Chicago PRI Replacement

Replace Your PRI — Upgrade Your Chicago Business Phone System and Save 60%

A traditional PRI from AT&T or Comcast costs $400–800/month for 23 channels with basic caller ID and a multi-year contract. VoipPlus delivers the same 23 concurrent call paths for $368/month with 50+ features included, month-to-month, no contract.

Cost Comparison

How Much Can Chicago Businesses Save?

Most Chicago businesses save 40–60% when replacing their PRI with a modern phone system.

Service Channels Monthly Cost Features Included Contract
AT&T PRI 23 (1 T1) $500-800/mo Basic caller ID 2-3 year term
Comcast PRI 23 (1 T1) $400-700/mo Basic caller ID 2-3 year term
VoipPlus SIP 23 $368/mo 50+ features included Month-to-month

* PRI pricing based on published Chicago-area rates as of 2024. Actual rates vary by location and contract terms.

Understanding PRI

What is a PRI and Why Replace It?

A PRI (Primary Rate Interface) is a T1 circuit that delivers 23 voice channels over copper or fiber to your on-premise PBX. It was the standard for business telephone service for decades.

Why Are Chicago Businesses Replacing PRI?

PRI technology is being phased out by major carriers. AT&T, Verizon, and other ILECs are actively migrating customers to IP-based phone service. Businesses that wait risk losing support for aging hardware.

  • Carriers are discontinuing copper infrastructure
  • PRI hardware (T1 cards, channel banks) is end-of-life
  • Modern phone systems offer more features at lower cost
  • Remote work requires flexible telephone systems

What Do You Get With a Modern Phone System?

SIP trunking delivers the same concurrent call capacity as PRI, but over your existing internet connection — with 50+ features your PRI never had.

60%

Average Cost Savings

50+

Features Included

Migration Process

How Do You Switch from PRI to a Modern Phone System?

The migration takes 2–4 weeks and we handle the entire process. Your phone numbers transfer seamlessly.

1

Assessment

We review your current PRI configuration, call volume, and DID inventory. This identifies exactly what you need.

2

Number Porting

We submit port requests to your current carrier (AT&T, Comcast, etc.). All your DIDs transfer to VoipPlus.

3

Configuration

We configure SIP trunks to your existing PBX (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX) or set up hosted PBX if needed.

4

Cutover

On port completion day, calls route to VoipPlus. We stay on standby during the transition.

Typical Porting Timeline by Carrier

Current Carrier Porting Time Notes
AT&T Illinois 7-14 business days Requires CSR and LOA
Comcast Business 10-15 business days May require contract buyout
RingCentral 5-10 business days Usually straightforward
Vonage Business 5-10 business days Usually straightforward
Common Questions

PRI Replacement FAQ

Can I keep my existing phone numbers?

Yes, all your DIDs (phone numbers) port to VoipPlus. We handle the paperwork and carrier coordination. Your customers dial the same numbers.

Will call quality be the same as PRI?

Call quality meets or exceeds PRI when properly configured. We use the G.711 codec (same audio quality as PRI) and prioritize voice traffic on your network. Most businesses report no difference.

What about 911/E911 service?

E911 is included with every VoipPlus line. We register your business address with the local PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) in Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and all Chicagoland jurisdictions.

Do I need to replace my PBX hardware?

Not necessarily. If you have an IP-capable PBX (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, Cisco), we connect via SIP trunk. Legacy PBX systems may need an ATA or gateway device.

What internet speed do I need?

Each concurrent call requires approximately 100 Kbps. For 23 channels (PRI equivalent), you need about 2.5 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth. Most Chicago business internet connections exceed this.

Is there a long-term contract?

No. VoipPlus service is month-to-month. No term commitments, no early termination fees. We earn your business every month.

Ready to Replace Your PRI?

Get a free assessment of your current PRI setup and see exactly how much you can save with a modern business phone system.

View pricing · All Features · Savings Calculator

Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 — Serving Chicago, Schaumburg, Naperville, Arlington Heights, and all Chicagoland