Can't add DIDs to my SIP trunk

[digsolpartners]

I'm on the 3CX free hosted plan, and I've got my main number set up, but I also have a second number the same FlowRoute trunk that I use for "customer branded" calls (aka it doesn't outbound with my business Caller ID).

When I go to edit the SIP trunk, the DID tab is disabled so I can't add my additional number.

Is this an error, or is this a limitation of the free hosted environment (and if I self-host will that resolve that issue?)

(PS: In case this has been answered before, I couldn't search for it because "DID" and "tab" are excluded from a search because they're too short, and "disabled" is way too broad of a search term ...)

 

[Alejandro_3CX]

Hi @digsolpartners yes, with 3CX Free you can use only One SIP Trunk and one DID. You will have to use SMB, or a dedicated Hosted 3CX.

 

[digsolpartners]

That's unfortunate, for someone like me who is just myself but needs the two numbers. I would have started with the self hosted route if it was called out that it wasn't just one trunk but also only one DID. (That really should be added to the documentation somewhere).

I'll see if I can work around it for now until I can move to a self hosted version.

Is there a list of limitations (if any) on the self hosted version somewhere?

 

[Alejandro_3CX]

Hi, you can check the feature list in this link and for a dedicated install using 3CX Hosted you may check this link too.

 

[DDomnick]

That's infuriating. Free or not, time is valuable. I feel like 3CX has wasted our time setting this up as a trial. We studied the limitations of your 'Free' version and compared it to other solutions. Decided to put energy and time into your product, only to find out about this major cripple after trying to troubleshoot how/why we could not add additional DID to our trunk config.

While I appreciate that this is ‘Free’, NO WHERE in your charts do you state that there is a 1-DID limitation. 3CX needs to understand that ‘Free Forever’ is a bait-and-switch if:

• You don’t detail the limitation(s) up front.
• You materially remove features after customers have already committed to using your solution.

 

[Connexium Partner]

I think the free version could reword a few things. Like the amount of DID allowed (no mentions anywhere) and the "Bring your own SIP Trunk" claim, which is technically false.

 

[CostasT_3CX]

I wouldn't say it's false, you choose your own SIP trunk from the list of available providers that are tested and supported by 3CX to ensure good-quality calling. https://www.3cx.com/blog/docs/supported-sip-trunk-providers/

If you want to use a SIP Trunk that hasn't been tested or supported by 3CX then you are free to try out a trial for a Dedicated license but your mileage may vary and we will not be able to assist with any issues.

Also, a Free solution is never indicative of the commercial product and I don't believe it is fair to assume you will be getting the full-blown 3CX experience with a non-commercial version.

Our 3CX Free is a good entry point to get a feel of the product with 0 commitment but will quickly be outgrown by any company looking for a fully featured PBX system.

 

[Connexium Partner]

Hi Costas. I am not arguing the features or reasons behind it here. I just think the wording could be adjusted. Between "Bring" and "Choose" your own SIP trunk, there is a big difference. I only want to pitch in to help make the description of the product more clear and accurate.

My previous comment highlighted 2 pieces of information I was actively trying to find out. I hope my suggestions will be considered. Cheers.

 

[CostasT_3CX]

Hey @Connexium, I wanna clear the air here that my previous response wasn't directly aimed at your response but more of a general response to the things mentioned in this thread as a part of a greater discussion regarding our Free offering.

I'm certain your suggestion will become a topic of discussion and consideration with our team in the future.

 

[rayfield]

If someone really wants to try out 3CX to see if it will meet their needs for their business or other type of organization, then the best thing to do is to get a free 'full function' trial license, which will be good for 60 days. I've had numerous organizations and companies do this so that they could fully test 3CX. Unless I'm very wrong, the Free Edition is really more for the VERY small company or individual who desires a good basic IP PBX and doesn't need, or expect to use, other features (such as multiple DID numbers, etc), or as a 'stepping stone' to a more advanced system.

But since I'm a 3CX Partner, I steer possible new 3CX users in this direction, as stated above. If someone just goes to the 3CX website, I could see how someone might consider the Free Edition as a 'test' vehicle. But it's really not the best 'test vehicle', in my opinion.

As a suggestion for 3CX, maybe something to this effect should be on the website, that if someone is seriously interested in testing a 3CX system for possible use in their business/organization, then apply for a trial 'full function' license and consider contacting a 3CX Partner for guidance in setting the system up for a proper test.

John Rayfield, Jr.
Rayfield Communications

 

[AWS2P]

Also, a Free solution is never indicative of the commercial product and I don't believe it is fair to assume you will be getting the full-blown 3CX experience with a non-commercial version.

Well, it was true in the past when Free standard license was offered 4SC or 8SC and of course it was impossible for partners to sell small licenses as Free was a really good and full PBX, which it's no more now , I Agree. One of my customers wanted the free pbx but we just keep it alive 1h and switched to paid SMB10 due to so much missing features in Free that it wasn't usable for its need.