broadconnectauthor2Find the Right Microsoft Teams Calling Solution for Your Business
Microsoft Teams has become a leading platform for business communication, bringing together meetings, messaging, collaboration, and voice calling in one application. For businesses that want a simple way to enable external phone calls, Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan offers a fully cloud-managed solution from Microsoft. While it’s one of the easiest ways to get started with business telephony, it’s not the right fit for every organisation. This guide explains how Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan works, what’s included, its benefits and limitations, and how it compares with other Microsoft Teams calling options such as Operator Connect and Direct Routing.
What Is Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan?
Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan is a cloud-based business phone solution that combines Microsoft Teams Phone with Microsoft’s Calling Plan to enable external phone calls. It allows users to make and receive calls to landlines and mobile numbers directly through Microsoft Teams without requiring a traditional PBX system. With this solution, Microsoft provides the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connectivity, making it one of the simplest ways for businesses to deploy cloud calling. Users can access business phone features through the Microsoft Teams app on desktops, laptops, mobile devices, or compatible Teams-certified desk phones, allowing them to stay connected from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. For organisations looking for a straightforward, Microsoft-managed telephony solution, Teams Phone with Calling Plan offers a single platform for voice calls, meetings, messaging, and collaboration.
What Does a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan Include?
A Microsoft Teams Calling Plan provides the telephony services required to make and receive external business calls through Microsoft Teams. When combined with Microsoft Teams Phone, it gives businesses access to a complete cloud-based phone system without the need for separate telephony infrastructure.
A Microsoft Teams Calling Plan typically includes:
- Business phone numbers
- Inbound and outbound PSTN calling
- Cloud PBX functionality
- Call transfer
- Voicemail
- Call queues
- Auto attendants
These features help businesses manage customer calls professionally while keeping all communication within the Microsoft Teams platform. Because the service is managed by Microsoft, organisations can deploy business calling quickly without investing in on-premises phone systems or complex hardware.
Benefits of Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan
For many businesses, Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan offers a simple and reliable way to move from traditional phone systems to cloud-based communications. Because Microsoft manages both the calling platform and PSTN connectivity, businesses can deploy and manage their phone system with minimal complexity.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Easy deployment with minimal setup requirements.
- Microsoft-managed solution with integrated calling services.
- Minimal infrastructure, reducing the need for on-premises hardware.
- Predictable licensing through Microsoft subscription plans.
- Enterprise-grade security backed by Microsoft’s cloud platform.
These benefits make Calling Plan an attractive option for businesses that want an all-in-one communications solution without managing multiple providers or complex telephony infrastructure.
Calling Plan vs Operator Connect vs Direct Routing
Microsoft offers several ways to enable external calling in Microsoft Teams. While each option provides business calling capabilities, they differ in setup, flexibility, and the types of organisations they best suit.
| Feature | Calling Plan | Operator Connect | Direct Routing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Complexity | Simple | Moderate | Advanced |
| Carrier Choice | Microsoft | Approved telecommunications providers | Any compatible SIP provider |
| Flexibility | Standard | Greater flexibility | Highest level of customisation |
| International Calling | Available where supported | Depends on the provider | Highly flexible |
| Scalability | Suitable for most businesses | Suitable for growing businesses | Ideal for large and complex organisations |
| Best For | Small to medium businesses wanting a simple solution | Businesses wanting carrier flexibility | Organisations with advanced telephony requirements or existing infrastructure |
Choosing the right option depends on your business size, communication requirements, existing infrastructure, and long-term growth plans. If you’re unsure which deployment model is most suitable, our Direct Routing vs Operator Connect guide explains the differences in more detail.
Is Microsoft Teams Calling Plan Right for Your Business?
Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan is a practical option for businesses looking for a straightforward, cloud-based phone system. Because Microsoft manages both the calling service and PSTN connectivity, organisations can deploy business calling quickly without managing additional telecommunications infrastructure.
It may be the right choice for:
- Small businesses looking for an easy-to-deploy business phone solution.
- Medium-sized businesses wanting integrated calling within Microsoft Teams.
- Organisations with multiple office locations that need a consistent cloud-based communication platform.
- Hybrid and remote teams that require secure access to business calls from any location.
- Businesses with straightforward calling requirements that don’t need advanced telephony customisation.
For organisations with more complex communication needs, other Microsoft Teams calling options may provide greater flexibility.
Common Limitations to Consider
Although Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan is suitable for many organisations, it isn’t the best fit for every business. Before choosing this option, it’s important to understand its limitations and whether another deployment model would better support your long-term communication strategy.
Some considerations include:
- Regional availability, as Calling Plans are not offered in every country.
- Licensing requirements, which vary depending on your Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Limited carrier flexibility, since PSTN services are provided by Microsoft.
- Advanced telephony requirements, where businesses may benefit from Direct Routing or Operator Connect for greater control and customisation.
Evaluating your current communication needs and future growth plans will help determine whether Calling Plan provides the right balance of simplicity and flexibility for your organisation.
Choosing the Right Microsoft Teams Calling Option
Microsoft offers multiple ways to enable business calling in Teams, and the right option depends on your organisation’s communication requirements, existing Microsoft environment, and future growth plans. Rather than choosing based on features alone, it’s important to consider how your business operates today and how your communication needs may change over time.
When evaluating your options, consider:
- Your existing Microsoft environment and current Microsoft 365 licences.
- The number of users who require business calling.
- Your calling requirements, including local, national, and international calling.
- Future business growth and whether your phone system needs to scale with your organisation.
Businesses with straightforward calling requirements may find Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan provides everything they need, while organisations requiring greater flexibility, carrier choice, or advanced telephony features may be better suited to Operator Connect or Direct Routing. Our Microsoft Teams Phone guide explains the available deployment options in more detail and can help you identify the most suitable solution for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before making your decision, here are answers to some of the most common questions
1. What is Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan?
Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan is a cloud-based business phone solution that combines Microsoft Teams Phone with Microsoft’s Calling Plan, allowing users to make and receive external phone calls through Microsoft Teams.
2. Does Calling Plan include a business phone number?
Yes. Microsoft Teams Calling Plan includes business phone numbers along with PSTN connectivity for inbound and outbound calling, subject to availability in your region.
3. What’s the difference between Calling Plan and Direct Routing?
Calling Plan uses Microsoft’s PSTN services, making deployment simple and fully managed. Direct Routing allows businesses to connect Microsoft Teams to a compatible SIP provider, offering greater flexibility and customisation.
4. Can I keep my existing business number?
In many cases, existing business phone numbers can be ported to a new Microsoft Teams Phone solution. The available options will depend on your current provider and the deployment model you choose.
5. Is Microsoft Teams Calling Plan suitable for small businesses?
Yes. Calling Plan is often a good option for small and medium-sized businesses that want an easy-to-manage cloud phone system with minimal infrastructure.
Choose the Right Microsoft Teams Calling Solution
Whether you’re considering Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan, Operator Connect, or Direct Routing, selecting the right solution is essential for delivering reliable business communications today and supporting your future growth.
At BroadConnect, we help Australian businesses assess their communication requirements, recommend the most suitable Microsoft Teams deployment, and provide expert implementation, migration, and ongoing support.
Call: 1300 880 330
Email: hello@broadconnect.com.au
Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for updates and offers.