broadconnectauthor2Microsoft Teams Calling Australia: How It Works and What Businesses Need to Know
Many Australian businesses are moving away from traditional phone systems as hybrid work, cloud communications, and remote collaboration become the norm. Microsoft Teams Calling allows businesses to make and receive phone calls directly through Microsoft Teams, bringing business voice, messaging, meetings and collaboration into one platform. For Australian businesses, the way Teams connects to the public phone network depends on the calling solution and telecommunications provider used.
What Is Microsoft Teams Calling?
Microsoft Teams Calling allows businesses to make and receive external phone calls directly through Microsoft Teams. By combining voice services with chat, video conferencing, and collaboration tools, organisations can manage communications from a single platform. Instead of relying on traditional desk phones and separate phone systems, businesses can use Teams as a modern cloud-based communication solution that supports office-based, remote, and hybrid teams. Businesses exploring cloud communications can learn more about Microsoft Teams Flex and how it integrates voice services into the Microsoft Teams environment.
How Microsoft Teams Calling Works?
Microsoft Teams Calling combines Microsoft Teams with business voice services, allowing users to make and receive phone calls from the same platform they use for messaging, meetings, and collaboration.
- Microsoft Teams
- Teams Phone
- Phone Numbers
- PSTN Connectivity
- Operator Connect or Direct Routing
In Australia, Teams Phone provides the calling capability inside Microsoft Teams, but your phone number, call rates and connection to the Australian telephone network come from a telecommunications provider. Businesses typically use Operator Connect or Direct Routing to connect Teams to the public phone network.
Key Benefits of Microsoft Teams Calling
Microsoft Teams Calling offers a range of benefits for businesses looking to modernise their communications and support flexible work environments.
- Work From Anywhere
- Reduced Telecom Costs
- Better Collaboration
- Scalability
- Centralised Communications
Businesses considering modern communication solutions may also benefit from a Business Phone System that integrates with Microsoft Teams and broader unified communications strategies.
Microsoft Teams Calling vs Traditional Business Phone Systems
Many businesses comparing communication solutions want to understand how Microsoft Teams Calling differs from a traditional business phone system.
| Feature | Microsoft Teams Calling | Traditional Phone System |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Requirements | Minimal hardware required | Often requires desk phones and on-site equipment |
| Remote Work Support | Built for remote and hybrid work | Limited flexibility for remote users |
| Scalability | Easily add or remove users | May require additional hardware and setup |
| Maintenance | Cloud-managed and centrally administered | Ongoing maintenance and infrastructure management |
| Flexibility | Access from multiple devices and locations | Primarily office-based access |
| Cost Management | Predictable cloud-based services | Hardware and maintenance costs may apply |
For organisations supporting remote teams, multiple offices, or flexible work arrangements, Microsoft Teams Calling can provide greater agility and easier management compared to traditional phone systems.
Businesses evaluating communication platforms may also compare a Business Phone System with Microsoft Teams Flex to determine the most suitable solution for their requirements.
Microsoft Teams Calling vs VoIP Systems
While Microsoft Teams Calling is built on VoIP technology, it offers additional collaboration and productivity features that go beyond traditional voice communications.
| Feature | Microsoft Teams Calling | Traditional VoIP System |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Video Meetings | Included | Often requires separate tools |
| Team Chat | Included | Usually limited or unavailable |
| Microsoft 365 Integration | Native integration | Limited integration |
| Remote & Hybrid Work Support | Excellent | Good |
| File Sharing & Collaboration | Built-in | Usually requires third-party platforms |
| Centralised Communications | Calls, meetings, chat, and collaboration in one platform | Primarily focused on voice services |
| Scalability | Highly scalable | Scalable depending on provider |
| User Experience | Single application for communication and collaboration | Multiple systems may be required |
For businesses already using Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams Calling can simplify communications by bringing calls, meetings, messaging, and collaboration together in a single platform. Traditional VoIP systems may still be suitable for organisations primarily focused on voice communications. Businesses comparing communication solutions can explore a Business Phone System to determine which option best suits their operational requirements.
Teams Direct Routing vs Operator Connect
When implementing Microsoft Teams Calling, businesses typically choose between Direct Routing and Operator Connect to connect Teams with the public telephone network.
| Feature | Direct Routing | Operator Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Complexity | More advanced configuration | Simpler deployment |
| Flexibility | High level of customisation | Standardised solution |
| Carrier Choice | Wide range of carrier options | Limited to approved operators |
| Existing Telephony Integration | Supports complex environments | Best for straightforward deployments |
| Management | Greater administrative control | Managed through approved providers |
| Scalability | Suitable for complex and enterprise environments | Suitable for most small and medium businesses |
| Deployment Time | Typically longer | Typically faster |
For Australian businesses, Microsoft Calling Plans are not the standard connection option. Businesses typically connect Teams to the Australian phone network through an Australian carrier using Operator Connect or Direct Routing.
