Add Phone Calls to Microsoft Teams Without Overpaying
How do you add phone calls to Microsoft Teams in the UK without paying Microsoft's premium calling plans? You use Direct Routing or Operator Connect with a hosted VoIP provider. This gives you full PSTN connectivity inside Teams. You keep your numbers. You avoid high per user costs.
Think about it. Teams is already where your conversations live. Your chats. Your meetings. Your shared files. It feels seamless. But when someone needs to call a mobile or landline, you hit a wall unless you pay more.
Many UK businesses want simplicity. They do not want surprise costs.
Your Microsoft Teams phone system should feel cohesive. Not bolted on. With the right hosted VoIP solution, you can add phone calls Teams UK businesses rely on every day, without locking into Microsoft's calling plans.
At Cleartwo, we see this every week. UK companies want Teams voice. They also want control and fair pricing. As a fully managed UK VoIP specialist, Cleartwo designs, installs and supports cloud PBX integrations with 99.99% uptime and real UK based engineers. Every detail matters.
Why UK Businesses Want To Add Phone Calls To Microsoft Teams
The timing matters. The PSTN switch off is coming in January 2027. Traditional ISDN and analogue lines are ending. If you have not moved yet, you will need to.
You can read more in our ISDN switch off 2027 guide and follow the steps in the PSTN migration checklist for UK businesses. The message is clear. Cloud telephony is the future.
Option 3 Operator Connect
Operator Connect is a middle option. Approved carriers connect directly into Teams. You do not manage complex hardware. There is no on site SBC device.
It feels simple. Yet you still avoid Microsoft Calling Plan pricing.
Both Direct Routing and Operator Connect let you design your Teams phone experience around your business. Not the other way round.
The Real Cost Difference
Let us look at the numbers. Many UK SMEs save between 40 and 60 percent compared to traditional telephony when moving to hosted VoIP. When you connect this to Teams using Direct Routing, the savings can be strong.
Instead of bundled minutes, you pay competitive SIP trunk rates. Instead of limited features, you gain tools such as:
- Advanced call queues
- Auto attendants
- Wallboard analytics
- GDPR compliant recording
- CRM screen pop
- Mobile softphone apps
- Multi site routing
Your phone system shapes customer experience. It affects how your brand feels. It is not just about making calls.
Cleartwo are official CallSwitch One resellers. That is important.
You do not just receive licences. Cleartwo manages the full setup. Number porting. Configuration. Testing. Training. Ongoing support. You get UK based help. You get fair pricing. You get enterprise features at SME level cost.
Some providers sell access and leave you to manage the rest. Cleartwo connects the digital lines. Activates your Teams dial pad. Designs the structure. Supports it long term. Your Microsoft Teams phone setup becomes a natural part of your organisation.
Step By Step How Cleartwo Adds Phone Calls To Microsoft Teams
Here is how the journey works.
- Review your current setup and broadband capacity
- Design your cloud PBX and call flows
- Connect the digital SIP lines and activate the Teams dial pad
- Configure Direct Routing or Operator Connect
- Port your numbers with careful planning
- Test emergency calling and compliance settings
- Train your team and go live
Most SMEs go live within weeks. Not months. Cleartwo aligns this with your wider IT support for businesses, cybersecurity and IT security for SMEs strategy so nothing feels disconnected.
If you are comparing options, read Teams Phone vs dedicated VoIP for a clear view of the pros and cons.
Beyond Calls Connecting Your Business
Adding phone calls to Teams is about more than dialling out. It is about building a connected communication system.
CRM integration can log every call. Marketing tools can review call data. Custom CRM systems can sync with your phone platform. E commerce teams can track enquiries in real time.
Cloud CRM, digital marketing solutions and hosted VoIP should not sit in silos. They should work together. One thoughtful structure. Built around how your business operates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Add Phone Calls To Teams Without Microsoft Calling Plans
Yes. UK businesses can use Direct Routing or Operator Connect with a hosted VoIP provider. This connects PSTN lines to Teams using SIP trunking. You avoid Microsoft Calling Plans while still making and receiving external calls.
Do I Still Need A Teams Phone Licence
Yes. A Teams Phone licence enables the dial pad. However, you do not need Microsoft Calling Plans. You can pair the licence with Direct Routing or Operator Connect for better pricing control.
How Does The PSTN Switch Off Affect My Teams Setup
By January 2027, traditional ISDN and analogue lines will end in the UK. To use Teams for business telephony, you must connect it to a cloud based VoIP solution that supports digital SIP trunking.
Can I Keep My Existing Business Phone Numbers
In most cases, yes. Numbers can be ported from your current provider into a hosted VoIP or SIP trunking setup. With good planning, disruption is minimal.
How Long Does It Take To Set Up Teams Calling With Direct Routing
For most SMEs, setup takes a few weeks. This includes design, number porting, configuration and testing. A managed provider like Cleartwo handles the technical work and ensures a smooth go live.
If you are ready to move beyond a simple add on, speak to Cleartwo. Let us create a Microsoft Teams voice experience that feels cohesive, cost effective and ready for the future.
Author: Sara
