The article provides a snapshot of the vendors featured in our Microsoft Teams Operator Connect Marketplace.
The leading Microsoft Teams Operator Connect providers give organizations a more convenient and efficient way to connect their Teams instance to a telephony solution. Bypassing the complexity of the Direct Routing option, Operator Connect allows users to access all of their business phone settings from within the Teams admin environment.
With the right vendor, companies can retain their existing telephony licenses, access advanced features for communications, and sidestep the issues of dealing with PowerShell. However, with dozens of Operator Connect providers to choose from, it can be difficult to find the ideal vendor.
We’ve assessed Microsoft’s complete list of approved Operator Connect solution providers and highlighted all those providing at least two of the three services available.
- BT
- Deutsche Telekom
- Rogers Business
- Swisscom
- Telia
- Verizon
- AT&T
- Fusion Connect
- NTT
- Orange
- Tata
- Telenor
BT
Known worldwide for its telecommunications solutions, BT is one of the leading Operator Connect providers in the UK. The company supports direct calling to both mobiles and landlines from Microsoft Teams, with dedicated phone numbers, and a global voice network. Plus, BT also offers Operator Connect mobile connectivity, unlike some of its competitors.
BT offers various package and flexible payment plan options to customers. Each solution includes DDI numbers, proactive quality monitoring, high-quality voice, and 24/7 support. The telecommunications leader also offers training and consulting services, to help simplify the transition into Microsoft Teams with Operator Connect.
Deutsche Telekom
Another well-known telecommunications vendor, Deutsche Telecom offers a range of Operator Connect solutions for calling, conferencing, and mobile. The vendor works hand-in-hand with Teams to deliver streamlined experiences to businesses through the Microsoft Teams X collection of telephony extensions and solutions.
Organizations can port their existing mobile and landline numbers into Teams in minutes, and manage everything from their admin interface. Plus, Deutsche Telekom offers end-to-end support for business leaders, guiding them through the migration, setup, administration, and security configuration process for Teams. The company also ensures consistent reliability and uptime through it’s robust communications network.
Rogers Business
Delivering a wide range of small business and corporate mobile plans, business hubs, and internet services, Rogers Business is one of the most popular Microsoft Teams Operator Connect providers. The company offers Operator Connect solutions, for Canada-wide calls inside and outside of the Microsoft Teams environment, with end-to-end simplicity.
Alongside Operator Connect, Roger Business also delivers a dedicated Teams Phone Mobile service, which includes all of the benefits of Operator Connect, with solutions for flexible and agile companies. The Mobile offering even allows companies to leverage call recording and retention on mobile devices, and make calls via a cellular network or internet connection.
Swisscom
Supporting startups, small businesses, and enterprises alike, Swisscom produces communication tools and connectivity solutions for modern companies. Currently the only ICT company in Switzerland offering Operator Connect solutions, Swisscom’s solution gives companies a simple and practical way to integrate fixed network and mobile numbers with Microsoft Teams.
The service is fully managed by Swisscom, and comes with a comprehensive service level agreement, backed by Microsoft. Plus, Swisscom also offers companies a range of other Microsoft 365 services to explore, from customizable cloud solutions to Microsoft 365 management services. There’s even an intelligent solution for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Telia
Competing against other global Operator Connect providers, Telia helps businesses update and modernize their operations with cloud communications, mobile, and IoT. Alongside the standard Operator Connect services for business calling, Telia also leverages Operator Connect to support mobile businesses, giving companies a convenient way to empower their distributed teams.
Telia promises an easy administrative experience, and carrier-grade voice quality for all conversations. Plus, Telia works with Microsoft to offer end-to-end support with migration, setup, and technology management. With flexible solutions to suit a range of businesses, Telia is constantly updating its ecosystem to support companies around the world.
Verizon Business
One of the better-known Microsoft Teams Operator Connect providers in the US, Verizon Business has a long-standing relationship with Microsoft. The Operator Connect solution offered by the organization takes advantage of Verizon’s award-winning SIP trunking service, and Microsoft’s convenient administrative interface.
Verizon can support organizations with calling and mobile solutions for Operator Connect, offering extensive network availability. Plus, Verizon also offers solutions like Verizon VoIP for Operator Connect, and Verizon Calling in Teams, through Direct Routing. This ensures companies can access any communication strategy they need within the Microsoft landscape.
AT&T
Connectivity and telecommunications vendor AT&T offers a huge range of services to customers worldwide. The company’s relationship with Microsoft ensures they can offer both Operator Connect and Direct Peering options, to suit different business needs. With AT&T, companies gain access to business-class voice, and a highly secure cloud architecture.
Solutions are offered on a tiered pricing basis, to suit the specific needs of growing companies. Plus, AT&T’s solution gives organizations digital tools they can leverage for comprehensive account management. AT&T also promises end-to-end customer support, with 24/7 service all year round, and an optional concierge service on demand.
