What is Microsoft Teams Operator Connect?

Microsoft Teams Operator Connect is a feature that enables businesses to integrate PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) calling directly into Microsoft Teams, leveraging their existing telecommunications providers. In simpler terms, it allows users to make and receive phone calls through Teams while maintaining their current phone service providers.

Initially, only a select group of carriers (referred to as “operators”) were part of Operator Connect, but the service has significantly expanded. Today, businesses can choose from a variety of providers, including major names like AT&T, Dstny, Verizon Business, and Switch Connect. Microsoft’s strong partnerships with these operators ensure seamless service integration, and the list of supported carriers continues to grow.

With Microsoft Teams Operator Connect, customers can easily link their existing phone numbers to Teams or acquire new ones, manage their calling plans, and configure call routing—all within the Microsoft Teams environment. This centralized management simplifies the workload for IT teams, allowing them to quickly assign numbers and handle configurations without needing to interact with external providers.

Key Benefits of Microsoft Teams Operator Connect?

Here are some key benefits of using Microsoft Teams Operator Connect:

• Utilize Existing Contracts: Continue using your preferred telecommunications contracts while enjoying the modern calling experience that Microsoft Teams offers. Additionally, you have the flexibility to switch between different operators as needed.
• User-Friendly Integration: Operator Connect is designed with simplicity in mind, enabling quick and easy connections to operators and rapid assignment of phone numbers through the Teams Admin Center. No coding knowledge is required—everything is managed through straightforward controls.
• Operator-Managed Infrastructure: With PSTN calling services and Session Border Controllers (SBCs) managed by the operators, businesses can streamline their operations without needing to invest in new hardware. This reduces hardware costs while maintaining control over communication systems.
• Enhanced Support and Reliability: Operators provide dedicated technical support and shared service level agreements (SLAs), ensuring reliable service. The integration with Azure’s direct peering creates a 1:1 network connection, further enhancing reliability and performance.

‍