entry-level fibre packages starting at £27.50, Plusnet appeals strongly to price-sensitive customers and resellers targeting the value segment. However, lacking the brand prestige or infrastructure independence of providers like BT or Virgin Media, Plusnet typically competes on price rather than premium features - limiting its appeal to high-end customers or those with complex requirements.

Key Highlights

Sky Wholesale

Overview

Infrastructure: Sky Wholesale leverages Openreach's last-mile network alongside Sky’s own backhaul to deliver SOGEA, FTTP, Ethernet leased lines, and SIP-based voice services. Their position within the broader Sky organisation provides both strong brand recognition and technical capabilities valued by resellers. Sky Ethernet 1 Gbps services, delivered through partnerships such as SSE/Neos, offer high-speed connectivity for demanding business applications.

Partner Programme: Sky Wholesale runs programmes on both referral and agency models, making their services accessible to resellers with varied business models. Particularly suited to mid-sized resellers in Northern Ireland, the programme balances access to national provider capabilities with lower commitment requirements than larger programmes. Support includes dedicated account managers, service management portals, training resources, co-branded marketing, and regular webinars and roadshows.

Commercial Considerations: Volume commitments are moderate - more accessible than BT but higher than smaller aggregators - making Sky Wholesale a fit for established resellers that can commit to meaningful volumes without excessive risk. Additionally, value-added reselling opportunities exist, such as bundling broadband with TV content for hospitality venues, offering genuine customer value while boosting profitability.

Key Highlights

Starlink

Overview

For Northern Ireland, with its challenging rural geography, Starlink provides connectivity options that aren’t easily possible or readily available with traditional terrestrial infrastructure.

Infrastructure: Starlink’s satellite broadband delivers high-speed internet (over 100 Mbps) across even the most remote or underserved areas of Northern Ireland. This is especially valuable for the nearly 2,000 premises that cannot access 10 Mbps via landline connections, such as isolated farms, mountain homes, or small islands.

Partner Programme: Starlink does not operate a traditional public reseller or commission-based partner programme. However, telecoms dealers can act as unofficial resellers by purchasing kits and services on behalf of clients. Many add value by bundling installation, offering IT support, or charging setup and managed service fees, creating opportunities for localised service differentiation.

Commercial Considerations: Starlink delivers unique value for hard-to-reach customers and enables resellers to differentiate by providing connectivity where no alternatives exist. The ability to claim “no site is unreachable” is particularly attractive in rural markets, serving agriculture, tourism, and remote communities.

Key Highlights

Talktalk Business

Overview

Following their merger with Virtual1 to form Platform X (PXC), TalkTalk Business has become the UK's largest independent wholesale platform, offering scalable connectivity and voice services.

VoIP Solution: Partnering with Mitel and Zoom, TalkTalk Business delivers UCaaS solutions backed by their connectivity services (leased lines, cellular data, and voice). Customers benefit from unified services including voice lines, email, video calling, document storage, secure AI integrations, instant messaging, and more - all via a single supplier. This is supported by a dedicated team, an industry-leading 4-hour fix SLA, and budget-friendly implementation.

Infrastructure: TalkTalk combines broadband and voice services delivered mainly through Openreach (SoADSL/SOTAP, SOGEA, FTTP, and Ethernet leased lines) with their own Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) footprint. They have also trialled independent fibre builds, showcasing a willingness to invest in infrastructure beyond wholesale arrangements.

Partner Programme: The PXC partner programme supports businesses of all sizes with scalable solutions. A standout feature is their award-winning Partner Portal, which provides real-time quoting, ordering, and provisioning through a single interface. This enables partners to handle complex multi-service orders without juggling multiple supplier systems. Support includes training, white-label options, and dedicated account managers for qualifying partners. With ~800 partners, the programme represents one of the UK’s largest channel ecosystems.

Commercial Considerations: TalkTalk Business balances strong brand recognition with low entry barriers and competitive pricing, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to BT or Virgin Media. Without large fixed spend commitments, partners can enter the programme easily and benefit from volume-based discounts as their business scales.

