A Guide to GSM Desk Phones

With the UK’s analogue landline network being upgraded to digital by January 2027, many organisations are weighing up internet-based VoIP phones versus SIM-based “cellular” desk phones. Over two-thirds of UK landlines have already migrated, so now’s the time to pick the right path for your sites and staff.

Cellular desk phones (often called GSM desk phones, though modern models use 4G/VoLTE) connect via a mobile SIM rather than a wall socket. They’re handy where fixed broadband is unavailable or unreliable, or when you need something portable for temporary spaces. VoIP phones, by contrast, run over your broadband connection and usually deliver deeper call-handling features and integrations for growing teams.

What is a GSM (cellular) desk phone?

A GSM (cellular) desk phone looks like a regular desktop handset but connects to the mobile network via a SIM card instead of a landline socket or office PBX. If there’s mobile coverage, you can typically plug in the handset, insert a SIM, and start calling, making it handy for temporary spaces and locations without reliable fixed broadband.

Although “GSM” originally referred to 2G technology, modern cellular desk phones use 4G/LTE with VoLTE for higher call quality and long-term support. (Many 3G networks are being retired, so it’s best to choose devices that explicitly support 4G/VoLTE; treat 2G as fallback only.) Some models also run Android, adding email and selected apps alongside standard call features.

Functionally, cellular desk phones and VoIP handsets fill different roles. Cellular desk phones place calls over a mobile voice plan and prioritise portability and simplicity. VoIP phones place calls over your internet connection and usually come with richer business features like auto-attendants, call queues, analytics, and CRM integrations, all delivered as part of a cloud phone (UCaaS) system.

GSM desk phones use a mobile connection, rather than a landline connection, to make calls

What are the different types of GSM desk phones?

As with most tech, the bigger your budget, the more you’ll get. At one end, cellular desk phones are simple handsets for reliable calling; at the other, they’re smart, app-capable devices. Here’s how the main types differ in 2025.

Standard cellular desk phone (4G/VoLTE)

Entry-level SIM desk phones focus on calling essentials (hold, transfer, voicemail, phonebook). Modern models should support 4G with VoLTE for clearer calls and longevity. They’re ideal when you need a quick, portable setup without fixed broadband.

Smart cellular desk phone

A step up adds larger screens, Bluetooth/headset options, and extras like basic conferencing, call barring/silence modes, and sometimes cloud contact sync (e.g., Microsoft or Google accounts). You still get the plug-and-play simplicity of a SIM, with a more “business phone” experience.

Android cellular desk phone

These are desk-friendly Android devices with touchscreens. Alongside calling (again, look for 4G/VoLTE), you can connect to Wi-Fi and install selected business apps (email, calendars, some messaging clients) for an all-in-one workstation feel. They cost more but can replace a separate handset and app device combo.

How much does a GSM desk phone cost?

You can split GSM desk phone costs into two areas: upfront hardware costs and ongoing SIM costs.

GSM hardware pricing

Modern 4G/VoLTE SIM desk phones typically range from about £50 to £200+, depending on build and features. For example, entry models like the Maxcom/“fixed wireless” style handsets start around this range, while Android touchscreen desk phones (with hotspot/Bluetooth/app support) sit higher.

Some current examples from retailers include Maxcom 4G VoLTE, NEO-PACTO 4G Android desk phone, and Onedirect (Tecdesk Model4).

SIM plan costs

You’ll also need a business SIM. Typical starting prices are £10 to £25 ex VAT per SIM/month for plans with set data allowances, with Unlimited tiers from roughly £19 to £25 ex VAT on 24-month terms. Check live tariffs with your provider, but some examples we could find include:

• EE Business SIM-only offering 10 GB from £13 ex VAT/month and Unlimited from £25 ex VAT/month (24-month).
• Three Business data-only SIMs offering 500 GB from £14 and Unlimited from £19 per SIM/month (24-month).
• Vodafone Business SIM-only with unlimited plans advertised from £25 ex VAT/month (term/roaming options vary).

GSM desk phones vs VoIP phones

GSM desk phones vs VoIP phones – which are better? Well, let’s look at the reasons why you may be looking to invest in a GSM desk phone:

• You would like a separate business number
• You would like a phone system you can easily move from office to office
• You would like an intelligent phone system that does more than a standard handset

A hosted VoIP phone system can offer you all of the above, and more. And it won’t cost you that much more, either. In fact, a basic VoIP plan can cost as little as £10 a month per user.

And because VoIP phones are connected to the internet, they’re capable of a heap of functions that’ll bring a whole new level of professionalism to your business. With VoIP phone software, you’ll be able to set up functions such as:

• Call announcing
• Call blocking
• Call waiting
• Find me follow me
• On-hold music

VoIP phones will enable you to unify all of your communications, which means all call, email, SMS, and website data is stored in one place. This is particularly useful for growing businesses, where keeping track of customer interaction is imperative to keeping them moving down the sales funnel.

Thanks to VoIP software, you’ll be able to integrate your mobile phone into your business phone system. And you’ll even be able to call your customers from the same number, no matter the device you’re using.

That’s not to say that GSM desk phones don’t have their place in the market. There’s no denying that they’re a cheap and convenient business solution. Android GSM desk phones can even offer you similar functionality to a VoIP phone, via apps like Skype.

But they’re certainly not as future-proof, and growing businesses will soon need the additional call management functions of a VoIP system to keep on top of increasing communication demands.

Why would you use a GSM phone?

GSM phones are a mix of a mobile and landline phone, because they run on SIMs which use a mobile network. This makes them a good choice in rural or isolated areas where you may not have a strong internet connection or where the internet connection isn’t so reliable but the mobile network is.

For businesses that don’t want to risk losing internet connection and therefore affecting their phone usage, a GSM phone is a good choice.

What’s next?

GSM desk phones are relatively easy to get hold of, and the majority of mobile phone companies offer basic SIM plans.

VoIP is a slightly different story. With VoIP, you can invest in a system that is completely tailored to your business’s unique needs. This means the cost of a VoIP system is more tailored, too.

The quickest way to receive quotes and talk to a VoIP supplier is to fill in our form with a few details about your business. Once complete, just sit back, and wait for your ideal supplier to call. Easy!