• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Technical Support: 703-288-7230
  • Call: +1-866-531-1990
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
cropped-Nortec-logo-1.png

Nortec Communications

IT Services & Solutions

Menu
  • Cloud
    • Explore the Cloud
    • Why Nortec?
    • Cloud Consulting Services
    • Work With a Microsoft Gold Partner
  • Cloud
      • Explore the Cloud

        The Cloud Experts

      • Why Nortec?
      • Cloud Consulting Services
      • Work With a Microsoft Gold Partner
        • Managed Cloud Services
          • Managed Cloud Services
          • Microsoft 365 Business
          • Managed Microsoft Teams
          • Data Center Services & Management
          • Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
        • Remote Workforce Solutions
          • Communications and Collaboration
          • Cloud Administration
          • Desktop Management
          • Remote Worker Cybersecurity
        • Cloud Cybersecurity
          • Mobile Device Management
          • Identity Management
          • Threat Protection
          • Cybersecurity Training
        • Cloud Infrastructure
          • Azure Partner
          • Data Center Services & Management
          • Hybrid Cloud Computing
        • Solutions
          • On-premise Mitel
          • Microsoft 365
          • Teams
          • Azure
          • Microsoft Licensing
        • Resources
          • Ebooks
          • Cloud Cost Calculator
          • Checklists
          • Case Studies
          • Consultation
          • Blog
  • Services
    • Managed IT Services
    • Cybersecurity Services
      • Identity Management
      • Cybersecurity Awareness Training
      • MDM Solutions
      • Endpoint Security
      • Cybersecurity Consultant
    • Phone Systems
      • Cloud Phones
      • Microsoft Teams
      • Managed Microsoft Teams
      • On-premise Mitel
      • Mitel Support
    • Work With a Microsoft Gold Partner
      • Microsoft Teams
      • Azure Partner
      • MDM Software
      • Microsoft 365
      • Microsoft Windows 10
      • Microsoft Licensing
    • Network Architecture
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Checklists
    • Videos
    • Infographics
    • Ebooks
    • Case Studies
    • News
  • About Nortec
    • Our Methodology
    • Core Values
    • Leadership
    • Vendor Awards & Competencies
  • Support
  • Contact
  • Book A Consultation

The Cloud Phone Guide That Cuts Out Tech Jargon

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our blog

 


 


 

Recent Posts

  • Choose a Managed Cloud Service with Endpoint Detection and Response
  • IT Support for the Changing Workforce
  • Maximize Work-From-Home Benefits With a Cloud Managed Services Provider
  • Stay Protected During the Holidays With Mobile Endpoint Security
  • What Is the Difference Between Cloud and Managed Services?
cloud phone

Remember the early days of cell phones? You could only call people on your network. Then you got a set number of minutes, but if you waited until after 7 the call was free.

Those restrictions look quaint when you compare it to the jargon-filled guides Microsoft put together about their Teams calling plans and cloud phone systems.

Reading through the documentation on your own will not ease your path to adoption. Honestly, it will probably make you want to stick with your old system.

That would be a mistake.

Your peers are rapidly switching their phone service to Microsoft Teams.

You risk being left behind if you stay on the sidelines too long.

80M+ People Adopted Microsoft Teams Calling Plans in Its First Year

It’s an impressive feat, and use rates will continue to grow.

As Gartner pointed out when it named Microsoft Teams a leader in its Magic Quadrant for Unified Communication as a Service, businesses first use the chat and meeting features built into Teams. The attractive price point for calling plans turns them into cloud phone users. When businesses make the switch, users get all Microsoft Teams features plus a phone system that let’s you:

  • Make voice or video calls
  • Connect on any device
  • Quickly add and drop lines
  • Retain all features of traditional phones – like call waiting and forwarding

The only other way you can use your desk phone is as a paperweight.

 

Don’t let a series of difficult documents scare you away

We’re here to guide you through what you need to know to get your phone system out of the office and into the cloud.

