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As remote and hybrid workforces grow, so does the demand for streamlined, unified communication tools. Microsoft Teams is already the go-to collaboration platform for many businesses. But when it comes to voice services, traditional setups like on-premises hardware and manual routing create unnecessary complexity.
Operator Connect is Microsoft’s answer to this challenge It lets employees make and receive external phone calls in Microsoft Teams using trusted telecom providers without needing to set up or manage complex phone system hardware. The result: fast setup, reduced overhead, and enterprise-grade reliability.
How Does Operator Connect Work?
Operator Connect connects Microsoft Teams to your phone provider through Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure and approved telecom partners. Here’s how it works:
- You choose a Microsoft-certified operator.
- The operator connects to Microsoft via direct peering.
- Your admin provisions numbers directly within the Teams Admin Center.
- Users start making and receiving external phone calls from Teams—just like with a traditional phone system.
There’s no hardware to deploy and no complex configuration. Everything is managed through a familiar Microsoft interface.
Learn how Direct Routing Voice Administration works
Operator Connect vs Direct Routing vs Calling Plans
Operator Connect offers a middle path between Microsoft Calling Plans (easy, limited) and Direct Routing (flexible, complex). Here's how they compare:
| Operator Connect | Direct Routing | Microsoft Calling Plans | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier Type | Microsoft-certified operators | Any provider with SBC | Microsoft only |
| Setup Complexity | Low | High | Very Low |
| Ideal For | Fast integration & scale | Custom routing needs | SMBs needing instant provisioning |
| SBC Required | No | Yes | No |
| Support Model | Microsoft + Operator | Internal/3rd party | Microsoft only |
Key Benefits of Using Operator Connect
- Integrated with Teams: Provision and manage numbers natively in the Teams Admin Center.
- Faster Deployment: Many businesses go live in days, not weeks.
- No SBC Maintenance: Remove infrastructure costs and complexity.
- Reliable & Compliant: Use telecom providers vetted by Microsoft.
- Scalable: Easily assign, move, or retire numbers as your org evolves.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While Operator Connect simplifies things, it’s important to consider:
- Availability: Not all operators cover all regions.
- Licensing: Teams Phone licenses are still required.
- Operator Feature Sets: Some features may vary across providers.
- Network Readiness: You still need strong internet and QoS for optimal voice performance.
How to Set Up Operator Connect for Your Business
Setting up Operator Connect usually involves the following steps:
- Confirm you have active Microsoft Teams Phone licenses.
- Log into the Teams Admin Center.
- Navigate to Operator Connect under the Voice settings.
- Browse available operators and choose the one that fits your geography and SLAs.
- Assign phone numbers and configure user-level call policies.
All Covered helps assess readiness and select the best-fit operator for your location and compliance needs. Get help setting up Operator Connect
Operators Available for Operator Connect
Microsoft works with telecom providers around the world. Certified operators include:
- Bandwidth
- BT
- NTT
- Verizon
- Intrado
Regional availability varies. Some providers serve specific countries or industries. All must meet Microsoft’s criteria for uptime, QoS, and support.
Is Operator Connect Right for Your Business?
Operator Connect is a great fit if:
- You’re already using Microsoft Teams for chat and meetings
- You want to remove on-prem telephony equipment
- You need fast, secure PSTN integration without deep IT resources
- You want to future-proof your phone system without rebuilding it
While Operator Connect is designed to simplify Teams voice integration, setup still requires technical decisions such as: like choosing the right carrier, mapping number assignments, ensuring your network is voice-ready, and more. A managed communications provider like All Covered can assess your readiness, handle the configuration, and provide ongoing support to ensure your voice environment runs smoothly from day one.
FAQs About Operator Connect
1. What license is required for Operator Connect?
Microsoft Teams Phone licenses are required. These can be bundled in E5 or purchased separately.
2. How much does Operator Connect cost?
It varies. Most operators charge monthly per user or per number. Additional fees may apply for international calling or features.
3. How does Operator Connect differ from Direct Routing?
Operator Connect is turnkey. No SBCs, no scripts. It’s managed entirely within the Teams Admin Center with Microsoft-certified operators.
4. Is Operator Connect available in all countries?
No. Availability depends on your chosen operator. Some only support specific regions or compliance requirements.
