Microsoft Teams Phone in London: The Future of Business Telephony for SMBS

The way businesses in London communicate has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. With the rise of remote work, flexible working hours, and increasing client expectations, traditional phone systems have become quickly outdated. Landlines and legacy PBX setups no longer meet the needs of fast-paced, digital-first workplaces, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBS) in London that must remain agile, connected, and cost-efficient.

Modern telephony solutions are now essential for supporting collaboration across multiple locations, enabling mobile access, and integrating with existing digital tools. London SMBS requires communication platforms that are not only reliable but also scalable, secure, and easy to manage.

This is where the Microsoft Teams Phone in London proves invaluable. Built on Microsoft’s reliable cloud technology, Teams Phone lets companies handle inbound and outbound calls seamlessly within Microsoft Teams. It unifies voice, video, messaging, and conferencing into a single platform, streamlining communications and reducing the need for multiple tools or expensive telecom systems.

Key Highlights:

• Enables cloud-based calling using existing Microsoft 365 infrastructure.
• Ideal for hybrid and remote work environments.
• Reduces the reliance on legacy telephony hardware.
• Offers built-in features such as voicemail, call transfer, and auto attendants.
• Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams for a unified communication experience.

As UK businesses continue to embrace flexible and digital working models, adopting a solution like Microsoft Teams Phone in London becomes a strategic move, not just a technical one. It supports future growth while simplifying IT management and enhancing user experience.

How Microsoft Teams Phone Works and Why It Matters for Businesses

Microsoft Teams Phone in London is a cloud-based telephony solution that allows businesses to make, receive, and manage phone calls directly within Microsoft Teams. It eliminates the need for traditional telephone infrastructure by delivering voice services over the internet. This shift to cloud telephony offers increased flexibility, scalability, and integration for UK businesses of all sizes, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

Overview of Cloud-Based Telephony:

Cloud telephony, also known as Voice over IP (VoIP), replaces conventional landlines with internet-based calling. Due to its cost-efficiency and adaptability, it is rapidly becoming London’s standard for business communication. Key benefits include:

• No need for on-site phone lines or PBX systems.
• Suitable for remote, hybrid, or office-based teams.
• Reduced hardware and maintenance costs.
• Improved reliability with cloud-based failover and redundancy.

How It Replaces Traditional PBX Systems:

Many UK businesses still rely on outdated PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems, which are expensive to maintain and offer limited flexibility. Microsoft Teams Phone in London replaces these systems by:

• Enabling direct calling through the Teams interface.
• Providing essential features like call transfer, voicemail, and call queues.
• Supporting mobile and desktop use without additional hardware.
• Offering enterprise-grade reliability and security.

Teams Integration and Microsoft 365 Ecosystem Benefits:

One of the most significant advantages of Microsoft Teams Phone in London is its native integration with the Microsoft 365 platform. This means:

• Seamless use of calendars, contacts, and meetings in one place.
• Unified communication across chat, video, and voice calls.
• Easy user and license management through the Microsoft 365 admin portal.
• Improved productivity with integrated tools such as Outlook and SharePoint.

Microsoft Teams Phone in London offers a future-ready solution that simplifies communications, supports modern workstyles, and reduces the complexity of managing telephony infrastructure.

Teams Phone with Calling Plan: A Simpler Approach

One of the most accessible ways to implement Microsoft Teams Phone in London is to use Microsoft’s Calling Plan. This is a wise choice for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), offering smooth and hassle-free integration with Microsoft 365.

What are a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan in London?

A Microsoft Teams Calling Plan is a cloud-based telephony service provided by Microsoft. This feature enables direct calling to landlines and mobile phones within the Teams interface, eliminating the need for legacy phone setups or third-party providers.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based number provisioning and centralised management.
• Direct dial-in and dial-out from Microsoft Teams.
• Voicemail, call history, and call forwarding features are included.
• Integrated with Microsoft 365 for simplified administration.