Your No-Nonsense Guide to Microsoft Teams Calling Plans

Anyone who lands on the calling plans page will think they’ll pick domestic, international, or pay-as-you-go and get up and running.

If only it was that simple.

Jumping right in leads you into a black hole of documentation about the Microsoft Phone System and add-on plans. One add-on might not be enough, increasing the chances you rack up redundant costs.

The process is a catalyst for overspending.

Keep your budget in check by gathering a bit of information. This upfront time investment will save you from overspending later.

, The Cloud Phone Guide That Cuts Out Tech Jargon

1. Avoid signing up for services you don’t need

Your license determines what else you need to add on to get a fully functioning phone system. Check what you already pay for and isolate what you need before looking at any calling plans.

Here’s a quick example of how to evaluate licensing

E5, A5 and G5 plans include Teams Phone System, but don’t come with PSTN connectivity.

Since you’re halfway to a phone system, the bundle doesn’t make sense. However, the bundle is likely the right choice for standard business license users.

2. Get an add-on license

Again, you’re immediately confronted with multiple options and opaque names, including:

  • Teams Phone with Calling Plan bundle
  • Teams Phone Standard
  • Microsoft Teams Calling Plans
  • Communication Credits
  • Audio Conferencing
  • Microsoft Teams Rooms

Focus on Teams Phone Standard, Calling Plans, Communication Credits, and the bundle.

Teams Phone Standard vs. Calling Plans

Teams Phone Standard provides Private Branch Exchange (PBX) capabilities.

Communication credits have 2 critical uses

Communication credits can only be used with a plan and are considered “pay-as-you-go” even though you pay upfront.

Confusing name aside, you might need them. They are required for toll-free numbers, or if you want to reach someone in a country or region not included in your plan.

There is a logically named service

Teams Phone with Calling Plan bundle does indeed bundle the two offerings, so you get PBX and PSTN.

3. Only get calling plans for people who make external calls

You’re now ready to start looking at those calling plans we mentioned earlier. But it’s unlikely you’ll sign up everyone at your company for a plan. That’s because you do not have to pay to make Teams-to-Teams calls and can host video conferences with external partners for free.

List out who is making external calls, so you know who needs a calling plan and phone number. Don’t worry if you forget someone. You can easily add or drop lines.

3 types of calling plans available in Teams

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Pay-as-you-go

All calling plans use the country assigned to your Microsoft 365 license to determine your location and include unlimited incoming minutes.

For domestic and international plans, the number of outgoing minutes you have depends on your plan.

Pay-as-you-go does not have any outgoing minutes included. You must purchase Communication Credits or Post Pay billing.

Be specific

If Jane makes international calls and Carlos does not, jot that down. You’ll use it later when you decide whether to get Jane an international plan or just add on credits.

Microsoft Overwhelms You with Choices. We Help You Cut Through the Noise

What we outlined above is one of the most basic use cases for Microsoft Teams Calling Plans. Options become more complex if you want to set up a solution that uses your current PSTN carrier, or a dial plan for call authorization and voice routing.

And that’s just selecting the plan. You haven’t even started to dig into transferring numbers, setting up users, maintaining the service, or securing your cloud phone system.

Millions of people use Teams – they didn’t all sign up on their own

Some of them probably wasted a lot of time in the Microsoft documentation black hole. Others are paying for add-on licenses they don’t need.

Avoid both traps and have a Nortec cloud consultant help you sort out which plan is right for your business. We will help you secure the best licensing available, set up your solution and provide ongoing support.

Get the Solution 80M+ People Trust – Microsoft Teams Calling Plans

I want a better, more affordable phone system

Footer

nortec logo white

Serving the Atlantic Region from FL to PA

Washington, D.C.

7531 Leesburg Pike, Suite 300, Falls Church, VA 22043

Pittsburgh

102 Broadway Street, Suite #410, Carnegie, PA 15106

Need Support?

703-288-7230 [email protected]

Copyright © 2023 Nortec Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.| Sitemap