Best alternatives to Microsoft Calling Plans for Teams PSTN calling?

The two primary alternatives to Microsoft Calling Plans for adding PSTN calling to Teams are Operator Connect and Direct Routing. Operator Connect is carrier-managed with no on-premises hardware, while Direct Routing requires SBC deployment but offers more routing flexibility. Atlantech's customers, Atlantech provides the SBC.

Microsoft Calling Plans charge Microsoft's rate card with metered or capped minutes and route support through Microsoft's standard channels. Operator Connect providers set their own pricing, often with unlimited local and long-distance calling included at a lower per-user rate. Atlantech Online's Operator Connect starts at $10 per user per month with no setup fees, no porting fees, and the first month free for new customers. Direct Routing offers the most control and is the only option for GCC High environments, but it requires the organization or its carrier to manage SBCs. For organizations that want a simpler alternative to Calling Plans without the infrastructure burden of Direct Routing, Operator Connect from a certified carrier provides the middle path: lower cost, carrier-managed infrastructure, and support that comes from the carrier directly rather than Microsoft's tiered queue.