In the evolving landscape of unified communications, businesses are increasingly turning to Microsoft Teams as their go-to platform for collaboration and communication. Central to this transformation are two key features: Direct Routing vs. Operator Connect.
These capabilities empower organisations to integrate voice services directly into Teams, enhancing productivity and streamlining communication workflows.
Direct Routing vs Operator Connect: your Microsoft Teams calling options
Direct Routing and Operator Connect are two main ways to enable external calling in Microsoft Teams. Both connect Teams to the PSTN, but they differ in management and flexibility. Here are your options:
- Direct Routing: Use your own telecom provider and infrastructure for maximum control.
- Operator Connect: Choose a certified operator for a managed, streamlined experience.
- Microsoft Calling Plans: Buy calling services directly from Microsoft for simplicity.
Understanding these differences helps you select the best fit for your business needs and IT resources.
Direct Routing: Simplifying communication integration
Direct Routing lets you connect your existing telephony infrastructure to Microsoft Teams, so you can use your preferred telecom provider for calls. This approach gives you control over costs and leverages the reliability of Microsoft Teams. It’s ideal for businesses that want flexibility and to keep their current provider.
How does Direct Routing work?
Direct Routing connects your on-premises phone system to Microsoft Teams using a Session Border Controller (SBC). The SBC acts as a bridge between your phone network and Teams, allowing seamless calls in and out of the platform.
- Route calls using your existing phone numbers
- Integrate with current infrastructure for a consistent experience
- Maintain control and negotiate your own rates
The benefits of Direct Routing
Discover how Direct Routing enhances communication capabilities within Microsoft Teams with its array of strategic advantages:
- Cost efficiency: Direct Routing allows businesses to optimise communication costs by choosing their telephony provider and negotiating competitive calling rates. This can lead to significant savings, especially for enterprises managing large-scale communications needs.
- Flexibility: Organisations retain control over their telephony infrastructure, enabling tailored integrations and scalable solutions. This flexibility empowers businesses to adapt their communication systems as their needs evolve, ensuring they can support growth and change.
- Global reach: Leveraging Microsoft’s extensive data centre network, Direct Routing ensures reliable global connectivity for voice communications. This robust infrastructure supports international operations seamlessly, enhancing connectivity and collaboration across geographic boundaries.
- Integration: By including Direct Routing directly within their systems, businesses can streamline communication processes and enhance team collaboration effectively.
Direct Routing pricing and costs
Direct Routing requires setup and maintenance of SBCs, with costs depending on user count and provider agreements. Many businesses find it cost-effective due to flexible scaling and the ability to negotiate competitive rates. For example, per user pricing can start as low as $1.24 per month (with 5,000+ users and bring your own carrier), highlighting its cost efficiency for larger organisations.
Microsoft Teams Operator Connect: Elevating communication management
Operator Connect is a managed service that connects Teams to the PSTN through certified telecom operators. Unlike Direct Routing, the operator handles setup and maintenance for you. This simplifies deployment and lets your team focus on core business activities.
How does Operator Connect work?
Operator Connect integrates Microsoft Teams with a telecom operator’s network, letting users keep their existing phone numbers. The operator manages setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance. This approach removes complexity and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.
The benefits of Operator Connect
Discover how Operator Connect transforms communication efficiency and reliability within Microsoft Teams:
- Simplicity: Streamlines deployment and management, reducing administrative overhead and complexity associated with telephony integration.
- Scalability: Easily scale voice services across different geographic regions and user bases, supported by telecom operator expertise and infrastructure.
- Reliability: Ensures high availability and quality of service through telecom operator-managed networks and robust SLAs.
- Compliance: Operators handle regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to local telecommunication laws and standards.
Operator Connect pricing and costs
Operator Connect charges setup fees, monthly subscriptions, and usage-based call charges. Pricing depends on the operator and coverage, but you benefit from predictable billing and simplified cost management. Typical monthly seat pricing for smaller organisations is around $10 per user, depending on bundled components.
Direct Routing vs. Operator Connect – key differences for your business
Direct Routing and Operator Connect each offer unique benefits for Teams telephony. Compare the key differences below:
| Feature | Direct Routing | Operator Connect |
| Management | You manage infrastructure and setup | Operator manages everything |
| Flexibility | Choose your provider and rates | Fixed provider, managed service |
| Scalability | Flexible, but requires IT resources | Easy to scale with operator support |
How to choose between Direct Routing and Operator Connect for your organisation
Choose the model that matches your business needs:
- Operator Connect: Best for simple setup, minimal IT effort, and managed support.
- Direct Routing: Ideal if you need control, want to keep your provider, or require complex integrations.
Why partner with Oxygen IT for Microsoft Teams calling?
Choosing a model is only the first step; successful implementation and ongoing management are critical for business continuity. Partnering with Oxygen IT removes the complexity from the process, whether you choose Direct Routing or Operator Connect.
We provide proactive support to ensure your Teams calling works seamlessly, backed by an average response time of under 15 minutes. Our local New Zealand team understands the needs of SMEs and focuses on delivering reliable outcomes, allowing you to focus on your core business while we manage your communications technology.
Choosing the right Teams calling option for your organisation
Ultimately, the decision between Direct Routing and Operator Connect comes down to balancing control with simplicity. Direct Routing is ideal for organisations that require customisation and want to retain their own carrier relationships, while Operator Connect is suited for businesses seeking a straightforward, managed solution.
By evaluating your operational needs, technical resources, and budget, you can select the model that best supports your communication strategy. If you need help assessing your requirements and implementing the right solution for your business,contact Oxygen IT to speak with our team.
Frequently asked questions about Direct Routing and Operator Connect
Direct Routing can be more cost-effective if you have good carrier rates, but it requires setup and management. Operator Connect offers predictable per-user pricing, making budgeting easier for many SMEs
Yes, both options let you port your current phone numbers into Microsoft Teams.
No, Operator Connect is fully cloud-based and does not require any on-premises hardware
Microsoft Calling Plans are sold and managed entirely by Microsoft, making them a simple all-in-one solution. Operator Connect allows you to choose from certified third-party telecom operators who often provide more competitive calling rates and dedicated support