Coverage, Number Assignment, and International Options

Microsoft Teams Phone with Calling Plan supports widespread domestic coverage within London and select international destinations. With this plan, businesses can:

• Assign UK geographic or non-geographic numbers to users.
• Port existing phone numbers or request new ones.
• Choose from domestic-only or international-inclusive plans.
• Manage user licences and call settings via the Microsoft 365 admin portal.

This setup is beneficial for growing teams with remote or hybrid work arrangements.

Pros and Cons for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses

Pros	Cons
Easy to deploy – minimal technical knowledge required	It may be more expensive for businesses with high call volumes (Over 3000 Minutes a month for each user)
Fully managed by Microsoft – no need for a separate telecom provider	Limited flexibility for complex or multi-site configurations, along with automatic call recording.
Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365	Tied to Microsoft’s call plan pricing and service availability
User numbers can be adjusted swiftly, supporting both growth and downsizing.	Less suitable for businesses requiring custom call routing or SIP trunking

The Microsoft Teams Calling Plan in London offers a balanced mix of simplicity, integration, and functionality. For London SMBS seeking a hassle-free way to modernise their phone systems, this plan delivers an efficient and reliable solution that grows with their business.

Teams Phone Direct Routing in London: Advanced Flexibility

Direct Routing provides a powerful alternative to Microsoft’s Calling Plan for businesses that require more control over their telephony infrastructure. With Direct Routing, Microsoft Teams Phone in London becomes a flexible and highly customisable communication solution that connects Microsoft Teams to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) through a third-party telecom provider.

What Is Direct Routing and How It Works

Direct Routing allows organisations to use their own Session Border Controller (SBC) and telecom provider to route calls into and out of Microsoft Teams. This approach gives businesses greater control over phone services, allowing them to retain existing contracts or negotiate better rates with local carriers.

Key aspects of how Direct Routing works:

• Calls are routed through an SBC, a secure gateway that connects Microsoft Teams to the external phone network.
• Businesses can connect to any supported telecom provider instead of relying on Microsoft’s built-in Calling Plan.
• The system supports advanced configurations and integration with on-premises or hybrid telephony environments.

Use Cases for Custom Carrier Integration

Direct Routing is particularly beneficial for businesses with specific operational or regulatory requirements. It provides:

• The ability to maintain existing carrier relationships and negotiated tariffs.
• More options for geographic number availability and international dialling.
• Advanced call routing, failover, and monitoring features.
• Integration with on-premises PBX or legacy systems during a phased migration.

This flexibility ensures that Microsoft Teams Phone in London can adapt to unique needs without compromising performance or reliability.

When London SMBS Should Choose Direct Routing

While Microsoft’s Calling Plan is ideal for smaller teams with standard requirements, Direct Routing becomes the preferred choice in several scenarios:

• Cost control: Businesses with high outbound call volumes may find better value with custom carrier plans.
• Geographic flexibility: Companies operating across multiple countries or regions can benefit from local number options and broader service coverage.
• Advanced needs: Organisations that need complex call routing, SIP trunking, or integration with contact centres.
• Existing investments: Businesses with legacy phone systems looking to adopt Microsoft Teams Phone in London without a complete overhaul.

By choosing Direct Routing, London SMBS can build a tailored telephony solution that meets their current demands and future growth plans while still enjoying the full collaboration benefits of Microsoft Teams.

Audio Conferencing in Microsoft 365: Enhancing Collaboration

Effective communication is vital for today’s flexible working environments. As businesses in London increasingly adopt hybrid and remote models, the need for reliable, inclusive meeting solutions has never been greater. With audio conferencing as part of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams Phone in London enables users to join meetings from virtually anywhere, even without an internet connection.

PSTN Dial-In Capabilities for Teams Meetings

By leveraging the PSTN, Teams allows users to participate in meetings simply by dialling in from any standard phone. This is especially useful for participants who:

• Do not have access to the Microsoft Teams app or a stable internet connection.
• Are travelling or working in locations with limited connectivity.
• Prefer to join by phone due to convenience or accessibility needs.

