Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
Table of Contents
If your business already uses Microsoft Teams for chat and meetings, you’ve probably come across the term microsoft teams direct routing. Many companies across Australia are moving toward Direct Routing because it lets them make and receive phone calls through Teams without being tied to Microsoft’s calling plans.
This guide breaks down how it works, why it matters, and what businesses should know before switching. If you’re still comparing overall telecom options, you may find The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right NBN and Internet Provider for Your Business in Australia helpful.

1. What Is Direct Routing?
Direct Routing connects your business phone service (SIP trunk) to Microsoft Teams. Instead of using Microsoft Calling Plans, Direct Routing lets you choose your own carrier while keeping Teams as your main phone system.
In simple terms:
• Teams becomes your phone system
• You can keep your existing numbers
• You can customise your call routing
• You’re not locked into Microsoft’s pricing
• You can scale channels as your business grows
Direct Routing also fits well with broader microsoft uc solutions, letting you build a complete unified communications setup around Teams.
2. How It Integrates with Teams Calling
Direct Routing sits in the background and links your SIP trunk to Microsoft’s cloud. Once the connection is set up, Teams becomes your central hub for making and receiving external calls.
Direct Routing Works Well If You Need:
• Teams calling Australia
• Flexible call routing
• Integration with existing numbers
• A mix of desk phones and softphones
• Support for hybrid or remote teams
Here’s a simple comparison of how Direct Routing fits into Teams Calling:
Teams Calling with Direct Routing
| Feature | With Direct Routing | With Microsoft Calling Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier choice | Yes | No |
| Bring your own SIP trunk | Yes | No |
| Keep existing numbers | Yes | Sometimes |
| Flexible pricing | High | Low |
| Custom routing | Yes | Limited |
| Works with cloud pbx teams setups | Yes | Partially |
Microsoft also provides a clear overview of Teams voice features on their official Microsoft Teams calling overview page.
3. Benefits for Remote and Hybrid Teams
Direct Routing works anywhere Teams works, which makes it ideal for hybrid and remote workplaces. This is one of the reasons many organisations choose microsoft teams direct routing when building flexible communication setups.
Benefits Include:
• Take calls from home, office, or on the road
• No physical phone hardware needed
• Consistent experience on mobile, desktop, and laptop
• Easy number management
• Ideal for businesses with multiple sites
For many companies, Direct Routing plays a major role in building a business unified communications setup.
4. Cost Advantages
One of the biggest reasons businesses choose Direct Routing is cost. Because you can use your own carrier, you’re not locked into Microsoft’s fixed calling plan rates.
Cost Differences
| Cost Factor | Direct Routing | Microsoft Calling Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Usually lower | Higher per user |
| Flexibility | High | Limited |
| Call rates | Carrier-based | Fixed Microsoft rates |
| Scale up/down | Easy | Less flexible |
| Hardware | Minimal | Minimal |
For mid-sized or fast-growing teams, the cost savings can be significant over time. This is why direct routing for businesses is now the preferred option.
5. Required Setup
Setting up microsoft teams direct routing is simpler than most businesses expect. A provider like Broadconnect handles the technical work.
You usually need:
• Microsoft 365 subscription
• Teams Phone license
• SIP trunking
• Session Border Controller (SBC) managed by your provider
• A stable business internet connection
With these pieces in place, setting up microsoft teams direct routing becomes a straightforward process for most businesses.
To understand how SIP services work in Australia, the Telstra SIP Connect overview is a helpful reference.
NBN Co also explains how business-grade networks support cloud voice services:
6. Direct Routing vs Microsoft Calling Plans
Some small teams start with Microsoft Calling Plans because they’re simple. But Direct Routing offers more control and better long-term value.
When Calling Plans Make Sense:
• Small teams
• Single location
• No complex routing needed
When Direct Routing Makes More Sense:
• You want lower call rates
• You need to keep your numbers
• You want carrier flexibility
• You have multiple branches
• You want custom routing
• You use cloud pbx teams setups
The ACMA also explains VoIP and calling regulations clearly here:
7. Broadconnect’s Teams Calling Solutions
Broadconnect provides Direct Routing solutions designed for Australian businesses that want flexibility and simplicity.
Our Microsoft Teams Flex solution lets businesses use Direct Routing, Teams Calling, and advanced voice features without complicated setup.
Why Businesses Choose Broadconnect:
• No complex setup
• Local support
• Competitive call rates
• Works with existing numbers
• Scales easily
• Fits into your unified communications plans
If you’re exploring broader phone and internet options, our in-depth guide may help:
The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right NBN and Internet Provider for Your Business in Australia
FAQs Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
1. Do I need special hardware for Direct Routing?
No. Your provider manages the SBC. Teams handles everything else.
2. Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages of microsoft teams direct routing.
3. Is Direct Routing cheaper than Microsoft Calling Plans?
For most businesses, yes. Direct Routing generally costs less and gives you more control over call rates.
4. Does Direct Routing work for remote/hybrid teams?
Yes. Calls can be made from any device with Microsoft Teams logged in.
5. Do I need a business internet connection for it?
A stable connection is recommended. If you’re assessing internet options, Broadconnect offers business-grade services Australia-wide.
6. Is Direct Routing secure?
Yes. It uses encrypted connections through a secure SBC managed by your provider.

Conclusion
With the right setup, microsoft teams direct routing becomes a long-term solution that scales easily as your business grows. Microsoft teams direct routing gives businesses more flexibility, lower costs, and a smoother experience than relying only on Microsoft Calling Plans. It works well for remote, hybrid, and multi-site teams that want a reliable calling setup without installing bulky phone hardware.
If you’d like help comparing options or want a tailored solution, Broadconnect can walk you through the process and set everything up for you.
We would love to help you find the right business internet and phone solutions. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or reach us at hello@broadconnect.com.au | Call: 1300 880 330