Affordable Microsoft Teams Calling and What You Really Need

Let’s face it, your business phone system should just work. It shouldn’t drain your budget, require a full-time IT team to manage, or force employees to juggle multiple apps to make a simple call.

If your team is already using Microsoft Teams to chat, meet, and collaborate, you’re closer than you think to having a powerful, all-in-one communications hub. You just need the right calling solution layered in.

Here’s how to make Microsoft Teams Calling affordable, flexible, and easy to manage... without overpaying or overcomplicating it.

What Is Microsoft Teams Calling, Really?

Microsoft Teams Calling turns Teams into a full-featured phone system. Think voicemail, call routing, auto attendants, call queues, and the ability to dial out to real phone numbers from your desktop or mobile device while using your business number.

But here’s the kicker: Microsoft doesn’t include this with every Teams license by default, and there are several ways to enable calling. That’s where things get tricky, and costly, if you’re not careful.

The Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Overpaying for Microsoft Calling Plans
   Microsoft offers its own calling plans, but they can be expensive and come with limited flexibility. If you’re using these out of the box, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than necessary.
2. DIY Setup That Becomes and IT Burden
   Teams Calling can be complex to configure, especially when layering in auto attendants, failover routing, and compliance requirements. Setting it up solo can quickly eat up your IT team’s time.
3. One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work
   Not every employee needs the same calling capabilities. Some need full PSTN access. Others just need internal calling. Without a clear plan, you could be assigning expensive licenses to light users.
   
   

What You Actually Need for Affordable Teams Calling

• A Partner That Offers Direct Routing or Operator Connect
  These are alternative ways to connect Teams to the PSTN. Using a provider like Fusion Connect allows you to bring your own carrier, saving money and unlocking better flexibility compared to Microsoft’s own plans.
• Simple License Management
  You want a setup where users can be added, changed, or removed quickly. All without jumping through hoops or paying for what you don’t use.
• US-Based Support You Can Rely On
  If something goes wrong, you don’t want to open a ticket and wait 72 hours. Work with a provider that offers real support, fast.
• Compliance, Call Quality, and Call Analytics Built In
  Make sure your provider offers features that support your industry requirements and give you insight into call performance, without extra fees.
  
  

Let’s Make It Easy (And Budget-Friendly)

At Fusion Connect, we simplify Microsoft Teams Calling by offering:

• Affordable Operator Connect and Direct Routing options
• Full onboarding and setup (we handle the IT side)
• US-based support, wherever you need it
• Scalable plans that grow with you, without locking you into one-size-fits-all bundles