Dial-in details are automatically included in Teams meeting invites, offering a seamless way to join discussions using a local or international access number.

Benefits for Hybrid and Remote Teams

For London SMBS operating across multiple locations or with distributed workforces, audio conferencing offers several key advantages:

• Ensures inclusivity for all participants, regardless of technology or location.
• Enhances flexibility by allowing staff to join meetings using any phone.
• Maintains professional communication standards without requiring additional tools.
• Supports continuity during network outages or device failures.

By enabling voice access alongside video and chat, Microsoft Teams Phone in London supports a fully integrated collaboration experience that caters to every type of worker.

Licensing and Feature Availability of Teams Phone in London

Audio conferencing is an add-on feature available with most Microsoft 365 and Office 365 subscriptions. Key points to note include:

• Available through Microsoft 365 E5 by default, or as an add-on for E1 and E3 licences.
• Includes dial-in numbers for London and a wide range of international regions.
• Supports dial-out options to add external participants during a live meeting.
• Can be centrally managed via the Teams admin centre.

When combined with audio conferencing capabilities, Microsoft Teams Phone in London enables businesses to stay connected, regardless of the circumstances. It brings everyone to the table, whether online or on the phone.

Microsoft Teams Rooms: Meeting-Ready Spaces

As businesses adopt more flexible working models, well-equipped meeting spaces are essential for productive hybrid collaboration. Microsoft Teams Rooms are purpose-built solutions to transform any space, whether a compact huddle room or a large boardroom, into a fully functional, Microsoft Teams-enabled meeting environment.

What Are Teams Rooms and Who Should Use Them?

Microsoft Teams Rooms are dedicated hardware and software setups that provide a consistent, high-quality Microsoft Teams meeting experience across physical office locations. These solutions are ideal for:

• SMBS in London seeking to enhance in-office collaboration.
• Hybrid teams require seamless communication between remote and on-site staff.
• Customer-facing businesses that host frequent video meetings with clients or partners.

Combined with Microsoft Teams Phone in London, these rooms offer a fully unified communication and conferencing solution.

Hardware and Configuration Requirements

Setting up a Microsoft Teams Room involves a combination of certified devices and software. A typical setup includes:

• A Teams-certified compute unit (such as a Windows-based mini-PC or Android device).
• Conference cameras with wide-angle video capture.
• High-fidelity microphones and speakers for clear audio.
• Touchscreen control panels for joining and managing meetings.
• Optional accessories such as digital whiteboards or occupancy sensors

All components are centrally managed via the Microsoft Teams admin centre, ensuring IT teams can easily maintain and update equipment.

Example Setups for Boardrooms and Huddle Spaces

Boardroom Configuration:

• Dual-screen displays for video and content sharing.
• PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera for dynamic participant framing.
• Table microphones for extended voice coverage.
• Integrated scheduling panel outside the room.

Huddle Space Configuration:

• Single display for video and screen sharing.
• All-in-one soundbar with built-in camera and microphone.
• Compact console for meeting controls.
• Wall-mounted scheduling screen or tablet.

When paired with Microsoft Teams Phone in London, Teams Rooms offer a professional and consistent communication environment that helps maintain meeting standards across all office locations.

Whether hosting internal catch-ups or client presentations, Microsoft Teams Rooms ensures every meeting is productive, inclusive, and technically reliable.

Key Teams Phone Features in London Businesses

The Microsoft Teams Phone in London offers a comprehensive suite of telephony features designed to meet the daily communication needs of modern businesses. Whether you are managing client calls, supporting hybrid working, or coordinating with remote teams, these features enhance call handling, accessibility, and user convenience.

Auto Attendants and Call Queues

Microsoft Teams Phone includes intelligent call routing tools that help manage incoming calls professionally and efficiently:

• Auto attendants enable automated greetings and menu options, ensuring callers are efficiently routed to the correct team or staff member.
• Call queues ensure incoming calls are handled in the order they arrive, with custom hold music or announcements.
• Both features support business hours, holiday settings, and routing rules to maintain a consistent caller experience.