Fusion Connect
Fusion Connect specializes in delivering managed services to companies transitioning to the cloud, and producing intuitive solutions for Microsoft Teams. The company’s range of Microsoft-focused services extend from licensing and consulting solutions, to Teams calling and audio conferencing services. With Operator Connect, Fusion supports both calling and conferencing, backed by Fusion’s comprehensive service guarantees. These guarantees promise 100% availability for UCaaS.
Companies can take advantage of SMS and MMS for Microsoft Teams, global coverage, professional implementation, and even add-on call recording capabilities. There’s also the option to access business continuity services, and a full Teams attendant console.
NTT
Serving countries worldwide with global IP network solutions, mobile connectivity, Private 5G and more, NTT is among the leading Operator Connect providers. With Operator Connect, NTT gives companies a high-quality and reliable voice ecosystem, with comprehensive telephony coverage, including full PSTN replacement in 40 countries.
The NTT Extend service offers fast provisioning and deployment, with unique business phone numbers, and both cellular and landline calling. Plus, NTT offers a range of tools to help companies unlock more value from Microsoft Teams. For instance, there’s an available attendant console, and compliance recording options.
Orange Business Services
Supporting organizations in over 220 countries and territories worldwide, Orange Business delivers solutions ranging from business VPN and mobility tools, to SD-WAN implementation. For Microsoft Teams customers, Orange Business Services offers both direct routing and Operator Connect solutions, tailored to the needs of different organizations.
The Operator Connect offering comes with emergency calling and local voice services in 25 countries. Plus, Orange can assist organizations with installation, migration, and administrative management. There’s even the option to combine Orange’s Operator Connect solution with service and management tools for Microsoft Teams Rooms.
Tata Communications
Supporting 48 countries with domestic voice services for Microsoft Teams, Tata Communications is among the most reputable Operator Connect providers. The GlobalRapide solution for Microsoft Teams promises complete lifecycle and service management, as well as the option to easily add trunks, select phone numbers, and provision new users.
Companies can take advantage of on-demand automated service provisioning, as well as free trials of the Operator Connect experience. Tata Communications also offers various plans to choose from, from a comprehensive Managed plan, to the base Connect plan, and a custom tailored plan. End-to-end support is included with all plan options.
Telenor
Norwegian company Telenor specializes in the development and delivery of mobile and connectivity solutions. As an Operator Connect provider, certified by Microsoft, Telenor delivers voice functionality to the entire Nordic region. The company offers an all-in-one communication interface for business users, as well as mobile backup options.
Telenor also excels in delivering a secure and stable network for calling and conferencing on Microsoft Teams, with end-to-end protections and customizable components. Companies can also leverage a range of additional services from Telenor, such as digital security applications, and mobile company internet connectivity.
How to Become an Approved Microsoft Operator Connect Provider
Becoming a Microsoft Operator Connect approved partner is a multi-step process that involves meeting specific requirements and submitting an application to Microsoft. Here’s a brief guide on how to become a Microsoft Operator Connect approved partner:
- Understand the Requirements:Review the requirements for becoming a Microsoft Operator Connect approved partner. These requirements include having a Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) membership, meeting specific technical and operational requirements, and signing the Microsoft Operator Connect Partner Agreement.
- Meet Technical Requirements:Ensure that your organization meets the technical requirements for Microsoft Operator Connect. These include having a dedicated team for supporting Microsoft Operator Connect customers, adhering to Microsoft’s security and compliance policies, and completing Microsoft’s technical certification process.
- Meet Operational Requirements:Meet the operational requirements for Microsoft Operator Connect. These include providing high-quality customer service, following Microsoft’s billing and invoicing policies, and meeting specific performance metrics.
- Sign the Partner Agreement:Sign the Microsoft Operator Connect Partner Agreement. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for partnering with Microsoft Operator Connect and outlines the responsibilities of the partner.
- Submit the Application:Submit your application to become a Microsoft Operator Connect approved partner. Microsoft will review your application and notify you of its status.
- Complete the Onboarding Process:Once your application is approved, complete the onboarding process with Microsoft. This may include attending training sessions, setting up your account, and completing other administrative tasks.
Becoming a Microsoft Operator Connect approved partner requires meeting specific technical and operational requirements, signing a partner agreement, and submitting an application. By following these steps, you can become a Microsoft Operator Connect approved partner and begin offering your services to customers.
Fast Track Approval with the Microsoft Operator Connect Accelerator Program
The Microsoft Operator Connect Accelerator program is designed to help partners fast-track their approval process for Microsoft Operator Connect. Here’s a brief guide on how to use this program to accelerate your Microsoft Operator Connect approval.
