If you’re asking what is Microsoft Direct Routing, you’re probably already using Microsoft Teams—or thinking about making it the central communication tool of your workplace.
Across Canada and the U.S., Teams has become essential for collaboration. Chat, file sharing, and video calls are now everyday tools for businesses like yours. But the next question many IT leaders ask is: Can Teams replace your traditional business phone system?
The answer: yes. And that’s where Microsoft Direct Routing comes in.
What Is Microsoft Direct Routing?
Microsoft Direct Routing allows you to connect Microsoft Teams directly to the public phone network (PSTN) using your preferred telecom provider. Instead of being tied to Microsoft’s Calling Plans, you can route calls through a partner like SE Telecom and gain more flexibility.
With Direct Routing, you can:
- Port your existing phone numbers into Teams
- Configure auto-attendants, IVRs, and call queues
- Route calls by location, department, or region
- Gain detailed analytics and reporting
- Lower overall telecom costs
→ Learn more about certified Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and get a quote today
How Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Works
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Microsoft Teams handles chat, meetings, and now—calls.
- SE Telecom manages the PSTN access, voice infrastructure, and routing.
- Your existing phone numbers get ported into Teams.
- Custom call flows are built to match your business needs.
All of this is delivered in the cloud—no on-premise hardware required.
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing vs. Microsoft Calling Plans
| Feature | Direct Routing | Microsoft Calling Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Provider choice | SE Telecom or any partner | Microsoft only |
| Pricing | Flexible, scalable | Fixed tiers |
| Feature depth | Full PBX functionality | Limited controls |
| Data residency | U.S. & Canadian options | Often U.S. only |
| Support model | Local experts | Global Microsoft queue |
| MSP / reseller options | Yes, via partners | No |
For businesses that need control, compliance, or multi-site routing, Direct Routing is the smarter choice.
Who Should Consider Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?
- Companies replacing legacy PBX systems
- Regulated industries (finance, healthcare, legal, education)
- Multi-location U.S. and Canadian businesses
- MSPs and IT consultants adding Teams calling to client solutions
Key Business Benefits
More Control, Better Experience
Custom call flows, IVRs, and multilingual options without Microsoft’s limits.
Canadian & U.S. Data Hosting
SE Telecom offers data residency options to support compliance in sensitive industries.
Lower Costs at Scale
Businesses often save up to 30% compared to Microsoft Calling Plans.
Real Human Support
Skip Microsoft’s global ticketing system. Get direct access to telecom engineers who know your setup.
Certified Microsoft Direct Routing Partners
When businesses ask what is Microsoft Direct Routing, the next step is often finding the right partner to implement it. Choosing a certified provider isn’t just about price—it’s about trust, security, and long-term compatibility with Microsoft Teams.
Here’s what to look for in a certified partner:
- Proven experience with Microsoft Teams Direct Routing deployments
- Certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs) for compliance and reliability
- Regional hosting options in Canada and the U.S. for data residency
- Direct, human support instead of long global ticket queues
SE Telecom is a reliable Microsoft Teams Direct Routing partner for North American businesses ready to move on from outdated PBX. We handle your number porting quickly, streamline call routing, and, if there’s any issues, day or night, our IT team is here for support. We ensure a smooth transition and real support when in need.
→ Explore certified Microsoft Teams Direct Routing partners and see how SE Telecom compares
Final Thoughts: Why SE Telecom?
SE Telecom helps North American businesses unlock full calling capabilities inside Microsoft Teams.
What sets us apart:
- Certified Microsoft Teams Direct Routing setups
- 99.999% uptime
- Transparent pricing (no contracts, no hidden fees)
- North American infrastructure and bilingual support
Ready to see how Direct Routing can transform your phone system?
→ Talk to a Microsoft Teams Direct Routing expert today
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