Microsoft Teams has become a popular communication and collaboration tool for businesses of all sizes. With its seamless integration with other Microsoft products and its user-friendly interface, it has quickly become a go-to choice for many organizations. However, one question that often arises is whether or not Microsoft Teams can make external calls. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some tips for managing external calls on Microsoft Teams.
Understanding External Calls on Microsoft Teams
Before we dive into whether or not Microsoft Teams can make external calls, it’s important to understand what an external call is. An external call is a call made to or from a number outside of your organization. This can include calls to clients, partners, or anyone outside of your company’s network.
Can Microsoft Teams Make External Calls?
The short answer is yes, Microsoft Teams can make external calls. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, external calling is only available for users with a Microsoft 365 Phone System license. This license allows users to make and receive calls to and from external numbers. Additionally, external calling may also require additional hardware, such as a desk phone or headset, depending on your setup.
Managing External Calls on Microsoft Team
If you have a Microsoft 365 Phone System license and the necessary hardware, you can easily make external calls on Microsoft Teams. Simply click on the “Calls” tab and enter the number you wish to call. However, if you want to restrict external calls on Microsoft Teams, there are a few options available.
Block All External Calls
If you want to completely block all external calls on Microsoft Teams, you can do so by adjusting your organization’s calling policies. This can be done through the Microsoft Teams admin center. By selecting “Voice” and then “Calling policies,” you can create a new policy or edit an existing one to block all external calls.
Restrict External Calls to Certain Numbers
If you want to allow external calls, but only to certain numbers, you can create a list of allowed numbers in your calling policy. This can be useful for limiting external calls to only important clients or partners.
Use Call Queues
Another option for managing external calls on Microsoft Teams is to use call queues. This feature allows you to route external calls to a designated group of users, such as a customer service team. This can help streamline external calls and ensure they are handled efficiently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Teams can make external calls, but it may require a Microsoft 365 Phone System license and additional hardware. However, there are also options for managing and restricting external calls on Microsoft Teams, such as blocking all external calls or using call queues. By understanding these options, you can effectively manage external calls on Microsoft Teams for your organization. Have you used Microsoft Teams for external calls? Let us know in the comments.
