SIPcity’s $19.99/month Cloud Connect plan outperforms Optus Loop for Australian businesses, offering all-inclusive Cloud PBX, UCaaS, and shared SMS with local support, compared to Optus Loop’s pricier $50/month Premium plan and global RingCentral licensing.
This comparison details pricing, features, and support to help CEOs, CTOs, and IT Managers choose the best VoIP solution for SMBs and enterprises, leveraging 2024 Australian telecom trends showing 60% cost savings with cloud systems. SIPcity’s no-contract flexibility and regional reliability edge out Optus Loop’s AI-driven but costlier offering.
Understanding the Providers: Optus Loop and SIPcity at a Glance
Optus Loop, launched in 2024 with RingCentral, delivers AI-enhanced voice, video, and messaging for hybrid work, targeting enterprises with global needs. SIPcity, an Australian provider, focuses on affordable VoIP and Hosted Phone Systems, including all Cloud PBX features without tiered costs. The ACCC Telecommunications Report notes VoIP adoption surged in 2024, saving businesses up to 60% on communication costs. SIPcity’s pre-pay, no-lock-in model aligns with economic caution, unlike Optus Loop’s 24-month contracts.
Key Market Context for Australian Businesses
With NBN near completion and 5G expanding, Australia’s telecom market grew 5% in subscriptions, per the ACCC’s 2023-24 report. SIPcity’s independent setup integrates seamlessly with existing business internet, while Optus Loop leverages Optus’s network but faces regional coverage gaps.
Feature Comparison: What Each Offers for Your Business
SIPcity’s Cloud PBX includes unlimited calling (Acceptable Use), shared SMS, and mobile app integration, ideal for the 36% of Australian workers remote in 2024 (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Optus Loop offers AI-driven call management and conferencing but restricts premium features to higher tiers, requiring complex setups.
Pricing Breakdown: Value for Money
Optus Loop’s Basic plan costs $25/month/user on a 24-month contract ($600 minimum/user), with its Premium plan at $50/month/user. SIPcity’s Cloud Connect package, at $19.99/month/user, includes Australian support and no contracts, with annual plans offering two months free. This saves SMBs and MSPs up to 90%, as seen in transport sector case studies.
To complement our in-depth analysis, here’s a side-by-side comparison table of key features between Optus Loop and SIPcity. This highlights how SIPcity’s inclusive, cost-effective approach delivers superior value for Australian businesses, especially in areas like pricing and local support. Data is based on official provider details as of October 2025, incorporating recent Australian telecom trends such as increased demand for flexible UCaaS amid hybrid work.
| Feature Category | SIPcity (Australian Provider) | Optus Loop (RingCentral Licensed) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing (per user/month) | Cloud Connect: $19.99 (no contract, pre-pay); | Basic: $25 (24-month contract); Premium: $50 (full UCaaS); min. $600/user commitment. |
| Core VoIP & Calling | Unlimited AU national/mobile. (acceptable use); call recording and AI transcription, Auto Attenant and Call Queues included. | Unlimited national; intl. rates; AI transcription (Premium). |
| Cloud PBX Features | Full Auto Attendant, call parking, call recording and transcription, voicemail to email; all standard, no tiers. | Extensions, auto-receptionist; advanced routing add-ons. |
| UCaaS & Collaboration | Video, chat, sharing; Google/Microsoft Contacts, and MS Teams integration; Virtual Mobile numbers; Shared Inbox for SMS | Video, messaging, Teams/Slack (Premium). |
| Shared SMS & Messaging | Unified SMS/voice/email inbox; mobile-optimised. | Team SMS (Premium-limited). |
| Mobile Features | Push notifications, Wi-Fi calling, BYOD, Battery Life Optimisation. | iOS/Android app; presence sync. |
| Integrations | HubSpot; LiveAgent; 50+ apps, fee-free* | Salesforce, 365; $250+ setup fees. |
| Support & Reliability | AU-based (business hours); 99.999% uptime, local data centres. | 24/7 global; 99.99% uptime; Optus network varies regionally. |
