Office 365 licensing can be complex. Navigating all the available apps, features, and add-ons quickly becomes confusing, especially when considering different voice services.
Microsoft offers its own Calling Plan alongside Operator Connect and Direct Routing, two options for bringing your own PSTN carrier. The Teams Phone Standard is a modern communication tool designed to enhance business operations by making and receiving calls over PSTN and providing seamless device integration.
Which license does your company actually need to unlock Operator Connect? Buying the wrong license can leave you without the capability to use the service or paying too much for features you won’t use — fortunately, both scenarios can be avoided.
Operator Connect is only available with select Office 365 licenses. Not every option gives you the ability to bring your own carrier, and some won’t even give you access to Microsoft Teams.
Let’s break these licenses down to help you navigate the maze of Office 365 Operator Connect options. Read on to hone in on precisely the right license for your company.
Note: All specific prices mentioned are as of the publish date; refer to the official Microsoft website for current pricing.
What is Microsoft Teams Phone System?
Microsoft Teams Phone System is a cloud-based communication solution designed to streamline business interactions. Seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Teams, this phone system allows users to make and receive voice and video calls, as well as send and receive messages, all within the familiar Teams app. By consolidating various communication channels into one platform, the Teams Phone System revolutionizes business communication, offering a reliable, secure, and user-friendly experience for organizations of all sizes. Whether you’re conducting video calls or managing daily voice communications, Microsoft Teams Phone System ensures high-quality audio and a seamless user experience.
What every company will need
Every company must meet the bare minimum requirements to use Operator Connect regardless of the specific license. These are:
- Microsoft Teams (Included in most 365 plans, but not all)
- Teams Phone System
- Agreement with an Operator Connect provider
It is also important to have certified teams devices such as desk phones and conference phones to enhance the Teams experience.
Microsoft must approve your provider to use Operator Connect. Unlike Direct Routing, only a handful of carriers have met Microsoft’s criteria, so double-check the official Microsoft directory before signing up with a new carrier.
You should also keep in mind that your Operator Connect plan and Office 365 licenses are two separate agreements.
Enterprise-grade calling with PSTN connectivity
Microsoft Teams Phone System elevates business communication with enterprise-grade calling capabilities, thanks to its integration with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This feature allows users to make and receive calls to and from landlines and mobile phones, ensuring that businesses can stay connected with customers, partners, and colleagues outside their organization. The seamless integration within the Teams app provides a unified communication experience, making it easier to manage all your calls from one platform. With PSTN connectivity, Microsoft Teams Phone System bridges the gap between traditional telephone networks and modern digital communication, enhancing the overall efficiency and reach of your business communications.
Operator Connect for small to medium size businesses
Organizations not quite at the enterprise level can save money by exploring entry-level business licenses. The grand total is $20.50 per user per month at the minimum level; let’s break that down:
The Microsoft 365 Business Basic** plan gives you access to Teams with a base price of $6 per user per month if paid annually. However, this license will only provide web and mobile apps. You’ll need the Business Standard license for the desktop versions costs $12.50 if paid annually.**
Next, you’ll need the Phone System add-on, which costs an additional $8 per user per month.
Lastly, you need the PSTN Operator Connect/Direct Routing add-on for $6.50 per month.
The Teams Phone Standard enhances business communication by offering seamless integration with Microsoft applications and facilitating voice and video calls over PSTN or internet connections.
** Pricing subject to change over time. Listed prices may be out of date.
Operator Connect for enterprises
Microsoft offers several Enterprise licenses, but organizations will need either the E3 or E5 license to use Operator Connect. The minimal F3 license won’t be sufficient for using Operator Connect.
How much do these licenses cost?
The Microsoft 365 E3 license:
$33.75 per user per month if paid annually
$8 per user per month for Phone System
$6.50 per user per month for PSTN Operator Connect/Direct Routing add-on
You’ll pay at least $48.25 monthly per user to enable phone calling capabilities within Microsoft Teams. This includes the capability to hold, blind, and safe transfer calls within the Teams Phone System.
The Microsoft 365 E5 license:
$54.75 per user per month if paid annually
$8 per user per month for Phone System
$6.50 per user per month for PSTN Operator Connect/Direct Routing add-on
The total: $69.25 per user per month to enable phone calling capabilities in Teams.
Do you need the E3 or E5 license?
What’s the real difference between these two levels? As far as voice services and Operator Connect are concerned, they’re the same. The only difference is that the Phone System is included in E5 rather than sold as an add-on.
But there are other differences to understand before signing up. The E5 license includes additional features you may need, such as:
Microsoft 365 Defender for Cloud Apps, Endpoint P2, and Identity
Robust compliance management
Azure Active Directory Premium Plan 2
Power BI Pro, an advanced analytics application
Additionally, the E5 license supports the integration of desk phones within the Microsoft Teams ecosystem, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
Does your enterprise require any of those features? If not, E3 will give you Operator Connect without the added costs.
Security and reliability
Built on a robust and secure platform, Microsoft Teams Phone System ensures that your business communications are both protected and reliable. The system incorporates advanced security measures, including encryption and secure authentication, to guard against unauthorized access and data breaches. This commitment to security ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and secure. Additionally, the Teams Phone System is designed for high availability, providing consistent uptime and reliability. Even in the event of an outage or disaster, businesses can rely on the Teams Phone System to maintain effective and efficient communication. With Microsoft Teams Phone System, you can trust that your business communications are in safe hands, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
Momentum Operator Connect plans
We’ve made it easier than ever for any business to deploy Operator Connect. Currently, we offer two plans:
Basic: A simple, usage-based plan designed for businesses looking to make calls from Teams. This plan starts at $1 per user with per-minute pricing.
Unlimited: A more robust plan that offers unlimited Canada and US calling for $6.50 per user. Conference phones play a crucial role in enhancing the Teams experience and ensuring high-quality audio in calls and meetings.
Momentum is a tier-1 Operator Connect provider
Do you have a better understanding of which license you actually need? The next step is evaluating different Operator Connect providers. Compare uptime guarantees, service areas, billing rates, and industry reputation to find the right one for your organization’s needs.
Momentum is an approved Operator Connect provider with over a decade of providing flawless telecom experiences to our customers. Our tier-1 infrastructure provides a high uptime guarantee at competitive rates across the United States and Canada — all backed by world-class support. We also offer a range of certified Teams devices, such as desk phones, conference phones, and meeting room systems, to enhance communication and collaboration within Microsoft Teams.
We also offer a free 14-day trial to evaluate our Operator Connect services before signing any contracts. Register for your free trial today and start making phone calls in Teams within 15 minutes.
