Cost explainer • last reviewed September 13, 2026

What an AI receptionist actually costs

DigitalPhone.ai is not a “call us for a quote” black box. The rate is $24 per month per AI Agent plus $0.35 per minute of AI talk time. The meter stops the moment a live person takes the call.

$24 / month base $0.35 / AI minute $0 after transfer
Full rate card Call (336) 560-4000
Desk phone, coffee, and a handwritten cost sheet on a small-business desk in morning light
You should be able to estimate the bill before you buy. $24 holds the line. $0.35 covers only the minutes the AI is talking.

The three numbers that matter

$24 / month

Per AI Agent. Platform, routing, summaries, calendar intake, and the website chat widget that uses the same knowledge base. No minute bundle buried in the base fee.

$0.35 / minute

Only while the AI is on the call — greeting, FAQ, intake, or preparing a transfer. Rounded the way the invoice describes on pricing.

$0 after transfer

When the AI bridges to a staff cell or extension, AI talk-time billing stops. You are not charged $0.35 for the human conversation that follows.

Onboarding: $350 one-time Business Analyst setup — currently waived. Most launches take 2 to 3 business days after the discovery call.

A simple monthly example

These are illustrations, not a quote. Your minutes follow real call volume.

AI talk time that month Usage Base + usage
80 minutes (quiet after-hours) 80 × $0.35 = $28 $52
200 minutes (typical small office) 200 × $0.35 = $70 $94
400 minutes (busy season / overflow) 400 × $0.35 = $140 $164

Transfers to staff do not add AI minutes after the handoff. Compare that with a live answering service that often bills the whole handle time, including hold. See AI vs answering service.

What the $24 does not hide

Included

  • Intent routing and approved FAQ answers
  • Email summaries; optional urgent SMS
  • Outlook or Google Calendar intake
  • Warm transfer with a spoken recap
  • Analyst-built scripts for your call reasons

Not a surprise add-on

  • No required VoIP line from Carolina Digital Phone
  • No per-seat desk-phone rental on this product
  • No “minute packs” you forfeit at month end
  • Carrier or SMS pass-through fees, if any, are called out on the invoice — not buried in the $24

Cost vs a missed after-hours lead

One evening job, new patient, or listing inquiry often covers months of AI talk time. That is why most customers start with after-hours answering instead of trying to replace the daytime front desk on day one.

Frequently asked

Is there a contract?

Ask on the discovery call. The published rate is monthly: $24 + usage. Details live on pricing.php.

Can I hear it before I pay?

Yes. Call (336) 560-4000. That demo line is how the product sounds — not a separate sales recording.

Who is the company?

Carolina Digital Phone, Inc., Greensboro, NC, founded 2000. DigitalPhone.ai is the product brand. About.

Where is the official rate card?

This page explains the model. The live offer table is pricing.

Price it against a real call

$24 + $0.35/min. Meter stops at transfer.

Call (336) 560-4000 Pricing table Talk to an analyst