Microsoft Teams Phone & Audio Conferencing for GCC High

2. Who Needs Teams Phone & Audio Conferencing for GCC High?

Industries & Organizations That Require Secure PSTN Calling

Industries required to meet the strict compliance requirements that Microsoft 365 GCC High service provides must plan to meet the same requirements for Phone and Audio Conferencing:

• Aerospace - Manufacture, sell, or distribution of aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies.
• Critical Infrastructure Providers - Companies in sectors such as energy, water, and transportation that manage critical infrastructure and must comply with standards like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
• Defense Contractors - Organizations that produce military equipment, weapons, and ammunition.
• Educational Institutions - Universities and research institutions that manage sensitive student and research data, requiring compliance with FERPA and other data protection regulations.
• Healthcare Organizations - Handling sensitive health information for military personnel or veterans.
• Manufacturing - Producing components or materials used in defense articles, such as advanced materials, electronics, and mechanical parts.
• Research Institutions - Universities and labs conducting research on defense technologies and innovations.
• Technology Firms - Developing software or hardware with military applications, including cybersecurity and communication systems. 

Key Advantage: Atlantech Online understands there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution, that’s why our process starts with identifying your organization’s MS Teams Phone for GCC High needs.   

ASK THE EXPERT

"How could Microsoft 365 GCC High alone fall short of meeting all compliance standards?"

“Office 365 GCC High secures office applications like MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  However, collaboration on these documents often occurs during conference calls and/or over the phone. If your phone service doesn’t meet these compliance requirements, then implementing Microsoft 365 Government Teams Phone should be your top priority. 

- Morgan Henry, Director of Sales and Business Development, Atlantech Online

3. Why Government Agencies & Contractors Need a Secure PSTN Solution

Compliance Mandates: Why Commercial Communication Services Won’t Work

Compliance requirements met with Microsoft 365 GCC High and Microsoft Teams for GCC High:

• FedRAMP High: Ensures that cloud services meet rigorous security standards required by federal agencies.
• NIST SP 800-53: A set of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations, ensuring high-level protection.
• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations): Controls the export and import of defense-related articles and services to ensure they are not accessed by unauthorized foreign entities
• DFARS 7012 (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement): Requires contractors to implement cybersecurity measures to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems
• CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services): Ensures the protection of criminal justice information by law enforcement agencies
• IRS 1075: Provides guidelines for federal tax information (FTI) protection
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Protects sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge
• CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): A framework to enhance the cybersecurity posture of companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)

Only companies that have implemented both Microsoft 365 GCC High and Microsoft Teams for GCC High are compliant handling sensitive government data in the office and on the phone.

The Risk of Non-Compliance

Legal Penalties: Non-compliance with regulations such as ITAR, DFARS, and HIPAA can result in significant fines and legal actions.

Loss of contracts: The primary consequence is losing the ability to bid on new DoD contracts that require CMMC compliance, as the DoD will only award contracts to certified companies.

Data Breaches: Without proper security measures, sensitive data is at higher risk of being compromised, leading to potential data breaches likely leading to further financial losses.

Reputation damage: Not being CMMC compliant can harm a contractor's reputation within the defense industry, potentially affecting future business opportunities even outside of DoD contracts.

4. Why all Secure Calling Services are Not the Same

VoIP Encryption Security Protocols: 

VoIP Encryption Security Protocols have been in use for over 20 years; however, they do not meet all the current government-compliant cloud-based VoIP and PSTN calling requirements:

• Transport Layer Security (TLS) – Prevents Call High jacking and manipulation ensuring authentication securing the call setup, management, and teardown (Signaling)
• Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) – Prevents Eavesdropping through AES Encryption, securing the audio and video data during the call (Media Stream)
• MS Teams Phone for GCC High – In addition to TLS & SRTP security protocols, Zero Trust Security Model enforces multi-factor authentication (MFA) and conditional access policies prevent unauthorized access. All signaling and media data remains protected within U.S. Government Cloud environments meeting FedRAMP High & DoD IL4/IL5.

Key Advantage: Atlantech Online’s MS Teams Phone for GCC High Infrastructure is compliance-ready and can be provided to your organization as quickly as 2 weeks.

5. Why Direct Routing as a Service (DRaaS) is the Preferred Option for MS Teams Phone for GCC High

Today, Operator Connect is not available for MS Teams Phone for GCC High service. Companies have two options to choose from, both requiring Microsoft 365 GCC High service and specialized MS Teams license(s) which are uniquely available only for:

• Direct Routing – Involves procuring, provisioning, installing, and maintaining a Microsoft-Certified GCC High Session Border Controller (SBC).  PowerShell is required to connect to the SBC and configure the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) matching your tenant’s name.  Though not required, implementing Azure ExpressRoute to connect your SBC to Microsoft 365 services is highly recommended for better performance and reduced latency. Once set up, you should plan for ongoing maintenance of your voice network and network security.
• Direct Routing as a Service (DRaaS) – Simplifies the installation by working with one of handful authorized MS Teams Phone for GCC High DRaaS providers, like Atlantech Online. These providers already have the necessary infrastructure in place, cutting upfront installation cost and reducing time to go live.

