Microsoft Teams Direct Routing As a Service for South African Businesses
Empower your Microsoft Teams environment with full voice capabilities—no on-premise hardware required.
Saicom’s Microsoft Teams Direct Routing solution seamlessly connects Teams to the PSTN via secure, cloud-based technology, enabling external calling that delivers cost savings, flexibility, and enterprise-grade voice quality.
Key benefits include:
- Voice enablement for Microsoft Teams – Make and receive external calls via Teams.
- Cloud-based solution with no CAPEX – Reduce costs with a fully hosted system.
- Agile working – Enable seamless collaboration from anywhere.
Unlock the full potential of Teams—enquire today!
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What is Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is a cloud-based telephony solution that connects Microsoft Teams directly to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through your chosen telecom provider.
Often delivered as Direct Routing as a Service (DRaaS), it enables external calling, SMS, and traditional phone features within Teams while maintaining control over telephony infrastructure and costs.
Saicom’s Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Service
Enable external calling in Microsoft Teams with Teams Connect, a fully integrated, cloud-based voice solution that links your Microsoft 365 Phone System to the PSTN – allowing calls from any connected device.
Seamlessly integrate with our Enterprise VoIP platform using Microsoft-certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs) and SIP trunks. Unlock a unified communication system combining voice, messaging, and collaboration.
Saicom’s voice services can also be fully integrated into Microsoft Teams with full PSTN breakout. Saicom has multiple entry points into Microsoft Azure providing high levels of resilience and availability.
Teams Connect supports businesses of all sizes, allowing number porting, network integration, and cost-effective, cloud-first calling—no on-premise hardware required.
Hear What Our Customers Have to Say
Transform the way your business communicates with Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams.
Here’s why South African businesses trust our Teams Connect solution for seamless, cost-effective, and scalable voice integration.
Some companies Exco teams believe they are above dealing with you as a customer. That’s not the case with Saicom. Their team is really exceptional. They are truly market leaders when it comes to overall service.
Colin Corbett
Chief Information Officer, Bidvest Steiner
The differentiator for us is Saicom’s ability to deliver both customer service and technical expertise. The team took the time to understand our business requirements and ensured any issues would be addressed as quickly as possible.
Raymond McIntyre
Senior General Manager, Platinum Life
Saicom was willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure our systems were working optimally. The company adapts to our needs and manages our network and telephony outcomes on our behalf.
Easy to work with, coupled with reliable systems and great ongoing support.
I would like to commend Saicom on their incredible management and support of the Cloud hosted PBX VOIP, Connectivity, VeloCloud and Firewall services we buy from them. The business impact on our organisation has been huge in the sense that we save significant amounts on all of our calls and our connectivity is stable and always working.
Robert Cousins
Chief Technology Officer, SABJE
Key Benefits of Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
Microsoft Teams Direct Routing unlocks powerful advantages that transform business communications.
From significant cost reductions and operational flexibility to enhanced call quality and simplified management, this solution adapts to diverse needs, including remote workforces, call centers, and multi-location enterprises.
Discover how each benefit can revolutionize your communication strategy below.
Saicom in partnership with Call Cabinet’s Atmos
Saicom’s partnership with Call Cabinet’s Atmos delivers a cutting-edge call recording solution, designed for compliance, security, and scalability.
It offers:
- Automatic upgrades
- 24/7 expert support
- A compliance-ready recording environment
- Calls (and soon all other interactions) are recorded every time
- Secure storage in a compliant environment
- An HTMLS portal with easy access to recordings
- Support for as few as 2-3 users or on an enterprise scale
- Web-based access from any device
- Seamless integration with any Saicom Cloud PBX extension or SIP Trunk
Their unique “pay-as-you-grow” (SaaS) model is ideal for businesses seeking a cost-effective, compliant, and flexible call recording solution.
What’s Required to Enable Teams Direct Routing
Transitioning your business to Microsoft Teams Direct Routing for robust, future-proof voice communication is seamless. We handle the complexities, but knowing what prerequisites are needed will ensure a smooth and rapid deployment.
Direct routing requires:
- Microsoft 365 or Office 365 license with Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Phone System add-on (included in E5 licenses or available separately)
- A stable internet connection
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
List of voice providers that we currently interconnect with
At Saicom, quality is at the core of our service. By interconnecting directly with the majority of voice providers in South Africa, we ensure true end-to-end call quality and reliable communication for our clients.
Our Interconnected Voice Providers include:
- Vodacom
- MTN
- CellC
- Telkom
- Telkom Mobile
- Liquid Intelligent Technologies
- First National Bank
- BitCo
- ECN
- Vox Telecoms
- Dimension Data
- Switch Telecoms
- Voys Telecom South Africa
- Converged Telecoms
- Telviva
Ensure seamless communication with Saicom’s Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. Contact us today.
