Short answer
Operator Connect lets you add a phone operator to Microsoft Teams directly from the Teams Admin Center. FirstNet is a Microsoft-curated Operator Connect partner: you select FirstNet, and numbers, call routing and support flow through FirstNet, with no SBC to buy or host.
In detail
What Operator Connect with FirstNet includes:
- Calls from the Teams desktop, mobile and web clients, with no separate softphone.
- Numbers assigned, ported and managed in the Teams Admin Center, alongside any Microsoft Calling Plan numbers.
- Direct peering between FirstNet and Microsoft through Azure Peering Services (MAPS), engineered for call quality rather than best-effort internet.
- FirstNet-managed PSTN connectivity and SBCs on FirstNet's ICASA-licensed network.
- Voice Bundles or Voice Rate Options, on 12, 24 or 36-month terms.
Operator Connect is designed to be set up in days rather than weeks. It suits Microsoft 365 organisations that already use Teams and want to bring calling into it, including hybrid and mobile workforces.
It does not currently support common area phones, meeting room devices or analogue devices through ATAs, so FirstNet adds Direct Routing in the same tenant where those are needed. Optional add-ons include compliance recording through CallCabinet, powered by Smarsh.
Source: FirstNet Microsoft Teams Calling service page →
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