Discover the optimal Teams PSTN solution for leveraging existing phone carriers while reducing costs and administrative effort. Expert insights for MS-721 certification.
Table of Contents
Question
You have a Microsoft Teams deployment.
You plan to extend the capabilities of the Teams deployment to enable users to make external PSTN calls.
You need to recommend a PSTN connectivity option that meets the following requirements:
PSTN connectivity must use the organization’s existing phone carrier.
Costs and administrative effort must be minimized.
What should you recommend?
Select only one answer.
A. Teams Phone with Calling Plans
B. Teams Phone with Direct Routing
C. Teams Phone with Operator Connect
D. Teams Phone with Teams Phone Mobile
Answer
C. Teams Phone with Operator Connect
Explanation
With Operator Connect, if your existing carrier participates in the Microsoft Operator Connect Program, it can manage the service for bringing PSTN calling to Teams. The carrier manages PSTN calling services and Session Border Controllers (SBCs), allowing you to save on hardware purchases and management.
To enable external PSTN calls in Microsoft Teams while using your organization’s existing phone carrier and minimizing costs/effort, Operator Connect (Option C) is the recommended solution. Here’s why:
Key Requirements Analysis
Use Existing Carrier: Operator Connect allows integration with your current PSTN carrier if they participate in Microsoft’s Operator Connect program. This avoids carrier migration costs and retains existing contracts.
Minimize Costs/Effort: Operator Connect shifts SBC management and infrastructure maintenance to the carrier, reducing administrative overhead. Microsoft handles billing and compliance, streamlining operations.
Why Operator Connect Fits Best
| Feature | Operator Connect | Other Options |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Flexibility | Uses existing carrier (if approved by Microsoft) | Requires new carrier (Calling Plans) or SBC setup (Direct Routing) |
| Administrative Effort | Carrier manages SBCs and infrastructure | Direct Routing requires SBC deployment/maintenance |
| Cost Efficiency | No upfront hardware costs; predictable billing | Direct Routing incurs SBC and SIP trunking costs |
Rejected Options
- A. Calling Plans: Requires switching to Microsoft as the carrier.
- B. Direct Routing: Demands SBC deployment and technical expertise.
- D. Teams Phone Mobile: Focuses on mobile numbers, not existing landline carriers.
Implementation Steps
- Verify carrier participation in Operator Connect.
- Assign Teams Phone licenses to users.
- Configure numbers via Teams Admin Center (managed by the carrier).
Operator Connect balances simplicity, cost control, and carrier continuity, making it ideal for organizations prioritizing efficiency.
Microsoft 365 Certified Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate MS-721 certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Microsoft Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer MS-721 exam and earn Microsoft 365 Certified Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate certification.