These tools are particularly beneficial for customer service lines and multi-department businesses aiming to improve responsiveness.

Voicemail to Email and Transcription

To support accessibility and timely responses, Microsoft Teams Phone in London offers robust voicemail features:

• Voice messages are automatically recorded and sent to the user’s email.
• Voicemails include speech-to-text transcription, making it easier to review messages.
• Users can access voicemail from the Teams app on desktop, mobile, or web, ensuring they stay informed wherever they are.

This integrated approach enables staff to manage communication more efficiently, particularly in busy or mobile work environments.

Device Compatibility: Desk Phones, Mobiles, Headsets

Microsoft Teams Phone in London is designed to be hardware-flexible, supporting a wide range of devices to suit every working style:

• Certified desk phones offer a traditional handset experience with Teams integration.
• Mobile devices can make and receive business calls through the Teams mobile app, supporting remote and on-the-go employees.
• Professional headsets ensure clear audio for virtual meetings and calls, especially in open office settings.

This level of compatibility allows staff to work seamlessly across locations without compromising call quality or user experience.

Together, these features make Microsoft Teams Phone in London a comprehensive telephony solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking to improve internal and external communications without the complexity of legacy systems.

Teams Phone Setup in London: What You Need to Know

Setting up Microsoft Teams Phone in London is straightforward when planned correctly. Whether you are deploying it for a small team or across an entire organisation, understanding the setup requirements ensures a smooth transition from legacy telephony systems.

Licensing, Prerequisites, and Admin Setup

Before activating Teams Phone, your business must meet certain licensing and technical prerequisites:

• A Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription is required, typically with E1, E3 (plus add-on), or E5 licences that include or support Teams Phone features.
• You must have access to the Microsoft Teams admin centre, where all telephony settings are managed.
• A Microsoft Calling Plan, Direct Routing setup, or Operator Connect must be selected to enable outbound and inbound PSTN calling.
• Assigning a dedicated administrator or partner with an MSP to handle the initial configuration is advisable.

Proper planning at this stage ensures that Teams Phone in London works effectively for users and support teams.

Assigning Numbers and Configuring Policies

Once licences are in place, the next step is to provision numbers and apply usage policies:

• Assign new phone numbers via the Microsoft Teams admin centre or port existing numbers from your provider.
• Set up voice routing policies, dial plans, and emergency calling rules based on your business needs.
• Configure call queues, auto attendants, and user permissions according to internal workflows.
• Apply compliance recording or access control policies where necessary for regulatory or operational purposes.

These settings ensure calls are routed correctly and your business maintains a professional and consistent caller experience.

UK-Specific Compliance and Number Porting

Businesses using Microsoft Teams Phone in London must also consider local telecom regulations and procedures:

• UK number porting follows a structured process involving your current provider, Microsoft, or your chosen operator.
• Compliance with emergency services access, number labelling, and data handling laws is essential.
• Ensure that geographic numbers and non-geographic options (03 or 08) meet operational and branding requirements.

Working with an experienced MSP or telecom partner familiar with UK standards can help ensure all compliance obligations are met without disruption.

By following a structured setup process, London small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can quickly take advantage of the full benefits of Microsoft Teams Phone, reducing operational complexity while enhancing communication across the company.

The Pricing of Microsoft Teams Phone in London

Evaluating the pricing of Microsoft Teams Phone in London is vital when considering its implementation. While the service offers long-term value and operational efficiency, pricing can vary depending on your business’s size, chosen features, and preferred telephony setup.

Cost of Calling Plans and Direct Routing

The Microsoft Teams Phone in London connects to the PSTN through a Microsoft Calling Plan or a Direct Routing setup with different pricing structures.

