GCC High Teams Calling vs. Traditional VoIP: Which is More Secure for Government Contractors?

Are you unwittingly putting sensitive government data at risk? 

Government contractors cannot afford security risks when it comes to voice communication. 

But is traditional VoIP safe enough, or is GCC High Teams Calling the only secure option? Many defense contractors, aerospace firms, and federal agencies rely on outdated or non-compliant VoIP systems, risking government data and their contracts. 

In this post, we’ll compare GCC High Teams Calling vs. Traditional VoIP, breaking down security, compliance, and operational risks to help contractors choose the best solution for DoD requirements.

What Are Traditional VoIP and GCC High Teams Calling?

A Quick Overview of Traditional VoIP

Let’s start with a quick definition and overview of traditional VoIP. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows users to make calls over the internet instead of traditional landlines. 

As VoIP providers added more features, it began to gain popularity in the 2000s and 2010s as a way to get feature-rich phone service at a reduced price point. VoIP really exploded in the 2020s with the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid increase in fully remote and hybrid workforces. 

While VoIP calling has numerous benefits, many popular VoIP services don’t meet government compliance standards. Let’s take a look at why.

Limitations of Traditional VoIP for Government Agencies and Contractors

• Not all VoIP providers offer end-to-end encryption for calls.
• Many VoIP services store call logs outside the U.S., violating ITAR & DFARS requirements.
• Security vulnerabilities make VoIP systems susceptible to eavesdropping, call interception, and hacking.
  
  

A Quick Overview of Microsoft Teams Phone & Audio Conferencing for GCC High

Microsoft Teams Phone & Audio Conferencing for GCC High is a secure, compliant PSTN calling solution designed specifically for government contractors. Hosted in Microsoft’s GCC High cloud environment, it ensures full compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC 2.0.

How Teams Calling Works in a GCC High Cloud Environment

• It uses Direct Routing to connect to the PSTN; Microsoft Teams to Microsoft Teams calls are encrypted.
• Microsoft Teams Phone System acts as the secure calling hub.
• Direct Routing ensures compliant PSTN connectivity via an approved VoIP provider (like Atlantech Online).
• All call data is stored in U.S.-based, ITAR-compliant Microsoft 365 GCC High data centers.

But how secure is this solution? Here’s a detailed comparison below.

Security Comparison: GCC High Teams Calling vs. Traditional VoIP

Feature Teams Phone & Audio Conferencing for GCC High Traditional VoIP

Compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC 2.0 ✅ Meets all DoD security mandates ❌ Most providers are not compliant

Data Storage & Sovereignty ✅ U.S.-based, ITAR-compliant data centers ❌ May store call logs internationally

End-to-End Encryption ✅ Encrypted voice traffic at rest & in transit for Teams-to-Teams calls only (PSTN calls are not encrypted). ❌ Not standard for most VoIP services

Risk of Cyber Threats ✅ Multi-layered security & access controls ❌ More vulnerable to hacking & call interception

Government-Approved Providers ✅ Requires authorized GCC High VoIP providers ❌ Many VoIP providers are not authorized for DoD use

There are three major takeaways when you think about security and Teams Phone and Audio Conferencing in GCC High vs. a non-GCC High environment:

1. Teams Phone & Audio Conferencing for GCC High is the ONLY compliant option for government agencies and contractors.
2. Traditional VoIP and Teams Calling in a non-GCC High environment lack encryption, security controls, and data sovereignty protections.
3. Using a non-compliant VoIP system can result in contract loss, security breaches, and non-compliance penalties.

It’s that last about the risks of using non-compliant VoIP services that we need to discuss next.

Why Compliance Matters: The Risks of Using Non-Compliant VoIP

There are many risks for government agencies and contractors that use a non-compliant VoIP calling solution. Generally, these risks fall into three buckets:

1. Loss of Government Contracts

• CMMC 2.0, ITAR, and DFARS require contractors to use compliant communication tools.
• Using a non-compliant VoIP system can disqualify contractors from DoD projects.
  
  

2. Security Breaches & Cyber Threats

• Traditional VoIP systems are common cyberattack targets.
• Call data intercepted by unauthorized entities can lead to classified data exposure.
  
  

3. Legal & Financial Penalties

• DFARS 7012 non-compliance can result in financial penalties.
• Fines, contract suspensions, and even legal actions may follow security violations.
  
  

Why Atlantech Online Provides the Best GCC High Teams Calling Solution

Atlantech Online has been in the telecommunications business for 30 years. More specifically, we’ve worked with government agencies to provide secure, compliant VoIP calling solutions.

Atlantech Online: A Trusted Government VoIP Provider

• 100% CMMC, ITAR, and DFARS-compliant Microsoft Teams Calling.
• Seamless Direct Routing integration for secure, encrypted PSTN access.
• Custom security configurations tailored to contractor needs.

How Atlantech Online Makes Deployment Easier

• PMP-trained staff professionally manage your migration from start to finish.
• Full compliance consulting & onboarding support for a smooth transition.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• Expert number porting & migration services to avoid downtime.

Why Security-Conscious Contractors Choose Atlantech

• Deep expertise in DoD supplier communication needs.
• Reliable, scalable Microsoft Teams Phone solutions.
• White-glove customer support to ensure continued compliance & security.
  
  

Your Next Steps Toward a Compliant GCC High Teams Calling Solution

Government contractors must use compliant voice solutions or risk contract loss. Microsoft Teams Phone for GCC High meets all security mandates, but only with Direct Routing.

If you’re migrating to a GCC High M365 license, you will no longer be able to get phone service through Microsoft, only through a Direct Routing provider like Atlantech Online.

Learn more about our Teams Calling & Audio Conferencing Solution for GCC High and schedule a free consultation today.