To modernize our antiquated phone system, we chose Microsoft Teams Phone for several reasons, primarily due to its unified communication platform, cost savings, and enhanced collaboration features.

Teams Calling, which we have been using for several years, only alows you to call other Teams users.

With Teams Phone, you’ll be able to call any phone number, just like a traditional phone system. In addition, Teams Phone includes advanced features like:

• voicemail with transcription
• call queues & auto attendants
• advanced call transfer, hold, park, and forwarding
• integration with special desk phones (if required)
• emergency calling support

You can pick someone in Teams to be your delegate—a person who can receive and make calls on your behalf. When you add a delegate, you’re essentially sharing your phone line with them, so they can see and share all of your calls.

Pickup groups, also known as call groups, allow you to share your incoming calls with colleagues so they can answer calls when you’re unavailable. You can configure these groups in the Teams admin center, allowing you to determine how calls ring to the group members (e.g., simultaneously or in order). 

Yes. Managing multiple phone lines on a Microsoft Teams phone can be done through features like shared line appearance and call delegation. These features allow users to share a phone line with others and manage calls on behalf of another user. 

Common areas that receive calls will be equipped with a physical Teams-enabled phone. The phone will remain “logged in” to Teams via a special resource license. Individual users will not need to log in and out during shift changes. Advanced calling capabilities — forward, hold, transfer, park, auto attendants — are supported.

Yes. International calling polices are set on a per-user basis. Speak to your supervisor if international calling is required for your line.

Teams phones will not function in the event of an internet outage. We are working to obtain additional backup internet service to avoid future service disruptions. Campus Safety and emergency phones will still function in the event of an internet service disruption (see next section).

Blue Light phones, elevator phones, alarm panels, and other life-safety phones will not be Teams-enabled. They will route directly through to the Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) landline system rather than the internet. In the event of an internet service disruption, emergency phones will still function.