The smart way to master Microsoft Teams Voice

Microsoft Teams has taken the workplace by storm, revolutionizing the way businesses collaborate, communicate, and stay productive. It has become the go-to platform for messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing - but did you know it can do even more? That’s right - by implementing Microsoft Teams Voice, you can transform it into a fully functional business phone system, eliminating the need for separate telephony solutions. No more juggling multiple platforms, no more outdated desk phones, and no more complex, costly PBX systems.

With Teams Voice, you get an all-in-one communication hub that supports remote and hybrid working, enhances team connectivity, and streamlines customer interactions.

Why add voice to Microsoft Teams?

Imagine a world where your team can make and receive calls from anywhere, using a single platform. That’s the beauty of Microsoft Teams Phone. It integrates directly with Microsoft 365, meaning you can hop from an email to a voice call without missing a beat. Plus, it eliminates the need for outdated, on-premise PBX systems, giving your IT team one less headache.

Your three options for adding voice to Teams

When it comes to enabling voice in Microsoft Teams, you’ve got three choices - each with its own perks. Let’s break them down:

1. Microsoft Calling Plans

The simplest way to get started, Microsoft Calling Plans allow organizations to purchase PSTN connectivity directly from Microsoft. This means Microsoft becomes your carrier, handling your phone numbers, calling services, and public telephony access.

Key Features:

• Fully managed by Microsoft within Teams.
• Quick and straightforward setup with minimal configuration required.
• Available as an add-on to Microsoft 365 licenses.

Best For:

• Small to medium-sized businesses needing a simple, all-in-one calling solution.
• Organizations that don’t require deep customizations or integration with existing telecom providers.

Limitations:

• Limited country coverage and may not be available in all regions.
• Higher calling costs compared to other options.
• Less flexibility in selecting a telecom provider.

2. Direct Routing

Direct Routing allows businesses to connect Microsoft Teams to their existing telecom provider using a Session Border Controller (SBC). This gives organizations greater flexibility in managing their telephony while retaining their preferred provider.

Key Features:

• Enables organizations to use their existing carrier for Teams voice calls.
• Offers full customization of call flows, routing, and voice policies.
• Requires an SBC to act as the interface between Teams and the PSTN.

Best For:

• Businesses with existing long-term telecom contracts.
• Organizations requiring advanced call control and routing options.
• Companies operating in regions not supported by Microsoft Calling Plans.

Limitations:

• Requires technical expertise for SBC setup and ongoing maintenance.
• More complex deployment compared to Microsoft Calling Plans or Operator Connect.

3. Operator Connect

Operator Connect simplifies the process by allowing businesses to integrate Teams with certified telecom providers who handle PSTN connectivity on their behalf. This provides a middle ground between Microsoft Calling Plans and Direct Routing.

Key Features:

• Direct integration with Microsoft Teams, removing the need for SBC management.
• Faster deployment with minimal IT overhead.
• Managed entirely by Microsoft-certified operators for reliability and security.

Best For:

• Businesses that want a quick, hassle-free way to add PSTN calling to Teams.
• Organizations that don’t want to manage SBCs or telephony infrastructure.

Limitations:

• Limited to certified operators, reducing provider choices.
• Less flexibility compared to Direct Routing in call routing and customization.

Aura’s solutions for Direct Routing and Operator Connect

Aura Direct Routing

Aura’s Direct Routing solution provides full control over your telephony while allowing integration with Microsoft Teams. With access to over 89 countries, businesses can benefit from number porting, customized routing, an intuitive admin portal, and Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) capabilities. This solution is ideal for enterprises with complex telephony needs, multi-national operations, or specific compliance requirements.

Aura Operator Connect

For organizations that want a seamless, fully managed Teams calling experience, Aura’s Operator Connect service delivers PSTN connectivity without the hassle of managing infrastructure. Our global partnerships ensure high-quality, secure connections, while our expert team provides support for number porting, auto-attendant configuration, and user onboarding. This is a great choice for businesses seeking a plug-and-play approach with enterprise-grade reliability. Operator Connect certified

Why Choose Aura for Microsoft Teams Voice?

Aura goes beyond just providing a service - we ensure that your Microsoft Teams Phone deployment is tailored to your business needs. With decades of experience in global telephony, we provide a fully managed solution that simplifies telephony integration and ensures seamless PSTN connectivity across 89 countries.

Our automated deployment and management processes eliminate complexity, reducing IT workload while maintaining optimal performance. With 24/7 expert support, we offer proactive monitoring and rapid troubleshooting to keep your communication systems running smoothly.

Aura’s solutions integrate effortlessly with existing telephony and contact center infrastructures, allowing businesses to modernize communication strategies without disruption. Designed for flexibility and scalability, our services grow alongside your business, ensuring a future-proof solution that adapts to your evolving needs.

Whether you're leveraging Direct Routing, Operator Connect, or a combination of both, Aura provides a secure, cost-effective, and customized Microsoft Teams Voice experience.