What is Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams?
Direct Routing connects Microsoft Teams to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), enabling external calling using SIP trunks and a Microsoft-certified SBC.
This provides a flexible, cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Calling Plans, allowing organisations to make and receive external phone calls directly within Teams.
By leveraging Direct Routing, businesses can integrate Microsoft Teams with enterprise-grade voice services, ensuring scalability, control, and seamless communication without the need for additional hardware.
Contact Saicom to unlock the full potential of Microsoft Teams with our Direct Routing solution.
What is required to enable Direct Routing?
To enable Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams, your organisation needs the following:
- Microsoft 365 or Office 365 license with Teams – A valid Microsoft Teams-enabled license is required to integrate external calling.
- Microsoft Phone System add-on – This unlocks Teams’ built-in PBX capabilities, enabling advanced call management and routing.
- A stable internet connection – A Stable internet connection ensures seamless voice communication and high call quality over the PSTN.
With these components in place, your business can replace traditional telephony systems with a cloud-based voice solution, allowing employees to make and receive external calls directly from Microsoft Teams.
Enable seamless external calling with Direct Routing. Contact Saicom for expert guidance.
Can Skype for Business be used for Direct Routing?
No. Skype for Business has been retired, and Microsoft has encouraged all users to transition to Microsoft Teams for a more advanced communication experience.
Teams retains instant messaging, screen sharing, and web conferencing. It also introduces centralised collaboration, persistent chat, and enhanced integration with Microsoft 365 tools, making it the superior choice for modern business communication.
Get in touch and we’ll help you make the switch to Microsoft Teams with our Direct Routing solution.
Is Direct Routing a cheaper alternative to Microsoft calling plans?
Yes, Direct Routing is a more cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Teams calling plans, especially for businesses with high call volumes or those requiring greater flexibility.
With Direct Routing, you can choose a telecom provider that offers lower call rates, optimise your Microsoft 365 licensing costs, and benefit from scalable pricing that aligns with your business needs. This allows organisations to reduce telephony expenses for domestic and international calls while maintaining enterprise-grade voice quality. Essentially, in geographies where Microsoft calling plans are available, providers with a Direct Route option are always cheaper.
Switch to Direct Routing with Saicom. Contact us today.
Do I need an internet service from Saicom to qualify for Direct Routing?
No, you don’t need to use Saicom’s internet service to enable Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams. However, Saicom’s connectivity options are specifically designed to connect business customers to our network in order to carry voice and video calls at a high quality.
By leveraging Saicom’s end-to-end network infrastructure, businesses benefit from:
- Guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) – Prioritised voice and video traffic for seamless communication.
- UCaaS and Access optimisation – A fully integrated approach to designing, testing, and delivering superior call quality.
- Full visibility and control – Ensuring consistent and robust voice and video performance across all business communications.
While Direct Routing can work with any internet provider, Saicom’s network is purpose-built to enhance reliability, minimise latency, and maintain superior call clarity.
Contact our team to find out how Saicom’s connectivity can optimise your Direct Routing experience.
Do I need PowerShell experience to provision Users?
No, you don’t need PowerShell experience to set up Direct Routing. Our dedicated engineers handle the entire Microsoft Phone System configuration, ensuring a seamless setup and ongoing management—24/7, 365 days a year.
Contact us and allow our engineers to take care of the technical setup while you focus on your business.
Can I integrate a Microsoft phone system into my existing PBX?
Yes, a Microsoft phone system can be integrated with both on-premise and cloud-based PBX systems, enabling seamless calling between ecosystems. Saicom provides full integration support, ensuring a smooth transition to a unified communication environment.
We also offer a hybrid solution, allowing you to overlay key Cloud PBX Add-Ons, such as:
- Call Queues – Efficiently manage incoming calls.
- Call Centre Reporting (Akiki) – Gain insights into call performance.
- Intelligent IVR (Inference) – Automate and enhance customer interactions.
- One Number Everywhere – Maintain a single contact number across multiple devices.
Contact our team to explore your PBX integration options with a Microsoft phone system.
What Microsoft licenses are required for Direct Routing?
To enable Direct Routing in Microsoft Teams, users must have the following Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses assigned:
- Microsoft Phone System – Enables PBX capabilities within Teams.
- Microsoft Teams – Required for collaboration and calling features.
- Microsoft Audio Conferencing – Allows dial-in conferencing for meetings.
These licenses are included in the Microsoft E5 plan, but the Phone System license can also be purchased separately as an add-on for lower-tier plans.
Not sure which license is right for your business? Contact our team of consultants for expert guidance.
Connect, Collaborate, and Grow with Saicom’s Direct Routing
Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Teams with Saicom’s Direct Routing solution. Connect your team, simplify your communication, and save costs—seamlessly.
