What Is Teams Direct Routing UK And Why It Matters
What is Teams Direct Routing UK in simple terms? It is a way to connect Microsoft Teams to the UK phone network using your own SIP trunk provider. In plain English, it lets you make and receive normal business calls inside Teams without being tied to Microsoft Calling Plans.
If that sounds technical, do not worry. We have all opened a Microsoft admin page and thought who designed this. Let us sort it out together and make it clear and manageable.
With the PSTN switch off happening across the UK, more businesses are moving to VoIP phone systems for UK businesses. Many are also adding voice to Microsoft Teams phone systems. If you already use Teams every day, adding proper business telephony just makes sense. And yes, hosted VoIP solutions fit neatly into that setup.
Teams Direct Routing UK Explained In Simple Terms
Let us make this simple.
Direct Routing connects three main parts:
- Microsoft Teams
- A Session Border Controller SBC
- A UK SIP trunk provider
The SBC acts as a secure bridge. It connects Microsoft's cloud to the public phone network. Think of it as a smart gatekeeper. It controls calls, security and routing.
When someone dials your business number, the call travels through the SIP trunk, passes the SBC and lands inside Teams. Outbound calls follow the same path in reverse.
No smoke and mirrors. Just structured routing that makes sense once you see it clearly.
Core Components You Should Know
Between you and me, you do not need to memorise technical standards. But these terms will come up during setup, so it helps to know the basics.
- Session Border Controller SBC which secures and manages call traffic
- SIP trunk connectivity which links you to the UK phone network
- Voice routing policy which controls who can call where
- Media bypass which improves call quality and reduces delay
- PSTN connectivity inside Teams
- Teams voicemail settings
If you want a wider view of how this works, our guide on what VoIP means for UK businesses explains it step by step.
How Teams Direct Routing UK Works In Practice
Let us walk through what actually happens.
- You have Microsoft 365 with Teams Phone licences.
- You connect a certified SBC to Microsoft using secure SIP over TLS.
- You link that SBC to a UK SIP trunk provider.
- You set up voice routing policies for users.
Once it is live, users can:
- Make outbound calls
- Receive inbound calls
- Use call recording
- Access voicemail
- Transfer and queue calls
- Integrate with CRM systems
CRM integration is a big win. Sales teams love click to dial and automatic call logging. Instead of guessing which campaign drove a call, you can see it clearly. It works well with cloud CRM systems and custom CRM systems for growing businesses.
Direct Routing Vs Microsoft Calling Plans
Let us be honest. This is where most businesses pause.
Microsoft Calling Plans are simple. But they can be expensive per user, especially if your team makes a lot of calls.
Direct Routing allows you to:
- Choose your own UK SIP trunk provider
- Negotiate better call rates
- Keep your existing numbers
- Connect multiple sites
- Blend Teams with an existing cloud PBX
For multi site businesses or call heavy teams, the savings can be significant. Many UK firms see up to 40 to 60 percent cost reduction compared to older phone systems.
If you are weighing up your options, our guide on Teams phone vs dedicated VoIP can help you decide.
Security And Compliance For UK Businesses
No stress. We will keep this simple.
Direct Routing uses secure SIP over TLS and encrypted media streams. In short, calls are protected while they travel across the internet. The SBC also shields your network from fraud and unwanted access.
For sectors like finance or legal, compliant call recording is vital. GDPR and MiFID II rules require secure storage and easy retrieval of calls. A proper hosted VoIP or UC setup handles this correctly.
Security should also match your wider IT plan. Strong IT security for SMEs and reliable IT support for businesses keep your voice system stable and protected.
How Teams Direct Routing UK Supports Digital Growth
Here is the thing. Voice is not just a dial tone anymore.
Calls can link straight into your sales funnel. With call analytics and smart reporting, you can track conversions and connect calls to campaigns. Instead of wondering if your marketing works, you can see real numbers.
Your Teams phone setup can connect with:
- Cloud CRM
- AI marketing tools
- E commerce marketing platforms
- Web development services
- Custom CRM systems
It becomes part of your wider digital transformation strategy, not just a phone system in the corner.
Why Work With Cleartwo For Teams Direct Routing UK
Between you and me, Direct Routing can get technical quickly. SBC setup, number porting, firewall rules. It is not something you want to fix late on a Friday.
This is where Cleartwo comes in.
As a managed UK VoIP specialist, Cleartwo provides:
- Managed implementation
- UK based support
- Teams voice integration
- Enterprise features at SME pricing
- 99.99 percent uptime SLA
No ticket black holes. No overseas call centres. Just clear advice and proper support from people who speak plain English.
If you are planning wider change, our guide on digital transformation services explains how voice, CRM and automation fit together.
Is Teams Direct Routing UK Right For You
It usually makes sense if:
- You already use Microsoft Teams daily
- You want to reduce calling costs
- You need advanced call routing
- You require compliant call recording
- You operate across multiple sites
- You want tighter CRM integration
If you are a small startup with very low call volume, a simple hosted VoIP system may be enough. But for growing UK SMEs, Direct Routing offers more flexibility and control.
With the PSTN switch off coming, delaying the move rarely helps. As covered in our PSTN migration checklist, early planning avoids rushed decisions later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Teams Direct Routing In The UK
Teams Direct Routing allows UK businesses to connect Microsoft Teams to the public phone network using their own SIP trunk provider. It supports inbound and outbound calls inside Teams without relying on Microsoft Calling Plans. This gives more flexibility and often lower call costs.
Will It Work After The PSTN Switch Off
Yes. Direct Routing uses internet based SIP trunking, not traditional analogue lines. It is fully compatible with the UK PSTN switch off and is one of the recommended migration paths away from ISDN and legacy PBX systems.
Is It Cheaper Than Microsoft Calling Plans
For many UK SMEs, yes. Direct Routing lets you choose competitive SIP trunk rates and bundle minutes more efficiently. Businesses with higher call volumes often see noticeable savings.
Can I Keep My Existing Business Numbers
In most cases, yes. Numbers can usually be ported from your current provider to a SIP trunk provider. A managed partner like Cleartwo handles the process to avoid disruption.
How Long Does Setup Take
For a typical SME, setup can take from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on number porting and system complexity. Working with Cleartwo helps speed things up and ensures security and compliance are right from day one.
If you are unsure where to start, no judgment. Have a chat with Cleartwo and we will work through it together. You have got this.
