Cloud Net has launched its Cloud Net Connect Hosted VoIP service for small businesses, start ups and freelancers in the UK.

Cloud Net Connect allows customers to replace their traditional small business telephone systems without any capital expenditure on either PBX hardware or handsets, meaning that Cloud Net customers do not need to purchase new VoIP phones to benefit from cheaper and free call rates.

The company offers its Switchboard in the Sky online PBX system on a monthly contract basis making it a fraction of the price of a traditional hardware based switchboard which costs several thousand pounds to purchase with additional license fees on top. Pricing packages start from as little as £8.50 per month for a standard IP handset.

Cloud Net's small office phone system includes all the key business features of a modern PBX (switchboard) free with a fixed subscription per handset. In addition, the Switchboard in the Sky is automatically upgraded without user intervention and there are no maintenance

Charles Chance, Managing Director of Cloud Net, said: "We know that the success of Skype has brought a lot of attention to the possibilities of VoIP for business, so we wanted to go one step further and provide a full professional switchboard with VoIP handsets. We have also removed the headache of deciphering pricing plans with additional costs for features - our pricing is all inclusive for professional PBX features."

David Hill, Chairman of Cloud Net, adde: "Cloud Net has built its own hosted UK VoIP telecoms network. We are bringing a small business phone system to the market which addresses the needs of SMEs wanting to benefit from a professional switchboard without incurring high costs."