One of the key benefits of Webex Calling is its flexibility, particularly in how your organization connects to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Whether you're migrating from a legacy phone system, expanding into new geographic markets, or just starting fresh with cloud calling, Webex Calling offers multiple PSTN options to match your technical and operational needs.
In this article, we’ll break down each option so that you can decide which path best fits your organization.
Cisco Calling Plans
Best suited for:
Organizations seeking a fully cloud-native experience with minimal setup and on-premises presence.
With Cisco Calling Plans, Cisco acts as your PSTN provider, eliminating the complexity of working with a third-party provider. This option enables the easy provisioning of numbers directly from the Webex Control Hub and is currently available in select regions.
Key Benefits:
Fully managed PSTN service from Cisco.
Streamlined number provisioning and porting.
Built-in emergency services (where supported).
Ideal for quick deployments and greenfield setups.
Environments with standard calling needs and limited IT resources.
Disadvantages:
Not available in all geographic areas.
Lack of carrier flexibility.
May not be the most cost-effective option.
Less control over dial plans resulting in limited routing capabilities.
Cloud Connect for Webex Calling
Best suited for:
Businesses that want the benefits of a cloud-calling solution, with the flexibility of choosing a certified carrier.
The Cloud Connect for Webex Calling model enables you to select from Cisco’s certified Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) providers. These partners offer number provisioning, porting, and regulatory compliance, all integrated through Webex Control Hub.
Key Benefits:
No on-prem equipment required.
Choose from a growing list of certified providers.
Maintain carrier flexibility with cloud simplicity.
Available in many countries.
Disadvantages:
Limited to Cisco-certified PSTN providers.
Inconsistencies with provider capabilities.
Separate contracts and billing for PSTN usage.
Limited feature support in some regions.
Tip: Some Cloud Connect for Webex Calling providers offer Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) capabilities, letting you keep your existing provider while taking advantage of a cloud-based infrastructure.
Local Gateway (LGW)
Best suited for:
Enterprises with existing PSTN contracts or legacy on-premises infrastructure.
Local Gateway allows you to connect Webex Calling to your existing on-premises PSTN lines via a Cisco CUBE (IOS XE router). It’s ideal for hybrid deployments, phased migrations, or highly customized call routing environments.
Key Benefits:
Retain existing telco relationships.
Maintain on-premises control for compliance or call policy requirements.
Integrate with existing on-prem PBX or UC platforms.
Excellent for large campuses or global enterprises with regional voice needs.
Allows for gradual migration from on-premises environments to cloud calling.
Disadvantages:
Requires on-premises infrastructure.
Greater operational complexity.
Redundancy, failover planning, and management is your responsibility.
Separate contracts and billing for PSTN usage.
Non-Cisco SBCs are not supported.
Honorable Mention: Webex Go
Best suited for:
Mobile-first organizations or hybrid workers who rely on smartphones.
Webex Go allows users to place and receive business calls from their mobile phone’s native dialer using an enterprise-grade eSIM. It extends the power of Webex Calling directly to the mobile network.
Key Benefits:
Native mobile dialer integration.
Secure, enterprise-grade mobile calls.
Business number shown on outbound mobile calls.
No app launching required — great for user adoption.
Disadvantages:
Not available in all geographic areas.
Requires eSIM-capable devices.
Limited enterprise controls and features.
Carrier dependencies for call quality and coverage.
Quick Comparison: Webex Calling PSTN Options
Option
Infrastructure Required
PSTN Provider
Control Level
Ideal For
Cisco Calling Plans
None
Cisco
Fully managed
Cloud-first deployments
Cloud Connect for Webex Calling
None
Certified Provider
Shared
Global reach, flexibility
Local Gateway (LGW)
On-prem CUBE
Customer
Full control
Hybrid, legacy, complex setups
Webex Go
Mobile Phone with eSIM
Cisco backend
Managed
Mobile workforce
Gain Flexibility With Webex Calling
Whether you're migrating to the cloud, optimizing costs, or building a hybrid environment, your organization can find a Webex Calling PSTN option that fits your needs. The key is understanding your environment and mapping that to the best-fit architecture.
If you're unsure where to start, Cisco partners and service providers can help assess your current environment and develop a PSTN plan tailored to your business needs.
