Are you struggling to set up PSTN connectivity for Cisco Webex Calling? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some easy steps to make PSTN connectivity for Cisco Webex Calling a breeze.
PSTN connectivity for Cisco Webex
First, you need to select a suitable PSTN service provider. Consider factors such as call quality, coverage, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs) when choosing a provider. Once you’ve selected a provider, you can begin the process of configuring your network and devices for PSTN connectivity.
The next step is to deploy a Session Border Controller (SBC) to mediate between your Cisco Webex Calling service and the PSTN service provider. The SBC acts as a bridge between the two networks and ensures that calls are routed securely and efficiently. AudioCodes’ Mediant SBCs are a popular choice for Cisco Webex Calling users, as they offer comprehensive security features, interoperability, and easy integration with Webex Calling.
After deploying the SBC, you can proceed to configure your Webex Calling service for PSTN connectivity. This involves setting up a PSTN dial plan, which maps telephone numbers to the appropriate routes and gateways. You can also configure call routing policies, caller ID settings, and other call-related parameters to ensure that your calls are handled correctly.
Finally, you need to test your PSTN connectivity to ensure that everything is working as expected. Conduct test calls to internal and external numbers, check call quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Setting up PSTN connectivity for Cisco Webex Calling can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. By selecting a suitable PSTN service provider, deploying an SBC, configuring your Webex Calling service, and testing your connectivity, you can ensure that your calls are secure, reliable, and of high quality.
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What This Means for SA Resellers
Cisco Webex Calling’s PSTN connectivity options are directly relevant to South African resellers building Cisco-aligned UC practices. Unlike Microsoft Teams, where Direct Routing via third-party SBCs and local SIP trunks is the only practical PSTN option in South Africa (Calling Plans being unavailable locally), Webex Calling offers both Cisco’s own Calling Plans (in supported markets) and the ability to connect local PSTN via Cisco’s Local Gateway (LGW) architecture using a supported on-premise SBC or router.
For South African Webex Calling deployments, the Local Gateway approach — using Cisco or third-party SBCs to connect local SIP trunks from SA providers like Vox, Euphoria, or CallCentric — is the practical deployment model. SA resellers building Webex Calling practices need to understand LGW configuration, supported SBC models for South African deployments, and how to size and provision the gateway correctly for the client’s call volume. This technical depth is a barrier to entry that protects resellers who invest in building it.
Cisco’s partner programme requires Webex-specific certifications for resellers selling and deploying Webex Calling — the Advanced Collaboration Architecture specialisation being the primary credential. SA resellers committed to a Cisco practice should ensure their technical team holds current Webex certifications, and that the sales team understands how to present Webex Calling’s PSTN flexibility as an advantage over Microsoft Teams Phone’s more constrained South African deployment model. In accounts where Cisco is the incumbent networking and security vendor, Webex Calling often wins the telephony conversation by default — but only if the reseller can demonstrate competent deployment capability.
About the Author
Mechelle Gindra
Mechelle Gindra is the managing editor and lead content strategist at Telecoms-Channel, South Africa's dedicated intelligence platform for telecoms resellers, ICT distributors, and channel partners. She oversees the editorial team's AI-assisted content production pipeline, ensuring vendor news, market analysis, and regulatory updates are accurate, timely, and actionable for the SA telecoms channel community. With deep expertise in the South African telecoms reseller ecosystem, Mechelle directs coverage of vendor partner programmes, ICASA regulatory developments, wholesale market dynamics, and channel business strategy. She is responsible for maintaining Telecoms-Channel's editorial standards, fact-checking processes, and corrections policy.
