{"id":17041,"date":"2023-02-09T11:12:36","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T10:12:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/operator-connect-vs-direct-routing-which-is-better-for-you\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T08:36:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T06:36:26","slug":"operator-connect-vs-direct-routing-which-is-better-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savecall.de\/en\/operator-connect-vs-direct-routing-which-is-better-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Operator Connect vs. Direct Routing: Which is better for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Operator Connect vs. Direct Routing: Which Is Better for You?<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Trusted Advisor for IT & Telecommunications Sourcing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Teams as a telephone system: Direct Routing or Operator Connect?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Two paths to modern corporate communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft Teams<\/a> has long been at the heart of modern collaboration. But transforming it into a fully-fledged telephone system<\/a> requires the right solution. Direct Routing and Operator Connect offer two approaches to integrating call functions, with different benefits for companies of all sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In a nutshell:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Direct Routing:<\/strong> Flexible connection of Teams with existing telephone systems via SBCs, ideal for complex requirements and individual integrations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Operator Connect:<\/strong> Simple activation of telephony directly in the Teams Admin Center, less effort, lower costs and fast deployment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flexibility vs. simplicity:<\/strong> Direct Routing offers more customization, Operator Connect more convenience and less administrative effort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cost optimization:<\/strong> Both solutions enable savings through the use of existing provider relationships and reduced infrastructure costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL support:<\/strong> SAVECALL supports companies in selecting and implementing the right solution, from consulting to integration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
The solution:<\/strong> Both connect Microsoft Teams to the PSTN. Operator Connect is quick and easy via a certified carrier, Direct Routing is flexible via your own SBC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What this article covers:<\/strong> what Direct Routing and Operator Connect are, how they differ in setup, flexibility and cost, and which solution suits which company. The key question: does maximum flexibility with Direct Routing or simple management with Operator Connect fit your communication strategy better?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Table of contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Teams as a fully-fledged phone system<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
What is Direct Routing?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
What is Operator Connect?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Direct Routing vs. Operator Connect compared<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Which solution is better?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
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1. Teams as a fully-fledged telephone system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With around 270 million active monthly users, Microsoft Teams is the leading solution for companies switching to hybrid working. It has become the most important tool for collaboration, chat, video and voice calls. However, to reap all the benefits of Teams, you need the right phone solution. Fortunately, there are several ways to connect Teams with a phone solution. Two of these solutions are Direct Routing and Operator Connect. Both help turn Teams into a business phone system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. What is Direct Routing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Direct Routing is a solution that allows users to make and receive calls in Microsoft Teams by connecting Teams to a telephone network (PSTN)<\/a>. This allows you to call anyone, regardless of whether they are on a Teams-enabled device. Direct Routing<\/a> gives companies the flexibility to integrate existing phone systems with SBCs (Session Border Controllers) and even incorporate additional features such as call center technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the advantages of Direct Routing?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Below are some of the benefits of choosing Direct Routing as a solution for integrating telephone services into Microsoft Teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Preferred providers:<\/strong> You can customize your Teams experience by choosing from a wide range of Microsoft Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs) to meet your operational needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Improved user experience:<\/strong> With Direct Routing via Teams, your team can call, message, collaborate and share files all in one place. Your chosen provider also helps ensure the user experience meets your organization’s communication needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flexibility of the system:<\/strong> Calls can be forwarded to different systems and platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Better control over phone numbers:<\/strong> Direct forwarding allows you to retain control over your phone numbers instead of porting them directly to Microsoft. This enables a faster migration to the Microsoft Teams phone system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Optimize costs:<\/strong> Optimize your IT spend and pay less in carrier fees. Retaining an existing telephone provider can be a good way to benefit from existing offers and retain the benefits of being a loyal customer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. What is Operator Connect?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Operator Connect is a feature of Microsoft Teams and enables external calls to be made via MS Teams. This enables you to activate the PSTN call functionality in Teams. The whole thing is managed via the Teams Administration Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the advantages of Operator Connect?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Below are some of the benefits of Operator Connect as a solution for adding phone services to Microsoft Teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Leverage your provider relationship:<\/strong> Maintain relationships with your current provider if they are an approved Microsoft Operator Connect partner, while providing users with a modern and optimized Teams call experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Simpler setup and administration:<\/strong> Reduce deployment time and administrative resource requirements with a simplified Teams Admin Center experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Reduce costs:<\/strong> Save on infrastructure and administration costs by reducing the need to purchase, maintain and manage devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Direct Routing vs. Operator Connect compared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
At first glance, both Direct Routing and Operator Connect appear to be similar solutions. Both allow you to add Teams phone features and offer the flexibility to choose your own PSTN provider. However, there are a few subtle differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Criterion<\/th> Operator Connect<\/th> Direct Routing<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Setup effort<\/strong><\/td> Low, activated directly in the Teams Admin Center<\/td> Higher, an SBC must be set up and connected<\/td><\/tr>
Flexibility<\/strong><\/td> Standardized, limited to the carrier’s functions<\/td> High, additional features and integrations freely combinable<\/td><\/tr>
SBC required<\/strong><\/td> No, the carrier provides the connection<\/td> Yes, your own Session Border Controller is needed<\/td><\/tr>