| Security & Compliance | AES-256, APRA/ACSC; Privacy Act-focused. | Encryption, GDPR; AU sovereignty via Optus. |
| Scalability | Instant add/remove; 1–500+ users. | Enterprise-suited; contract-bound. |
| Australian-Specific | NBN/5G leverage; ACMA compliant. Do Not Call support; easy number porting. | NBN/5G leverage; ACMA compliant but global backend. |
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
| Feature | SIPcity Cloud Connect ($19.99/user/mo) |
Optus Loop Premium ($48/user/mo, RingCentral) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited VoIP Calls | Yes1 (Acceptable Use Policy) | Yes (with site package) |
| Auto Attendant / IVR | Included (easy, DIY setup) | Included (Premium plan only) |
| Call Queuing & Ring Groups | Advanced, real-time control | Premium |
| Smart Routing (Geo, Time Based) | Geo & schedule based, flexible | Custom rules |
| AI Voicemail Transcription | Automatic, sent to email | Available (with RingCentral) |
| Business SMS & Team Chat | SMS/MMS, group/team chat, instant messenger | Mobile messaging in RingCentral app |
| Meetings & Video | HD video, screen share, browser-based whiteboard | Via RingCentral integration |
| Noise Reduction (AI) | Background noise suppression | AI-powered in app |
| Call Recording | Standard, AI searchable transcripts | Premium or paid add-on |
| Reception Console | Live dashboard, presence indicators | Premium only |
| Mobile & Web Apps | iOS, Android, browser-first, no install needed | Device dependent, RingCentral app |
| Caller ID/Control | Set CLI, preserve CLI, block/allow lists | Available |
| Music on Hold/Custom Branding | Upload files, text-to-speech, easy | Optional, Premium plan |
| Multi-location, numbers, fax | 1300/1800/local/mobile/fax/international | Available, setup required |
| Admin Controls & Security | Full web admin, TLS, device/user management | Admin portal, tiered by plan |
| Device Auto-Provisioning | Zero-touch for IP phones, softphones | Available |
| No Lock-In Contract | Month-to-month flexibility | 36–60 months minimum |
| Free Trial | 30 Days, 100 mins calling | Not available |
| Australian Support | 100% locally owned and operated | Optus/RingCentral support, AU based |
Support and Reliability: Local vs Global
SIPcity’s 100% Australian support and 99.999% uptime via local data centres ensure compliance with the upcoming 2025 ACMA Numbering Plan Review. Optus Loop’s support, while dedicated, faces criticism for app unreliability and regional signal issues, per user reviews.
Integration and Scalability for Growing Businesses
SIPcity’s BYOD support and UCaaS integrations with Google and Microsoft contacts make scaling seamless, with no setup fees. SIPcity also has MS Teams Direct Routing with no installation cost. Optus Loop integrates with Teams and Salesforce but requires hardware and installation costs ($250 + $45/user). Australia’s VoIP market is projected to hit $326 billion globally by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024), and SIPcity’s agile UCaaS supports growth in logistics and retail.
Security and Compliance in a Digital Era
With 2024 data breach costs at $4.88 million (up 10%), SIPcity’s local encryption and fraud detection align with Australian privacy laws, appealing to CFOs. Optus Loop’s RingCentral-based security is robust but less tailored to local regulations.
Real-World Applications: Who Wins in Different Scenarios?
SIPcity excels for Australian SMBs with cost-effective, reliable VoIP and mobile features, especially in regional areas with low competition (ACCC Mobile Infrastructure Report 2024). Optus Loop suits enterprises with global calling needs but may overwhelm smaller budgets.
Final Thoughts: Making the Switch
SIPcity’s affordable, feature-rich Hosted Phone System and local focus make it the smarter choice for Australian businesses over Optus Loop’s costlier, contract-bound model. As 85% of businesses shift to cloud-first comms by 2025 (Gartner), SIPcity drives efficiency.
Ready to transform your business communications? Explore SIPcity’s Cloud PBX, UCaaS, or shared SMS with a free trial. See more about SIPcity Business Phone System or SIPcity Plans and Pricing, and Contact US at for tailored solutions.