Microsoft Teams Phone – Operator Connect or Direct Routing – Which is right for you?

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You’ve decided to move voice into Microsoft Teams. Now comes the big decision: Operator Connect or Direct Routing? Both options enable phone calling in Teams, but their setup and flexibility take very different approaches.

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Understanding the technical and cost implications is key to making the right investment.

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What is Operator Connect?

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• Carrier-managed calling directly integrated with Microsoft Teams.

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• Setup and management handled inside the Teams Admin Center.

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• Pre-approved Operators connect over Microsoft’s secure cloud infrastructure.

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What is Direct Routing?

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• Custom solution connecting Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to Teams.

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• More flexibility over carrier choice, routing, and integrations.

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• Greater control but requires more technical involvement.

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What is Direct Routing?

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• Custom solution connecting Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to Teams.

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• More flexibility over carrier choice, routing, and integrations.

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• Greater control but requires more technical involvement.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

Here’s your ultimate guide between Operator Connect and Direct Routing for Microsoft Phone System:

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”h5″ col_3_text_element=”h5″ font_family=”p” hover_effect=”full_border” hover_color=”accent-color” border_radius=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Feature” col_2_content=”Operator Connect” col_3_content=”Direct Routing”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Deployment Speed” col_2_content=”Fast (days)” col_3_content=”Medium (weeks)”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Technical Complexity” col_2_content=”Low” col_3_content=”High”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Carrier Flexibility” col_2_content=”Limited” col_3_content=”Unlimited”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Customization” col_2_content=”Minimal” col_3_content=”Extensive”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”SLAs and Support” col_2_content=”Provided by Operator” col_3_content=”Dependent on carrier and provider”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”International Coverage” col_2_content=”Varies by Operator” col_3_content=”Highly flexible”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Initial Setup Cost” col_2_content=”Low” col_3_content=”Medium/High”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Long-Term Costs” col_2_content=”Higher at scale” col_3_content=”Lower at scale”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”small_first” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”center” col_3_text_align=”center” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Setup and Costs” col_2_content=”Low initial cost, potential long-term expense” col_3_content=”Medium/High initial cost, cost-efficiency improves with growth”][divider line_type=”No Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#e8eaef” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#ffffff” 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Top Reasons to Choose Operator Connect:

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• Need for speed: Go live in days, not weeks.

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• No in-house telephony expertise.

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• Want a managed service with SLAs.

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Top Reasons to Choose Direct Routing:

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• Complex call flows or compliance requirements.

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• Existing PBX systems need integration.

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• International operations.

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Top Reasons to Choose Direct Routing:

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• Complex call flows or compliance requirements.

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• Existing PBX systems need integration.

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• International operations.

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Operator Connect and Direct Routing can unlock Teams as your business phone system. Choosing between the two comes down to priorities – Operator Connect is perfect for faster, easier deployment, while Direct Routing offers customization and control.

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With Teams Connect, companies can leverage Operator Connect, Direct Routing, or a hybrid of both for maximum flexibility. Choose Pay-as-you-Go at $3.49 per seat plus usage, or opt for unlimited calling at $8.95 per seat.

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Teams Connect add-ons include texting in Microsoft Teams, Call Recording, a Receptionist Console, and Contact Center for Microsoft Teams.

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About UCC Networks

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Teams Connect is a UCC Networks product. UCC Networks is a leading service provider of unified communications and contact center solutions tailored for business, financial, government, healthcare, retail, and international industries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Book a meeting today!

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