“Our staff were able to make calls straight away after the switchover.”
Since the ISDN network was switched off, the Evangelical Reformed Church Administration of Basel-Stadt has been using the 3CX virtual telephone system with peoplefone as its VoIP provider, on the recommendation of its IT partner Dexion Services AG. Alexander Kohler, the church administrator responsible, was convinced by this solution from day one and, five years on, has nothing but positive things to say about it.
How long have you been using peoplefone as your provider at the Evangelical Reformed Church Administration of Basel-Stadt?
We have been using the peoplefone solution since 2018. We had already begun the transition back in 2017, when it became clear that analogue telephony was coming to an end. Against this backdrop, we obtained various quotes from VoIP providers and ultimately chose peoplefone.
What were the main reasons for switching to peoplefone?
The main reason for the switch was the phasing out of ISDN telephony. Our IT provider, Dexion Services AG, recommended a virtual telephone system in combination with a VoIP provider. We ultimately chose 3CX and peoplefone, which enabled us to save around a third compared to the old solution. The implementation and installation were also very cost-effective. On top of that, we’re very happy with the quality of the new solution.
What was the deciding factor in choosing the 3CX virtual telephone system?
We had examined the pros and cons of analogue and virtual telephone systems in detail with Dexion Services AG and identified three arguments in favour of 3CX: the cost, the stability of the software solution and the level of support. With a traditional PBX, we would have needed external support from a third-party provider.
In your opinion, what are the key benefits of this new solution?
The benefits of the new solution were particularly evident during the pandemic years: thanks to the 3CX app, any device – including laptops, tablets or smartphones – can be used to make calls using the business phone number. Our staff really appreciate this and make active use of it, for example when they are on the move. Video conferences can be conducted seamlessly via 3CX. The option to set up emergency numbers via peoplefone is also a benefit for us.
How did the migration process go?
The migration was carried out in a very structured manner. As we had little technical or procedural experience, we were grateful for the expertise, installation and support provided by Dexion Services AG. The porting of the telephone numbers via peoplefone also went smoothly. Our staff were able to make calls immediately after the migration. There was no interruption at any point.
Were there any particular or unexpected challenges?
Generally speaking, everything was well prepared. The on-site infrastructure presented a certain challenge. Each site was briefly inspected prior to the switchover. Where necessary, minor adjustments – such as the installation of network sockets – had to be made. As we placed great importance on keeping staff well informed and on board, they adapted to the change straight away.
An important aspect of the switchover is thorough preparation by the installation company. How did you find working with your partner, Dexion Services AG?
The preparation and support provided by Dexion Services AG were consistently very positive. Our IT partner impressed us with their rapid response times, excellent documentation and a perfectly timed switchover process.
The church administration of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Basel-Stadt oversees several parishes in the region. Did this influence the choice of telephony solution?
That was definitely a decisive factor in choosing the telephony solution. The fact that we operate across several locations made it easier to take the next step and organise our telephony entirely virtually.
Do you and your staff have any specific requirements regarding telephony?
One specific requirement our staff have is the ability to make internal calls using speed dial numbers without incurring any costs. This is possible thanks to 3CX. Previously, each parish had a stand-alone solution, which made internal calls via speed dial impossible. Now we can save on these costs for landline telephony.
How would you recommend these two companies to others?
Absolutely, and with a clear conscience. We are very satisfied with both companies and would also recommend the overall setup as it stands. For example, during one of the rare telephone service outages, we were immediately informed by peoplefone via email and their website, so that the problem could be resolved within 20–30 minutes.
Interview with Alexander Kohler, church administrator of the Evangelical Reformed Churches of the Canton of Basel-Stadt.
About the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Basel-Stadt
The Evangelical Reformed Church was founded in 1529 in the wake of the Reformation. For almost 400 years, it was the sole state church in the canton. Since 1911, it has been independent as a body under public law. In the city of Basel, it is highly visible thanks to its 20 historic church buildings. Basel Cathedral is even regarded as a landmark of the city of Basel. Today, it still has just under 25,000 members, organised into seven parishes.