Transforming Local Government with Cloud Telephony: Real-Life Impact and Cost Savings
Local government leaders in the UK are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality services while managing shrinking budgets. The adoption of cloud telephony solutions, such as those offered by Gamma and Trustmarque, has proven to be a game-changer for councils looking to optimise communication systems, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. By leveraging innovative technologies like Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams, councils are not only modernising their infrastructure but also achieving tangible benefits for both employees and citizens.
The Need for Change
UK local authorities face significant challenges, including a projected £3.57 billion funding shortfall in 2024/2025. This financial strain is forcing councils to scrutinise their technology investments and prioritise solutions that deliver immediate cost savings while remaining scalable for future needs. Traditional on-premises telephony systems often require substantial capital investment and ongoing maintenance costs, making them an unsustainable option for many councils. Cloud telephony offers a compelling alternative by eliminating upfront hardware expenses and providing flexible, pay-as-you-go models.
Real-Life Impact: Trustmarque’s Success Story
Trustmarque’s partnership with Gamma exemplifies how cloud telephony can transform public sector organisations. Faced with the need to modernise its telephony infrastructure, Trustmarque transitioned from Microsoft Calling Plans to Gamma’s Operator Connect for Teams Phone System. This move enabled them to consolidate telephony services onto a single platform, reducing complexity and achieving significant cost savings.
The results were striking: a 70% cost reduction over three years and a 90% decrease in international calling expenses through controlled usage. Additionally, the project was completed in just eight weeks without any disruption to over 400 users. Trustmarque’s success demonstrates the potential of cloud telephony to deliver rapid returns on investment while enhancing functionality.
Supporting Local Councils: Gamma and Trustmarque’s Role
Trustmarque and Gamma have been instrumental in helping local councils adopt future-ready telephony solutions. For example, both companies supported a local council in overhauling its communication systems for 7,000 users using Microsoft Teams Voice. This transformation improved citizen engagement and streamlined internal communications while delivering cost-effective solutions tailored to the council’s needs.
Gamma’s products, such as SIP Trunking and Hosted PBX, are designed to replace outdated Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) systems ahead of the 2025 switch-off by BT Openreach. These services not only offer enhanced resilience but also align with councils’ goals of sustainability and operational efficiency.
Optimisation Through Operator Connect
Operator Connect is a standout feature in modern cloud telephony, offering seamless integration with Microsoft Teams—a platform already familiar to many local government employees. By enabling direct routing through trusted providers like Gamma, councils can enjoy enhanced call quality, simplified management, and reduced costs compared to traditional calling plans.
For example, Operator Connect allowed Trustmarque to extend international calling capabilities across its workforce while maintaining strict cost controls. This flexibility is invaluable for local authorities that need scalable solutions capable of adapting to changing demands.
The Bigger Picture: Cost Savings and Efficiency
Cloud telephony delivers more than just financial savings; it also enhances service delivery by enabling remote work and improving communication between departments and with citizens. A study revealed that 96% of UK local authorities have increased their use of cloud technologies to address both operational challenges and sustainability goals[5]. By consolidating multiple communication tools into a unified platform, councils can reduce overheads while providing employees with the tools they need to stay productive.
In conclusion, cloud telephony solutions like those from Gamma and Trustmarque offer UK local governments an opportunity to modernise their communication systems while addressing budgetary constraints. With proven examples of cost savings, rapid implementation timelines, and improved functionality, these technologies are empowering councils to meet the demands of today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
