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Spectrum Business Launches Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams

The Brief: Spectrum Business has announced the availability of its Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams service, designed to provide dependable PSTN connectivity, simplified administration, and comprehensive support for organizations using Teams. Delivered through the Operator Connect platform, the solution includes features such as number management, E911 location support, intelligent call routing, and robocall mitigation via Call Guard. It requires no additional hardware and integrates with Microsoft Teams for both user and admin control. The offering is supported by Spectrum’s Dedicated Fiber Internet and backed by a 100% service-level agreement for connectivity between the national PSTN network and Microsoft Azure cloud.

Learn full details of the announcement about Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams at spectrum.com.

Spectrum Business’ Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams service is designed to provide dependable PSTN connectivity, simplified administration, and comprehensive support for organizations using TeamsSource: Spectrum Business

Spectrum Business Launches Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams

Analyst Perspective: The Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams launch from Spectrum Business delivers a complete PSTN integration for Teams users through Microsoft’s Operator Connect framework. Organizations benefit from seamless connectivity, managed number porting, and a fully hosted calling infrastructure that removes the need for additional on-premises hardware. The service extends full Teams admin control for routing, policies, and diagnostics, complemented by Spectrum’s own portal for provisioning and disaster recovery. Backed by a 100% uptime SLA for network-to-cloud connectivity, it addresses both operational reliability and compliance with E911 dispatchable locations. The offer also integrates robocall protection via Call Guard and includes unlimited domestic outbound calling with competitive toll-free and international rates.

Overview of the Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams solutions offered by Spectrum BusinessSource: Spectrum Business

Service Capabilities and Features

The Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams service offers a unified experience for both end users and administrators. It integrates directly with Microsoft Teams, providing PSTN calling and direct inward dialing, unlimited domestic calling within the U.S. and territories, and competitive rates for toll-free and international services. E911 dispatchable location compliance is built in, along with directory listing capabilities. Business continuity is maintained through a 100% uptime guarantee on the connection between Spectrum’s network and Microsoft’s cloud, and the Call Guard feature mitigates spam and robocalls. The Spectrum Cloud Calling Portal enables number provisioning, disaster recovery setup, and call analytics for monitoring usage.

MS Teams license requirements overview with the changes made on April 1, 2024Source: Spectrum Business

Deployment and Licensing Requirements

To use the service, each user must have a Microsoft Teams Enterprise license and a Teams Phone System license. Following Microsoft’s April 1, 2024, licensing changes, new customers must purchase a “no Teams” Enterprise suite and then acquire Teams Enterprise separately. Spectrum Business handles telephone number provisioning, porting, and configuration, while customers manage end-user devices, Teams configuration, and local network access. Disaster recovery options, call performance metrics, and robocall controls are available via Spectrum’s portal, while voice features are configured through the Teams Admin Center. The service is available nationally and can be combined with Dedicated Fiber Internet for optimized performance.

The RingCentral for Microsoft Teams Embedded App Integration offerings, including advanced calling plans, messaging, faxing, call recording, and analyticsSource: Spectrum Business

Alternative Deployment Options

In addition to Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams, Spectrum Business offers two other Teams-integrated voice solutions. SIP Trunks for Direct Routing cater to large or multinational organizations with in-house IT resources to manage and maintain their voice infrastructure. UC Webex or UC RingCentral options are designed for organizations with fewer than 200 users, connecting Teams to calling plans while preserving the Teams user experience. The RingCentral for Microsoft Teams Embedded App Integration adds advanced calling plans, messaging, faxing, call recording, and analytics without requiring a Teams Phone license, offering flexibility for varied business needs.

Spectrum Business: A Comprehensive Enterprise Voice Solution for Teams Users

Cloud Calling for Microsoft Teams aligns well with Spectrum Business’ broader portfolio, which already includes Dedicated Fiber Internet, Managed Network Services, and unified communications platforms. This addition addresses common pain points such as fragmented voice systems, complex number porting, and limited disaster recovery options, offering a centralized, fully managed solution. It is particularly suited for mid-to-large enterprises seeking high reliability and seamless integration between collaboration tools and voice services. Smaller organizations with growth plans can also benefit from its scalability. Key challenges may involve verifying Microsoft licensing compliance and achieving dependable network performance across all sites. Spectrum’s project management, licensing advisory, and end-to-end Quality of Service work together to address these effectively. Through integrating with Microsoft’s Operator Connect, the solution extends Spectrum’s capabilities while meeting customer demands for a streamlined, resilient voice infrastructure.