Microsoft Calling Plan:

• Available as an add-on for Microsoft 365 E1 or E3 users or included with E5.
• UK domestic plans start from £4.50 to £12 per user, per month (depending on minutes and region).
• International calling packages are available at an additional cost.

Direct Routing:

• Allows you to use your telecom provider via a Session Border Controller (SBC).
• Costs depend on your provider’s rates, SIP trunk charges, and the complexity of the configuration.
• Typically incurs one-time setup costs and lower ongoing call rates for high-volume usage.

Direct Routing offers more flexibility and potential savings for businesses with complex or multi-site telephony needs, whereas the Calling Plan provides simplicity and ease of deployment.

Add-ons: Audio Conferencing, Teams Rooms, Devices

Businesses may also require additional services and hardware to benefit fully from Microsoft Teams Phone in London. These extras support hybrid working and meeting room integration.

Audio Conferencing:

• Available as part of Microsoft 365 E5 or as an add-on for other licences.
• The cost is around £3.00 per user per month.
• Enables dial-in numbers and dial-out functionality during Teams meetings.

Microsoft Teams Rooms:

• Requires hardware bundles (camera, speakers, control panel), starting at approximately £1,500.
• Licences for Teams Rooms Standard or Pro are billed monthly (starting from £10.30 per room).

Certified Devices:

• Desk phones, headsets, and speakerphones range from £100 to £500+.
• Ensures high-quality audio and Teams integration for all user types.

These enhancements help deliver a consistent and professional communication experience across all work environments.

ROI Comparison with Legacy Phone Systems

Switching to Microsoft Teams Phone in London can deliver a strong return on investment, especially for small and medium-sized businesses seeking to modernise their operations.

Compared to traditional systems, Teams Phone offers:

• Lower infrastructure and maintenance costs.
• Unified billing for calls, conferencing, and collaboration tools.
• Greater flexibility and scalability as your business grows.
• Reduced dependency on on-premises equipment and physical offices.

Over time, the cost savings and productivity improvements often outweigh the initial investment, particularly when factoring in reduced downtime, simplified management, and improved user experience.

Why London SMBS Choose Microsoft Teams Phone

Small and medium-sized businesses in London are facing growing pressure to improve responsiveness, reduce costs, and support flexible working arrangements. Microsoft Teams Phone in London has become a preferred telephony solution for many organisations, offering tangible benefits that traditional systems can no longer match.

Real-Life Advantages for Local Businesses

London-based SMBS operate in a fast-paced environment where agility and reliability are key to success. Microsoft Teams Phone delivers several practical advantages:

• Simplified communication: Voice, video, and messaging are combined in one platform.
• Cost-effective calling: Reduces the need for expensive phone lines or maintenance-heavy systems.
• Consistent user experience: Employees can work from anywhere using the same interface, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Professional call handling: Features such as auto attendants and call queues ensure a high standard of service.
• Scalable solutions: Easily add users, numbers, and features as your business grows.

These benefits make the solution particularly attractive to businesses navigating the challenges of hybrid working and digital transformation.

Productivity, Mobility, and Operational Efficiency

Modern businesses rely on seamless collaboration and mobile access. Microsoft Teams Phone in London enhances performance by:

• Supporting remote and mobile workers without sacrificing communication quality.
• Enabling faster response times through voicemail-to-email and integrated notifications.
• Reducing manual processes such as number routing and device provisioning.
• Providing real-time insights into call activity and performance through admin dashboards.

The result is a more efficient, connected workforce with fewer barriers to getting work done.

Sample Case: Small Business Switching to Teams Phone in London

A London-based marketing consultancy with 20 staff recently transitioned from a legacy phone system to Microsoft Teams Phone. Their previous setup lacked flexibility, required separate billing for telecom services, and offered no integration with digital tools.

After switching to Teams Phone in London, the business achieved:

• A 30% reduction in monthly communication costs.
• Improved client handling through call queues and voicemail transcription.
• Greater mobility, allowing staff to answer calls from home or while travelling.
• Simpler onboarding for new employees with quick number assignment and centralised management.