Key Highlights

Virgin Media

Overview

VoIP Solution: Virgin Media Business offers hosted voice through its Cloud Voice portfolio and, for SMEs, the Voom Voice service bundled with cable broadband. Features include multi-site dialling, unlimited internal calls, call diversion, hunt groups, voicemail-to-email, and conferencing. Teams Direct Routing integrates voice into Microsoft Teams, while legacy support covers ISDN30 and traditional line rental. Voom Voice focuses on ease-of-use with plug-and-play IP phones and online user management.

Infrastructure: Virgin Media operates a proprietary cable and fibre network using DOCSIS 3.1 and fibre, delivering gigabit broadband (1 - 2 Gbps). Ethernet leased lines provide enterprise connectivity, and Openreach integration plus O2 mobile partnerships enable a full suite of communications solutions.

Partner Programme: Virgin Media runs a three-tier channel programme (Approved, Gold, Platinum) based on sales volume. Benefits include partner success teams, dedicated account managers for higher tiers, pre-sales support, certification, and a 24/7 partner support desk. White-label options, custom billing, and co-branded marketing allow partners to maintain brand identity while leveraging Virgin Media infrastructure.

Commercial Considerations: Virgin Media’s UltimateFlex pricing offers no installation fees and month-to-month cancellations on some services, appealing to businesses seeking flexibility. Multi-service bundling of mobile, broadband, and hosted voice allows partners to create convenient packages for customers while improving margins.

Key Highlights

Vodafone

Overview

Well-known for mobile network capabilities, Vodafone provides 4G/5G coverage, offering rural Northern Ireland more connectivity opportunities. Their OneNet cloud platform combines mobile and VoIP services, appealing to businesses adopting mobile-first communication strategies.

VoIP Solution: Vodafone’s hosted VoIP integrates landline and mobile communications, enabling multi-site businesses to handle calls as one virtual office. Features include hunt groups, auto attendant, and management through a single cloud platform, accessible via desk phones, mobiles, tablets, or computers. Flat-rate monthly fees with unlimited internal calls and reduced divert charges offer potential cost savings.

Infrastructure: Vodafone delivers 4G/5G coverage through their mobile network and O2 joint infrastructure, and also resells Openreach fibre. The OneNet platform provides unified communications combining mobile and VoIP services in cloud-based solutions.

Partner Programme: Vodafone’s accredited partner programme operates across Approved, Specialist, Advanced, and Total Communications Partner tiers. Each tier provides progressively more support, training, and commercial benefits, including co-selling, brand leverage, and technical guidance.

Commercial Considerations: Vodafone is well-suited to resellers targeting multi-site businesses, IoT deployments, or mobile-first clients. Smaller resellers may face limited direct support unless they achieve higher-tier status in the partner programme.

Key Highlights

Zen Internet

Overview

Zen Internet is an independent ISP delivering broadband and Ethernet services across Northern Ireland via the Openreach network.

VoIP Solution: Zen offers Business Digital Voice and CloudComms. Digital Voice is a cost-effective single-line VoIP starting at £5/month (1,000 UK minutes) with options for unlimited minutes from £12.50/month, supporting calling, voicemail, call waiting, diversion, barring, number porting, and mobile integration via the FRITZ! App. CloudComms is an enterprise-grade omnichannel solution powered by Cisco BroadWorks, integrating voice, video, messaging, and email with Cisco Webex calling. Both offerings provide multi-user management, call forwarding, hunt groups, voicemail-to-email, and admin portals.

Infrastructure: Zen delivers SOGEA, FTTP, and Ethernet leased lines up to 10 Gbps. Additional services include cloud hosting, IaaS, backup, and disaster recovery. Their upcoming "Fibre Hub" platform (2025) will enable resellers to access multiple fibre networks through a single interface.

Partner Programme: Zen’s channel partner programme is recognised for its personalised support, offering training, co-marketing, white-label reselling, and managed wholesale arrangements including Layer 2 interconnects.

Commercial Considerations: With no large minimum spend or telecoms licensing requirements, Zen’s programme is highly accessible, ideal for new entrants or IT service providers expanding into connectivity services.

Key Highlights