Carrier choice<\/strong><\/td> Only Microsoft-certified Operator Connect partners<\/td> Free, any SIP-capable carrier possible<\/td><\/tr>
Management<\/strong><\/td> Centrally via the Teams Admin Center<\/td> Via SBC and carrier, more self-operation<\/td><\/tr>
Best suited for<\/strong><\/td> Fast, low-maintenance standard connectivity<\/td> Complex requirements, global coverage, call centers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Operator Connect and Direct Routing side by side. In practice, the two can also be combined in a hybrid setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Operator Connect goes beyond just connectivity and allows you to select an operator, manage services via the Teams administration portal and manage phone numbers quickly and easily. It is an easy to use solution. Direct Routing, on the other hand, gives you more flexibility, you can implement additional features and integrate other platforms or solutions as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Which solution is better?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Compared to Operator Connect, Direct Routing offers more flexibility and is therefore a good choice for companies with complex communication requirements. Direct Routing is often seen as the ideal solution if you are looking for flexibility, advanced features, global coverage and more integrations outside of Microsoft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operator Connect, on the other hand, offers the benefits of direct routing while reducing setup complexity and costs. It is also ideal if you want to manage your entire communications stack from a single portal. Ultimately, Operator Connect is the ideal solution for businesses that want to choose a Microsoft-approved, trusted provider, customize voice services, save on hardware costs and reduce technical support overhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of which option you choose, SAVECALL will be happy to help you get started. Contact us today to find out more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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How SAVECALL supports Teams telephony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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SAVECALL advises vendor-neutral on the choice between Operator Connect, Direct Routing or a hybrid combination. Based on more than 80 carrier partnerships, we check which certified Operator Connect providers fit your sites, when your own SIP trunk<\/a> via Direct Routing is more economical, and support the rollout from the cloud phone system<\/a> to the integration into Microsoft Teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion: Teams telephony tailored to you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Operator Connect and Direct Routing both lead to the same goal, fully-fledged telephony in Microsoft Teams, but by different routes. Operator Connect scores on speed and low effort, Direct Routing on flexibility and control. Those who base the decision on sites, call volume and existing infrastructure find the most economical solution, often a combination of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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$\"Frank$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Written by<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frank Frommknecht<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Account Consultant, SAVECALL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Has supported companies for over 20 years in selecting and optimizing their connectivity solutions. His focus: making complex telecommunications understandable from the customer’s perspective and finding the right solution strategically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Telecom & IT sourcing. Worldwide. Carrier-independent.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Selection & operation of worldwide connectivity & cloud infrastructure. Without vendor risk & unnecessary costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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80+ carriers worldwide<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One point of contact<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One SLA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One portal: mySAVECALL<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Min. 20% savings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Book a consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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25+
years of experience<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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40+
Employees<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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80+
Partner<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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1400+ Clients<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Learn more<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Microsoft Learn: Plan Direct Routing and Operator Connect for Teams Phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft: Operator Connect program and certified partners<\/li>\n\n\n\n
SAVECALL: Voice and telephony solutions for companies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the difference between Operator Connect and Direct Routing?<\/strong>
Both connect Microsoft Teams to the telephone network (PSTN). Operator Connect activates telephony quickly and easily through a Microsoft-certified carrier directly in the Teams Admin Center, with no hardware of your own. Direct Routing connects Teams via your own Session Border Controller (SBC), giving you more flexibility, free carrier choice and the ability to add features such as call center technology. Operator Connect stands for simplicity, Direct Routing for customization.<\/p> <\/div>
Which is cheaper, Operator Connect or Direct Routing?<\/strong>
It depends on size and requirements. Operator Connect saves infrastructure and administration costs because no SBC has to be purchased, maintained and operated, which suits companies without in-house telephony expertise. Direct Routing does incur SBC costs but can pay off with existing carrier contracts, high call volumes or international sites. SAVECALL compares both models against your actual volumes and contracts.<\/p> <\/div>
Do I need an SBC for Teams telephony?<\/strong>
Only with Direct Routing. There, a Session Border Controller (SBC) connects Microsoft Teams to the PSTN and handles signaling, security and protocol conversion. The SBC can run as dedicated hardware or virtually. With Operator Connect there is no SBC at all, because the certified carrier provides the connection in the background and it is managed through the Teams Admin Center.<\/p> <\/div>
Can Operator Connect and Direct Routing be combined?<\/strong>
Yes, hybrid operation is possible and often makes sense in practice. Standard sites can be connected quickly and with little maintenance via Operator Connect, while complex sites with special requirements such as call centers, analog devices or specific carriers run over Direct Routing. This lets companies combine the simplicity of Operator Connect with the flexibility of Direct Routing in the same Teams tenant.<\/p> <\/div>
Which carriers are certified for Operator Connect?<\/strong>
Operator Connect only works with providers that Microsoft has approved as Operator Connect partners. The list covers numerous international and national carriers and is continuously expanded by Microsoft. Whether your existing provider is included helps determine whether you can keep your provider relationship. SAVECALL checks vendor-neutrally which certified carrier fits your sites and conditions.<\/p> <\/div>
Which solution suits which company?<\/strong>
Operator Connect suits companies that want to deploy Teams telephony quickly, with little maintenance and through a certified carrier. Direct Routing fits companies with complex requirements, global coverage, existing phone systems or the wish for free carrier choice and additional features. SAVECALL determines, based on sites, call volume and existing infrastructure, which model or combination is the most economical.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n
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