What is Teams Phone?
Your phone system, inside Microsoft Teams
If your business already uses Microsoft 365, Teams Phone lets you make and receive external calls directly inside the Teams app – on your laptop, mobile or a desk phone. No separate phone system, no extra hardware, no second app to manage.
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One app for everything
Calls, video meetings, instant messaging and file sharing all in one place. Your team doesn’t need to switch between apps – Teams handles it all, including external calls to landlines and mobiles.
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Works on any device
Teams Phone works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and Teams-certified desk phones. Your staff can take business calls from the office, at home or on the road – all from the same number.
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Keep your numbers
Your existing business numbers transfer across via Operator Connect or Direct Routing. No need to change your stationery, your website or tell your customers – the number stays the same.
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Auto attendant & call queues
Set up professional greeting menus, call queues and routing rules directly in the Teams admin centre. Route calls to the right person or team automatically – no additional hardware required.
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Call recording & compliance
Record calls for compliance or training purposes. Recordings are stored in Microsoft’s secure cloud infrastructure alongside your other Microsoft 365 data – no separate storage to manage.
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Call analytics
See call volumes, missed calls, queue performance and user activity across your organisation. Microsoft’s built-in reporting gives you visibility of how your phone system is being used.
How it works
Two ways to connect Teams to the phone network
Blowfish Technology will recommend the right connection method for your business based on your Microsoft 365 licences, existing phone numbers and requirements.
Operator Connect
The quickest and easiest way to add calling to Teams. Blowfish connects your numbers directly to the Teams admin centre via Microsoft’s Operator Connect programme. Numbers are managed entirely within Teams – no additional infrastructure needed.
Best for: most businesses already on Microsoft 365
Direct Routing
For businesses with more complex requirements – multi-site setups, existing SIP trunk contracts or specific routing needs. Direct Routing connects your existing telephony infrastructure to Teams via a Session Border Controller (SBC).
Best for: complex environments or existing SIP infrastructure
Indicative pricing
Microsoft Teams Phone licence costs
Teams Phone licensing has two components – the Phone Standard add-on and a calling plan for your minutes. Your existing Microsoft 365 subscription may already cover part of this. We’ll review your licences and give you an exact quote.
Teams Phone Standard
~£6.60 / user / month
The core licence that enables Teams Phone features. Does not include calling minutes – used with Operator Connect or Direct Routing where you supply your own calling plan.
✓Cloud PBX features
✓Auto attendant & call queues
✓Voicemail
✓Call transfer & forwarding
✓Works with Operator Connect or Direct Routing
Calling minutes not included – add a Domestic Calling Plan
Most Popular Add-on
Domestic Calling Plan
~£8-12 / user / month
Adds a UK phone number and inclusive domestic calling minutes. Combined with Teams Phone Standard, this gives your team a complete cloud phone system inside Teams.
✓UK phone number included
✓3,000 domestic minutes per user
✓Calls to UK landlines & mobiles
✓International add-on available
✓Number porting supported
Add to Teams Phone Standard for a complete solution
Please note: Prices shown are indicative Microsoft RRP figures (exc. VAT) based on current published pricing and are subject to change. Your existing Microsoft 365 subscription may already include some or all of the licences required. Contact Blowfish Technology for a personalised quote based on your specific setup and requirements – we’ll review your current licences and give you an exact monthly cost before you commit to anything.
Why Blowfish
Microsoft 365 and your phone system. One team.
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Blowfish Technology manages Microsoft 365 for North West businesses every day. Adding Teams Phone to your existing Microsoft environment is something we’re set up to do – from licence review to number porting to go-live.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a Microsoft 365 licence to use Teams Phone? +
Yes – Teams Phone requires a Microsoft 365 licence that includes Teams, plus a Teams Phone Standard add-on licence. Depending on your current subscription, you may already have the right licences in place. We review your existing Microsoft 365 estate and advise exactly what you need before you commit to anything.
Can we keep our existing phone numbers? +
Yes. We manage the number porting process from start to finish. Your existing numbers transfer to Teams Phone – no need to update stationery, your website or inform customers. Porting typically takes 10-15 working days.
What is the difference between Operator Connect and Direct Routing? +
Operator Connect is the simpler option – we connect your numbers directly to Teams through Microsoft’s managed programme with no additional infrastructure. Direct Routing gives you more flexibility and is better suited to complex setups or businesses with existing SIP infrastructure. We’ll recommend the right approach for your situation.
Do we still need a traditional phone system or desk phones? +
Not necessarily. Teams Phone works on laptops, mobiles and the Teams desktop app – meaning many businesses don’t need desk phones at all. If your team prefers a physical handset, Teams-certified desk phones are available and integrate seamlessly. We’ll advise on the best approach for your team.
How does Teams Phone compare to a traditional hosted VoIP system? +
Teams Phone is the right choice if your business is heavily Microsoft 365 and wants everything in one platform. A dedicated hosted VoIP system like Horizon by Gamma offers more advanced telephony features – call queues, wallboards, more granular routing – and may be better suited if calling is central to your operations. We offer both and will help you choose the right solution.
Ready to make calls inside Microsoft Teams?
Talk to the Blowfish team. We’ll review your Microsoft 365 licences, recommend the right approach and handle everything from number porting to go-live.