Microsoft Teams Operator Connect

Operator Connect is a Microsoft-managed service that lets organizations connect their telephony provider directly to Microsoft Teams through cloud-to-cloud peering. Unlike Direct Routing, Operator Connect doesn't require you to deploy or manage Session Border Controllers (SBCs). Your carrier connects to Microsoft's network directly, and you manage everything from the Teams Admin Center. With Clerk Chat, you can use Operator Connect to enable both PSTN calling and SMS messaging inside Teams.

Operator Connect and Direct Routing both enable PSTN calling in Microsoft Teams, but they differ in complexity and management. Direct Routing requires your organization to deploy and maintain Session Border Controllers (SBCs), manage SIP trunks, and handle certificate management - which demands specialized telephony expertise. Operator Connect eliminates that overhead: your carrier peers directly with Microsoft's cloud, so there's no SBC to manage, faster deployment, and simplified administration through the Teams Admin Center. Operator Connect is ideal for organizations that want carrier-grade calling without the infrastructure burden.

Microsoft Calling Plans use Microsoft as your telephony provider, while Operator Connect lets you choose your own carrier. Calling Plans are simpler to set up but offer limited geographic availability, less carrier flexibility, and typically higher per-user costs. Operator Connect gives you the freedom to bring your existing carrier relationships, negotiate your own rates, and access broader international coverage - while still being managed through the Teams Admin Center. With Clerk Chat as your Operator Connect provider, you also get SMS and messaging capabilities that Calling Plans don't include.

Yes. With Operator Connect, you can connect your existing telephony carrier to Microsoft Teams without changing providers or phone numbers. Clerk Chat makes this even easier - connect your current Operator Connect carrier and instantly enable SMS, MMS, and enhanced calling features inside Teams. You keep your carrier relationships, your negotiated rates, and your existing phone numbers.

Absolutely. Clerk Chat works as your Operator Connect provider for Microsoft Teams, handling carrier connectivity, number provisioning, and PSTN calling so your IT team doesn't have to manage telephony infrastructure. You get calling, SMS, and business messaging in Teams - with support for auto attendants, call queues, voicemail, and more. We also handle number porting if you're migrating from another provider.

No. Unlike Direct Routing, Operator Connect does not require you to deploy or manage a Session Border Controller (SBC). The carrier connects directly to Microsoft's cloud through managed peering, which means no on-premises telephony infrastructure, no SBC firmware updates, and no certificate management. This is one of the biggest advantages of Operator Connect over Direct Routing.

Setting up Operator Connect is straightforward. Select your carrier in the Teams Admin Center, consent to the connection, and assign phone numbers to your users. With Clerk Chat, the process is even simpler - we guide you through provider setup, number assignment, and SMS enablement. Most organizations are up and running within days, not weeks or months like a typical Direct Routing deployment.

Yes, you can port your existing phone numbers to Operator Connect. Whether you're migrating from Direct Routing, Microsoft Calling Plans, or a legacy PBX system, your phone numbers can be transferred to your new Operator Connect provider. Clerk Chat handles the number porting process end to end, minimizing downtime and ensuring a smooth transition for your organization.

Yes. Clerk Chat enables SMS and MMS messaging on your existing Operator Connect phone numbers inside Microsoft Teams. Your team can send, receive, and manage text messages directly in Teams - using the same numbers they already use for calling. This works whether you bring your own Operator Connect carrier or use Clerk Chat as your provider.

To use Operator Connect in Microsoft Teams, you need a Teams Phone Standard license or a Microsoft 365 E5 license (which includes Teams Phone). These licenses enable PSTN calling capabilities in Teams. The exact licensing requirements may vary by region and subscription plan - consult Microsoft's official documentation or your Microsoft representative for the most current information.