Net phones could save UK businesses £1.2 billion

So says David Hill, chairman of Cloud Net, the independent web-based phone company. He claims this huge savings potential has been revealed after a detailed analysis of the UK's 10 million fixed line users, which currently cost subscribers around £2.5 billion in line rent and calls, from a variety of resellers, plus equipment rental. "There is no reason whatsoever for companies now not to use Internet-based telephones as the quality is far superior to anything else on the market and offers all the services of traditional land-lines without the hassle," insists Hill. Cloud Net, he says, has spent two years developing its latest world class system, which works through the company's own network but connects to the public system. Subscribers pay as little as £6.50 a month for "crystal clear" and "hassle-free" switchboard phones that operate through their broadband systems, with fast response service and free hardware, he says.