This transition freed the business to pursue growth, no longer hindered by outdated technology.

For many London SMBS, Microsoft Teams Phone in London is a technical upgrade and a strategic decision supporting resilience, scalability, and improved service delivery.

How IT Support Services in London Help You Succeed

Implementing Microsoft Teams Phone in London involves more than technology—it requires careful planning, proper configuration, and ongoing support. A reliable IT support or managed service provider (MSP) ensures your telephony setup is secure, efficient, and tailored to your business needs.

The Role of MSPS in Planning and Deploying Teams Phone in London

A trusted MSP provides the expertise and technical resources to deliver a seamless rollout. Their responsibilities often include:

• Assessing business requirements to recommend the most suitable Teams Phone deployment model (Calling Plan, Direct Routing, or Operator Connect).
• Managing licensing and integration with existing Microsoft 365 services.
• Handling initial configuration, including number assignment, call routing policies, and user permissions.
• Ensuring compliance with UK regulations regarding number porting and access to emergency services.

By working with an experienced provider, London SMBS can avoid common setup issues and benefit from a faster, more efficient implementation.

Ongoing Support, Training, and Security Management

Beyond the initial deployment, IT support services are crucial in maintaining optimal performance and ensuring your system adapts to your business’s evolving needs.

Key areas of ongoing support include:

• User training and onboarding to help staff fully utilise Teams Phone features.
• 24/7 monitoring and troubleshooting to ensure high availability and call quality.
• Security and compliance checks, including regular updates, access control, and audit logging, are implemented.
• Scalability planning helps you add users, devices, or new office locations as needed.

Your business can avoid disruptions and maintain a consistent communication experience with proactive management.

Why Choose Server Consultancy for Microsoft Teams Telephony in London

Server Consultancy specialises in supporting small and medium-sized businesses throughout London with tailored Microsoft solutions. When it comes to Microsoft Teams Phone in London, we offer:

• End-to-end project management, from assessment and planning to deployment and training.
• Certified Microsoft expert with a focus on local UK compliance and standards.
• Scalable IT support options tailored to suit varying business sizes and financial requirements.
• A proven record of helping London SMBS transition from legacy systems to modern, cloud-based telephony.

By partnering with a dedicated MSP like Server Consultancy, you can ensure your Teams Phone implementation is successful, scalable, and secure for the long term.

Conclusion

Adopting Microsoft Teams Phone in London offers businesses a future-ready telephony solution that supports how people work today—flexibly, collaboratively, and from any location. For small and medium-sized enterprises across London, transitioning from legacy systems to cloud-based communication is not just about keeping up with technology, but also about gaining a competitive edge in service delivery, efficiency, and cost control.

Summary of Benefits and Key Decision Points

Microsoft Teams Phone in London provides:

• Simplified communication by consolidating calls, meetings, and messaging in one platform.
• Scalable deployment options, from straightforward Calling Plans to advanced Direct Routing setups.
• Enhanced collaboration with integrated tools like Microsoft 365, Teams Rooms, and audio conferencing.
• Improved mobility with support for desk phones, mobiles, and headsets.
• Lower operational costs and streamlined management through centralised administration.

When considering your next steps, key decisions include:

• Which calling option—Calling Plan or Direct Routing—best suits your needs?
• Whether additional features, such as Teams Rooms or conferencing, are required.
• How an IT support provider can assist with planning, deployment, and ongoing management.

By evaluating these points, businesses can make a confident, strategic shift to Microsoft Teams Phone in London.

Call to Action

If your business is ready to modernise its communication systems, Server Consultancy is here to help. As a trusted IT partner for London SMBS, we offer:

• Expert guidance on selecting the proper Microsoft Teams Phone setup.
• End-to-end deployment support tailored to your organisation.
• Ongoing management, user training, and UK-based technical assistance.

Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how Microsoft Teams Phone in London can enhance your business communications.