What Is Direct Routing?
Direct Routing allows businesses to connect Microsoft Teams to their preferred telecommunications provider using a certified Session Border Controller (SBC). This approach offers greater flexibility and is often used by organisations with more complex communication requirements.
What Is Operator Connect?
Operator Connect is a Microsoft-approved solution that allows businesses to connect Teams Calling services through participating carriers. It simplifies deployment and ongoing management while still delivering enterprise-grade calling capabilities.
Which Option Is Best?
The right choice depends on your business requirements, existing infrastructure, and desired level of control. Organisations with complex telephony environments may prefer Direct Routing, while many businesses benefit from the simplicity and faster deployment offered by Operator Connect.
To explore the most suitable option for your organisation, learn more about Microsoft Teams Flex.
What Businesses Are Best Suited to Microsoft Teams Calling?
Microsoft Teams Calling can benefit organisations of all sizes, but it is particularly valuable for businesses that rely on collaboration, flexible work arrangements, and cloud-based communications.
- Professional Services
- Healthcare
- Education
- Multi-Site Organisations
- Hybrid Workforces
Microsoft Teams Calling Costs in Australia
The cost of Microsoft Teams Calling in Australia depends on your Microsoft licensing, number of users, phone numbers, calling provider and the way your Teams environment connects to the Australian telephone network. Setup, number porting, hardware and ongoing support can also affect the total cost.
For a detailed breakdown of Microsoft Teams Phone licensing, carrier costs and the factors that influence the overall price, read our Microsoft Teams Calling Costs Australia guide.
For tailored advice on Microsoft Teams Calling solutions, Contact Us.
How to Get Started With Microsoft Teams Calling
Getting started with Microsoft Teams Calling is usually a straightforward process when planned correctly.
- Assess your business communication requirements.
- Review your Microsoft licensing and Teams environment.
- Choose a calling solution such as Operator Connect or Direct Routing.
- Configure phone numbers and voice services.
- Train staff and launch the solution across the business.
Businesses looking to simplify communications and support hybrid work can explore Microsoft Teams Flex to learn more about available deployment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft Teams Calling is becoming a popular alternative to traditional business phone systems. Below are answers to some of the most common questions Australian businesses ask before making the switch.
1. What is Microsoft Teams Calling?
Microsoft Teams Calling allows users to make and receive external phone calls directly through Microsoft Teams, combining voice, messaging, meetings, and collaboration in a single platform.
2. Can Microsoft Teams replace a traditional phone system?
Yes. Many businesses use Microsoft Teams Calling as a replacement for traditional phone systems, reducing the need for on-site hardware while supporting remote and hybrid work.
3. What is the difference between Teams Phone and Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is the collaboration platform used for chat, meetings, and file sharing. Teams Phone adds business calling capabilities, allowing users to make and receive external phone calls.
4. Does Microsoft Teams Calling work in Australia?
Yes. Microsoft Teams Calling is available in Australia through telecommunications providers using solutions such as Operator Connect and Direct Routing.
5. What internet speed is required for Teams Calling?
The required speed depends on the number of users and call volumes. A reliable business-grade internet connection is recommended to ensure consistent call quality and performance.
6. What is the difference between Direct Routing and Operator Connect?
Direct Routing offers greater flexibility and customisation, while Operator Connect provides a simpler and faster way to connect Teams Calling through approved telecommunications providers.
7. Can Australian businesses use Microsoft Calling Plans?
Microsoft Calling Plans are not the standard Microsoft-provided PSTN connection for Australian tenants. Australian businesses typically connect Teams to the public telephone network through an Australian telecommunications provider using Operator Connect or Direct Routing.
Looking to Deploy Microsoft Teams Calling?
Broadconnect helps Australian businesses implement Microsoft Teams Calling solutions with expert setup, number porting, voice integration, and ongoing Australian-based support. Whether you’re replacing a traditional phone system or building a modern hybrid workplace, our team can help you choose the right solution for your business. Learn more about Microsoft Teams Flex, explore our Business Phone System solutions, or Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Call: 1300 880 330
Email: hello@broadconnect.com.au
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