When it comes to cloud-based business phone solutions, one of the most common questions we get asked is whether to go with an uncapped (unlimited) calling package or per second billing.
At first glance, uncapped might sound more appealing — one fixed price every month and no stress about how many calls you’re making. But in practice, per second billing often works out cheaper and more flexible, especially for South African businesses with seasonal call patterns or lighter usage.
Here’s why:
You Only Pay for What You Use
With per second billing, you’re charged only for the actual time spent on calls — no rounding up, no wasted minutes. If your business isn’t using hundreds of hours a month, uncapped becomes an unnecessary expense.
For example, we recently did a comparison for a client who was paying R900/month for uncapped calls. Our team found they were only using about R500 worth of minutes — meaning they were wasting 45% of their spend each month.
Seasonal Fluctuations = Seasonal Savings
Uncapped packages charge a fixed fee every month — regardless of how much you call. But business phone usage isn’t consistent all year round.
With per second billing, our clients typically see significant savings in January and February due to the holiday slowdown. May often comes in lower too, thanks to April’s public holidays. With uncapped, you still pay full price during these quieter months.
No Roll-Over = Lost Value
Unused minutes in an uncapped package don’t carry over. So if your business only uses half its minutes in a given month, the rest simply go to waste.
Per second billing ensures every rand you spend is put to work — with no expiry, no caps, and no hidden catch.
Uncapped Isn’t Truly Unlimited
Many businesses aren’t aware that “unlimited” packages usually come with a fair usage policy or soft cap. If you go over that cap, you’ll be charged extra — often at a higher out-of-bundle rate. So not only are you potentially overpaying, but you could still end up with surprise charges.
Our Recommendation? Per Second Billing Wins 90% of the Time
At Cognito Communications, we do offer uncapped packages for clients who request them — but we always advise a per second billing option first. In 9 out of 10 cases, it works out more affordable and better aligned to the client’s real-world usage.
Want to See What You’re Really Paying For?
If you’re currently using an uncapped package and want to compare, we’ll help you break it down. Simply use our Phone Bill Upload feature to send us your most recent statement. Our team will:
- Analyse what you’re actually paying for
- Identify any services you don’t use or may be missing
- Provide a side-by-side quote with a per second billing alternative
No obligation, just transparent advice.
Don’t pay for minutes you don’t use. Let’s optimise your business communication.
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