How Much Does Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High Cost? Pricing Breakdown & ROI Guide

If you’re a government contractor or DoD supplier needing a secure, compliant voice solution, you’re probably wondering, "How much does Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High cost?"

It can be frustratingly difficult to find a straight answer to that question. Unlike commercial Microsoft Teams Calling plans, GCC High Teams Calling requires Direct Routing, making the cost structure different from standard VoIP services. But we’ve done the legwork for you!

This guide provides a detailed pricing breakdown, covering Microsoft 365 licensing, Direct Routing costs, and potential ROI while explaining how Atlantech Online ensures cost efficiency for GCC High deployments.

Why You Can’t Use Standard Teams Calling for GCC High

Why Microsoft Teams Calling Costs are Different for GCC High

Unlike commercial Microsoft Teams Calling, GCC High does not support built-in Microsoft Calling Plans. This means organizations must use Direct Routing to connect Microsoft Teams Phone to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

GCC High Teams Calling is different for several key reasons:

• Microsoft does not offer Calling Plans for GCC High, meaning organizations must work with an approved VoIP provider.
• PSTN calling is only available through Direct Routing, which requires a certified VoIP provider like Atlantech Online.
• Costs reflect the additional security and infrastructure needs required to meet ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC 2.0 standards.
  
  

Limitations of Standard Microsoft Teams Calling

Standard Microsoft Teams Calling is not designed for government agencies or DoD contractors because it lacks the security and compliance controls required for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• Data Sovereignty Risks: Many commercial VoIP providers store call metadata outside the U.S., violating ITAR and DFARS requirements for defense contractors.
• Lack of Encryption: Standard Microsoft Teams Calling does not provide end-to-end encryption for PSTN calls, making it unsuitable for organizations that require secure voice communications.
  
  

GCC High Teams Calling: A Necessary Investment for Compliance

For government contractors and federal agencies, GCC High Teams Calling is a necessary investment because it:

• Ensures fully compliant, encrypted PSTN calling for organizations handling sensitive government communications.
• Meets DFARS 7012, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0 security mandates, ensuring full legal compliance.
• Requires Direct Routing to enable secure, compliant call routing, allowing organizations to choose an authorized VoIP provider that meets government security requirements.
  
  

Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High: Pricing Breakdown

Microsoft 365 GCC High Licensing Costs

To enable Microsoft Teams Phone, organizations must first subscribe to a Microsoft 365 GCC High plan, which comes with different licensing options based on feature requirements.

If your organization already has Microsoft 365 E3 GCC High, you will need to purchase the Teams Phone license separately to enable PSTN calling capabilities.

Direct Routing Costs

Since Operator Connect and Microsoft Calling Plans are unavailable for GCC High, organizations must use Direct Routing through a government-approved VoIP provider.

The cost of Direct Routing depends on:

• Session Border Controller (SBC) fees: one-time setup cost (required for Direct Routing).
• Per-user VoIP service fees: per user per month, based on the VoIP provider’s pricing model.
• Usage-based PSTN calling costs: Rates vary depending on domestic vs. international calling and total monthly call volume.

Additional costs to consider:

• One-time deployment & setup fees: The cost of deployment varies by provider and the complexity of your migration.
• Number porting fees: If you need to transfer existing phone numbers, VoIP providers may charge per-number porting fees.
• Ongoing security monitoring & compliance management: Some providers offer managed security and compliance services, which may incur additional monthly costs.
  
  

Additional Factors Impacting Cost

The total cost of Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High will vary based on:

• Organization size, number of users, and number of call paths/simultaneous calls
• International vs. domestic calling requirements
• Custom security configurations and encryption requirements
• Existing infrastructure and migration complexity

“There are two main pricing concerns when choosing a carrier for Teams Calling for GCC High:

1. Find a carrier that will separate the cost for users and the cost for telephone service.  Some carriers will combine these into a single cost per user and you will then be overpaying for phone lines and service you do not need and will not use.  
2. Understand the additional fees and surcharges that are NOT taxes. These types of fees can double or triple your actual quoted cost for the service. Try and find a carrier that does not charge these fees as all of their costs are therefore in the quote. 

Note that everyone charges taxes - what I am talking about are add-on fees not related to taxes.” - Ed Fineran, President, Atlantech Online

ROI of Teams Calling & Audio Conferencing for GCC High

Cost Savings

One of the most compelling reasons for government agencies and contractors to switch to Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High is the potential for cost savings compared to traditional VoIP and PBX systems. 

