Microsoft Teams calling plans vs. Operator Connect

Microsoft Team calling plans are popular for integrating PSTN calling into the Microsoft Teams app. However, calling plans have their limits—especially when your team needs more flexibility and customization. Operator Connect, offers an alternative to Microsoft Teams calling plans for business that need more control and coverage, without breaking the bank.

Operator Connect offers a solution for organizations that need a robust and adaptable communications setup. It provides more freedom in choosing carriers, access to more markets, and cheaper pricing plans. By using an underlying carrier, businesses that use Operator Connect over Microsoft Teams calling plans can expect better international call quality, and a system that adapts and scales.

If you're looking to enhance your business communication, keep reading. We'll show you how Operator Connect provides added calling features and global coverage to help your business scale.

What's included in Microsoft Teams calling plans?

Microsoft Teams calling plans provide basic call features such as caller ID, voicemail, call forwarding, and the ability to make and receive calls—all integrated within the Teams interface. This setup is particularly convenient for organizations that already use Teams for day-to-day collaboration.

Additionally, these plans offer some level of international calling capabilities. However, it's worth noting that they often come with limitations and potential additional costs.

Limitations of Microsoft Teams calling plans

While Microsoft Teams calling plans integrate traditional phone functionalities into the Microsoft Teams platform, they come with certain limitations that might not suit all business needs. Those limitations start with a lack of control and coverage, but there are several other aspects to consider:

Higher prices

Microsoft Teams calling plans tie businesses to specific carriers, which can be a significant constraint when looking for cost-effective or high-quality service providers. Moreover, the pricing structure of these plans can be complex and less transparent, especially concerning international calling rates and extra features.

Limited customization

Microsoft Teams calling plans don't offer many customization options. Calling plans from Microsoft provide basic functionalities but lack the advanced telephony features and customization options that many businesses, especially those with more complex communication needs, may require.

Integration issues

Integrating existing telephony infrastructure with Microsoft Teams calling plans is often less straightforward compared to alternatives like Operator Connect. This complex integration can pose challenges for businesses that have already invested in a robust phone system and are looking to integrate it with Microsoft Teams.

While Microsoft Teams calling plans offer a certain level of convenience for businesses already entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem, they might not be the best fit for those requiring greater flexibility, advanced customization, and more control over their telecommunication solutions.

When to choose Operator Connect over Microsoft Teams calling plans

In light of the limitations of Microsoft Teams calling plans, Operator Connect emerges as a more versatile alternative for businesses seeking greater flexibility and control over their communication systems. Operator Connect also offers enhanced integration with existing telephony infrastructure, making it an ideal choice for companies looking for a more comprehensive solution.

Unlike standard Microsoft Teams calling plans, Operator Connect is designed for companies that need more—including better control over phone numbers, cost-effective coverage expansion, and the ability to use their existing phone systems with Microsoft Teams.

One of the best things about Operator Connect is how easily it fits into what you already have. If your business already has a phone system, you can integrate it with Microsoft Teams without having to change your phone numbers or overhaul your setup. This means you can upgrade without the hassle and keep your business running smoothly.

What does Operator Connect offer?

Operator Connect providers can generally offer reliable communications with very little downtime, thanks to direct connections to robust carrier networks.

Phone services and features with Operator Connect have direct ties to phone carriers, which can mean better service and more options for your business. Users can buy phone numbers directly from the carrier, enjoy high-quality voice on Teams, and access 24/7 support whenever it's needed.

Carriers can also offer better calling rates, saving money for businesses looking to implement PSTN calling on Microsoft Teams.

When is Operator Connect a good choice for your business?

Businesses looking for more control and customization in their phone service, should look at integrating with Operator Connect.

If you already have a phone system you like, Operator Connect might be a good fit. It's also worth considering if you need specific features, have to follow certain security rules, or want a phone system that's a bit different from the norm.

Operator Connect is also handy for businesses that want to keep their existing phone setup while adding Microsoft Teams, or for companies that make a lot of international calls and need reliable, high-quality service.

In the next section, we'll take a look at why some Operator Connect providers offer significant price savings over Microsoft Teams calling plans.

Microsoft Teams calling plans versus Operator Connect prices

Some Operator Connect vendors offering remarkably low-priced deals, so it prompts the question: Are these offers too good to be true, or are they a legitimate reflection of industry advancements?

Understanding telecom pricing strategies and their impact

In the telecommunications industry, companies use different pricing strategies to attract customers. Some use tiered pricing, where you pay more for higher levels of service. Others use usage-based pricing, charging based on how much you use their service.

These strategies are directly shaped by the competition among telecom companies. This strategy means that as companies fight to win more business, they often end up offering better deals, each trying to offer the best value to customers.

Direct to carrier pricing

Considering these pricing strategies, it's no surprise that some Operator Connect vendors are able to offer very affordable deals.

A bundle that is good value for money should clearly tell you what you're paying for and what you're getting—that means straightforward pricing, clear service terms, and easy-to-find customer support information.

Legitimate competitive pricing often comes from providers who either are licensed carriers or have direct relationships with carriers, which can lead to big benefits for customers:

Lower costs than Microsoft Teams calling plans

By dealing directly with the carriers, these providers can avoid markups from middlemen like brokers or resellers. This direct connection results in lower operational costs, which they can pass on to customers in the form of lower prices.

Better service quality

Direct relationships often allow providers to have more control over the quality of service. They can own their network or can negotiate better service terms, ensure more reliable connections, and often have quicker access to support and maintenance from the downstream carrier.

More customization options

Providers with direct carrier relationships can often offer more tailored services. They can work with carriers to develop specific packages or features that meet the unique needs of their customers.

In essence, direct relationships with carriers enable providers to offer competitive prices, enhanced services, and customization. When evaluating a telecom deal, look for signs of such direct partnerships, as they are often indicative of a provider's ability to deliver quality and value.

As we’ve seen, the enticing pricing of Operator Connect deals is more than a marketing gimmick. It’s a result of strategic industry shifts. With this understanding, businesses are better positioned to make informed decisions when choosing a telecom provider. While Microsoft Teams calling plans provide a straightforward solution for unified communications, Operator Connect through a direct carrier offers more.

How to get started with Operator Connect and Telnyx

Telnyx distinguishes itself in the Operator Connect arena through its direct carrier relationships, enabling it to offer competitively priced and reliable telecom services. This direct link allows Telnyx to offer cost-effective solutions, high service quality, and customization to fit various business requirements.

By choosing Telnyx for Operator Connect with Microsoft Teams, businesses will benefit from the reliability of Telnyx's private global multi-cloud network combined with the flexibility of cloud-based VoIP. Telnyx's network is engineered for consistent real-time communications, ensuring uninterrupted, crystal-clear voice calls.

Telnyx's network is also fine-tuned to ensure secure, low-latency, and superior-quality voice communications. This dedication to top-tier service means businesses can rely on Telnyx for secure and high-quality voice communication needs.