---
tags: [research, pest-control, pest-control-spring-2026, sms, lead-capture]
source: niche-automation-prospecting
date: 2026-03-31
---

# VoIP Provider API Research — Pest Control Lead Capture Integration

**Date:** 2026-03-31
**Context:** Evaluating whether OnCadence (Rails app) can replace n8n+Airtable+Twilio bundle by integrating directly with customers' VoIP providers for missed call detection + SMS response.

## Key Finding
Most pest control SMBs (5-15 employees, QuickBooks+whiteboard segment) are on Google Voice, Grasshopper, or personal cell — ALL have zero API. Phone system migration is part of the product for most customers.

## Provider Tiers

### Tier 1 — Build Adapters First
- **JustCall** ($49/user/mo Pro): Only provider with explicit "auto-reply to missed calls via API" documentation. Dedicated webhook events for missed calls AND voicemails separately. Best documentation for this exact use case.
- **RingCentral** ($20/user/mo Core): Most mature API, included on all plans, widest install base at 20+ employees. Webhook subscriptions have TTL that must be renewed programmatically. Also offers built-in "AI Receptionist" with appointment booking + lead capture + SMS follow-up as add-on — potential competitor.
- **Dialpad** ($15/user/mo Standard): Best price-to-API ratio. Full missed call + voicemail transcription + SMS. OAuth approval process required.

### Tier 2 — Viable with Caveats
- **OpenPhone/Quo** ($35/user/mo Scale): API locked to highest tier. Webhook reliability concerns reported.
- **Aircall** ($50/user/mo Pro, 3-user minimum = $150/mo floor): Excellent developer docs, purpose-built SMS deflection for missed calls.
- **GoTo Connect**: Solid API, thin developer community.

### Hard Disqualifications (No API)
Google Voice, Grasshopper, Ooma Office, MagicJack, personal cell, landline+ATA

## 10DLC / A2P SMS Compliance
- Every customer = separate 10DLC brand + campaign registration
- 1-3 weeks per client before SMS goes live
- As of Feb 2025, US carriers BLOCK SMS from unregistered local numbers
- VoIP provider facilitates registration but business must provide: EIN, legal name, website, opt-in language
- ISV/CSP model available via Twilio for managing multiple client registrations

## Adoption Path for Target Segment
1. Personal cell → Google Voice (free) → Dedicated VoIP
2. The 10DLC enforcement is pushing Google Voice users off free tier — active migration moment
3. Companies at 15-50 employees with dispatcher step up to multi-seat systems
4. FSM-native phone (ServiceTitan Phones Pro, Voice for Pest) only relevant above FSM adoption floor

## Number Porting
- FCC-guaranteed (LNP). Landline→VoIP: 5-7 days. Cell→VoIP: 7-10 days.
- Real objections: fear of downtime, 20-year number anxiety, contract ETFs, internet reliability concerns
- Common gotcha: number registered to individual not business

## Strategic Implications for OnCadence
- Phone system migration is part of the product for most customers
- Email-first default; SMS is Phase 2 after phone situation confirmed
- Discovery call qualifier: "What phone system are you using?"
- JustCall or Dialpad as recommended migration targets
- 10DLC registration built into onboarding timeline (1-3 weeks)

## Providers in Decline
- Vonage: Acquired by Ericsson, strategic shift to enterprise Network APIs, not SMB
- 8x8: Declining revenue, cost-cutting mode
- Grasshopper: Functionally stagnant under GoTo ownership
