How to Use Microsoft Teams Calling Features to Maximize Efficiency
Are you looking to maximize the value of Microsoft Teams for your company?
Integrating your business phone system with Microsoft Teams adds a dynamic and new way to connect your company and your customers. Plus, it's not that difficult to get started. All you need is the right telecommunication pieces in place. Then, you can enjoy seamless phone service integration right into Microsoft Teams.
We've collected all the information you need to use Microsoft Teams Calling's features so you can maximize your team's efficiency and get the most out of the platform.
How to Use Microsoft Teams Calling Features
When most people picture using Microsoft Teams to make a phone call, they imagine something similar to Skype or making a call in FaceTime. They imagine seeing someone's picture, clicking, and having a conversation through the computer.
While that experience is similar to a phone call, it's not the same thing. Conversations that happen inside of an application are not the same experience as making a traditional phone call.
While Teams has that capability, in this article, we aren't talking about an in-app experience. We are talking about an actual phone call where you dial a phone number and have a conversation utilizing Microsoft Teams. Direct calling allows you to talk with people that aren’t using Teams and expands your conversation capabilities. 
First - Get Integrated
Microsoft Teams includes the ability to call Skype for Business and other Microsoft Teams users for free. However, if you want to call regular phone numbers, you will need to have a plan with a service provider.
At Atlantech Online, we can integrate our Hosted PBX with Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. This integration allows us to turn the Teams client into a super softphone that works on tablets, computers, and mobile devices.
This connection gives you the ability to:
- Scale up or setup users in a matter of minutes.
- Work from home or other remote locations quickly and easily.
- Enjoy unlimited local and domestic long-distance calling.
- Connect Teams to the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN).
- Utilize Direct Routing to avoid needing special equipment such as an SBC.
To find out more about our calling plans, request a quote today.
Once you’ve set up a calling plan with Microsoft Teams, making a call is easy.
Using Microsoft Teams Phone on Desktop
To dial a saved phone contact from Microsoft Teams:
- Select Calls
- Click Dial a number
- Enter the name of the individual you want to contact by using the dial pad
- Click Call
To dial a number from Microsoft Teams:
- Go to Calls and click Dial a Number
- Enter the number you want to call on the dial pad
- Click Call
Some points to remember:
- If you want to call someone in your Contacts list, click Contacts, find the person you wish to call, and then click Call.
- People you have previously called will be in your call history. In History, select More Actions. Find the right person's name, and then click Call.
- To call people from Voicemail, select More Actions, scroll to the right of the person's name, and click Call Back.
Using Microsoft Teams Calling on Mobile
To make a call, tap Call > Call and enter a phone number. If you've enabled the setting for access to your phone contacts, tap Calls > Contacts on mobile devices and choose the person you desire to call.
Use the dial pad on a mobile device to punch in numbers from your phone number and make emergency calls to your country-specific emergency number.
Using Microsoft Teams Calling with Surface Hub
Using Microsoft Teams Calling on Surface Hub, call a phone number (PSTN) on the Surface Hub, select Call from the welcome screen, and then tap Dial Pad.
Once you've accessed the dial pad, enter the number you want to call.
Get Started With Microsoft Teams Calling
Let us help you get your Microsoft Teams calling plan setup and integrated. We’ll help you organize your timeline and make sure you finish the steps necessary to get where you need to be.
Our team of experts here at Atlantech can help guide you through every step of the process to start using Teams as soon as possible. Click here to get started today.