Key Advantage: Atlantech Online’s MS Teams Phone for GCC High infrastructure is built with redundant SBC and Azure ExpressRoute to connect your organization’s MS Team Phone and get your team compliance ready. The Atlantech Online onboarding team is familiar with the MS Teams Phone for GCC High installation and will partner with you every step of the way.   

6. MS Teams Phone for GCC High Calling Costs & Pricing

Understanding MS Teams Phone for GCC High Licensing Requirements

Required Microsoft Licenses apply to both Implementation Options:

• Microsoft Teams Phone Standard – Assigned at the End User level enabling phone system capabilities connecting to the PSTN
• Audio Conferencing - GCC High Tenant – Assigned at the organization level, enabling use of Audio Conferencing for GCC High Tenant
• Audio Conferencing - GCC High User – Assigned at the End User level, enables access to and scheduling conferencing features

Cost Considerations for Direct Routing MS Teams Phone for GCC High*

• Microsoft-Certified GCC High Session Border Controller (SBC) - Hardware Procurement ($1,000 to $50,000)
• SBC Vendor Fees – Onetime set up ($1,000 to $25,000), Monthly Support ($100 to $500) and Annual Maintenance ($1,000 to $5,000)
• Azure ExpressRoute - 50 Mbps Standard Unlimited Data Monthly Plan ($300)
• SIP Trunk to PSTN – Installation^ and monthly service fees (varies based on size and SIP Trunk and Service Provider) 
• CC High Connection Fee – SBC to Azure GCC High Connection Monthly Fee ($100 - $300)

Atlantech Online MS Teams Phone for GCC High DRaaS – No Upfront Costs*  

• Direct Inbound Dail (DID) – Active Telephone Number & End Users
• Trunks – Number of concurrent calls
• GCC High Tenant Connection – SIP Trunk to Azure GCC High Connection

*Microsoft Copilot provided cost estimates for a Non-redundant Direct Routing MS Teams Phone for GCC High solution.

Key Advantage: Atlantech Online MS Teams for GCC High (DRaaS) provides scalability to quickly meet your organization's changing operational needs.

 

ASK THE EXPERT

"What are the hidden costs or pricing surprises that companies face when moving to Teams Calling for GCC High?"

“There are two main pricing concerns when choosing a carrier for Teams Phone System 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 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, CEO, Atlantech Online

7. How to Deploy Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High

Atlantech Online’s Deployment Guide for IT Teams implementing MS Teams Phone for GCC High:

1. Discovery – Scope implementation requirements and dependencies.
2. Design – MS Teams Phone for GCC High service delivery and timeline.
3. Build – MS Teams Phone for GCC High service connection to your Microsoft 365 GCC High Tenant.
4. Install & Test – Test each build deliverable throughout the build process to mitigate Go Live surprises.
5. Go Live & Accept – Port Telephone Numbers and Test – Inbound, outbound, and e911.
   
   

8. FAQs: Answering Common Questions About GCC High Teams Calling

Q: Why is Operator Connect not an option for GCC High?

Direct Routing and Direct Routing as a Service (DRaaS) are the only ways to connect Microsoft Teams to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) while remaining compliant with DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0 security standards.

Q: Can I use Microsoft Teams for government work?

Yes, but only through Microsoft 365 GCC High and MS Teams for GCC High.

Q: How does Teams Calling for GCC High ensure compliance?

Through Direct Routing as a Service, encryption, and DoD-approved infrastructure.

Q: What’s the difference between GCC High and regular GCC?

GCC High meets ITAR and DFARS compliance requirements, while regular GCC does not.

9. Get a Free Consultation on Microsoft Teams Calling for GCC High

Ensure Your Government Communications Are 100% Secure & Compliant 

Government agencies and DoD contractors can’t afford to take risks when it comes to securing data – this includes voice communications. Your organization needs to enable compliant PSTN calling with Microsoft Teams Phone for GCC High, making the wrong decision can lead to:

• Compliance violations that result in lost government contracts.
• Security vulnerabilities that put Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) at risk.
• Unexpected costs from providers that bundle unnecessary fees.
• Disruptions during migration due to poor planning or lack of support.

Why Atlantech Online? A Better Way to Deploy GCC High Teams Calling

Unlike other providers that offer minimal support and confusing pricing models, Atlantech Online specializes in MS Teams Phone for GCC High for government agencies and defense contractors. When you work with us, you get:

• 100% DoD-Compliant Teams Calling – We ensure full compliance with CMMC 2.0, ITAR, DFARS, and FedRAMP High standards.
• A Custom Deployment Plan – We tailor your solution based on your organization’s operational needs, and number porting.
• The Smoothest Number Porting Process – No downtime, no frustration. Our expert team handles everything to ensure a seamless transition from your existing provider.
• Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Fees – Many providers charge unnecessary line-item fees that double or triple costs. We break down costs upfront, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
• PMI-Trained Project Leads – Our Service Delivery team uses Project Management tools & processes ensuring an efficient, hassle-free migration with step-by-step guidance.
• Ongoing Support & Optimization – We don’t just set up your system—we ensure it’s optimized for security, performance, and compliance long after deployment.