For example, on-premises PBX systems require significant upfront investment in hardware, ongoing maintenance, and IT management. Consolidating communications into Microsoft 365 GCC High helps reduce VoIP service provider costs, as contractors no longer need separate calling services or outdated phone systems. 

Microsoft Teams Calling offers a cloud-based solution that significantly lowers maintenance costs while ensuring seamless updates and compliance.

Avoiding Compliance Penalties

Beyond cost savings, compliance cost avoidance is a major financial benefit. Government contractors are subject to strict regulations, and non-compliance with ITAR, DFARS, or CMMC 2.0 can result in significant fines. 

Worse, failing to meet these security requirements can lead to the loss of DoD contracts, putting revenue streams and business stability at risk. 

With Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High, organizations can eliminate security breaches and legal risks associated with non-compliant voice solutions, ensuring that their communications remain within federal security mandates.

Increased Productivity and Security

Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High enhances both productivity and security. Because it fully integrates with Microsoft 365 GCC High applications, users benefit from seamless collaboration across Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. 

This level of integration streamlines workflows, increases efficiency, and eliminates the need for third-party communication tools that may not meet security requirements. 

For organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, the ability to securely make and receive calls from anywhere without compromising compliance is a crucial advantage. Advanced call encryption and security features prevent unauthorized access and cyber threats, ensuring that sensitive voice data is fully protected.

Future-Proofing Against Evolving Regulatory Mandates

Investing in GCC High Teams Calling is not just about immediate cost reductions—it is a long-term investment in secure communication. 

As DoD cybersecurity mandates continue to evolve, organizations must remain proactive in meeting these ever-changing requirements. Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High provides future-proofing against regulatory updates, ensuring that contractors stay compliant with the latest CMMC, ITAR, and DFARS standards. 

Additionally, by working with a trusted provider like Atlantech Online, organizations receive ongoing compliance support and security updates, guaranteeing continuous protection of their communications infrastructure.

Why Choose Atlantech for Microsoft Teams Calling in GCC High

Selecting the right VoIP provider for Microsoft Teams Calling in GCC High is critical for government contractors and DoD suppliers that must adhere to strict compliance requirements. 

So why should government agencies and contractors consider Atlantech Online for such a mission-critical aspect of their operations?

• You would be working with a premier provider — we’re one of only a select handful of Direct Routing providers who can offer a solution for calling and audio conferencing in a GCC High environment.
• You wouldn’t have to worry about compliance — our solution ensures 100% compliance with CMMC, ITAR, and DFARS regulations. 
• You’re not buying a one-size-fits-all solution — custom security configurations allow contractors to tailor their Teams Phone setup to meet their specific regulatory and operational requirements.
• You won’t be stuck managing session border controllers (SBCs) — we’ve seen numerous agencies using SBCs inside the GCC High infrastructure connected to legacy SIP trunks to meet requirements. But we handle everything, so you won’t have to purchase, configure, or manage SBCs any longer.
• You won’t be stuck waiting months for implementation — PMP-certified staff professionally manage your deployment from start to finish without service interruptions.
• You will know exactly what you are paying for — we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, providing contractors with clear cost structures and no unexpected expenses. 
• You avoid the hassle of downtime and all new phone numbers — For organizations that need to retain their existing phone numbers, expert number porting and migration services ensure a smooth transition without downtime, allowing teams to continue operations without disruption.

With our deep expertise in government VoIP solutions, commitment to compliance, and hands-on deployment support, Atlantech Online stands out as the best choice.

Final Thoughts: Understanding the Cost & Value of GCC High Teams Calling

For government contractors and DoD suppliers, Teams Calling and Audio Conferencing for GCC High is a necessary investment in security, compliance, and efficiency. 

GCC High Teams Calling requires Direct Routing through an approved VoIP provider to meet ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC 2.0 mandates. While costs vary based on Microsoft 365 licensing, Direct Routing fees, and security configurations, the return on investment extends beyond pricing, helping organizations avoid compliance violations, secure DoD contracts, and improve productivity.

Government agencies and contractors can reduce security risks while enabling seamless collaboration. Investing in GCC High Teams Calling ensures long-term compliance, operational efficiency, and secure remote work capabilities.

Now is the time to ensure full compliance with DoD security mandates. Work with Atlantech Online, a trusted provider of GCC High Direct Routing solutions, to get a transparent pricing breakdown and expert deployment support.