Microsoft Teams Direct Routing in UAE — PSTN Calling for Teams Users

Thousands of UAE businesses use Microsoft Teams for internal chat, video meetings and file sharing — but many have not yet connected Teams to their phone system for external PSTN calls. Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is the solution: it connects Teams to a UAE-licensed SIP trunk so your staff can make and receive normal phone calls directly from Teams. NetOn Technologies configures and supports Teams Direct Routing for UAE businesses.

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What is Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?

Direct Routing is a Microsoft feature that connects Teams to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via a Session Border Controller (SBC) and a SIP trunk — bypassing Microsoft's own Calling Plans. This is particularly valuable in UAE because:

• Microsoft's native Calling Plans are not available in UAE (UAE is not on Microsoft's Calling Plan coverage list)
• Direct Routing allows UAE businesses to use their existing Etisalat or du numbers in Teams
• UAE SIP trunk rates are significantly cheaper than Microsoft's international calling rates
• You maintain your existing UAE phone numbers — no number change required

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How Teams Direct Routing Works in UAE

1. SBC (Session Border Controller): A certified SBC — hardware or virtual — acts as the bridge between Teams and your SIP trunk. NetOn Technologies deploys certified SBCs from AudioCodes or uses Wildix/Sangoma as the SBC layer.
2. UAE SIP Trunk: Your Etisalat (e&) or du SIP trunk connects to the SBC. Your existing UAE phone numbers are routed through this trunk.
3. Teams Phone Licenses: Each user who needs to make/receive PSTN calls via Teams needs a Microsoft Teams Phone license (formerly Phone System add-on).
4. Voice Routing Policy: NetOn Technologies configures Teams voice routing policies so outbound calls use the correct trunk and inbound calls are routed to the right Teams user or call queue.

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Teams Direct Routing with Wildix

Wildix UC&C integrates with Microsoft Teams as a certified Direct Routing provider. This gives you the best of both worlds:

• Keep Teams for internal chat, video meetings and file collaboration
• Use Wildix for robust PSTN telephony, contact centre features, call recording and IVR
• Calls made from Teams ring through Wildix's SIP trunk to UAE PSTN
• Wildix adds features Teams Phone lacks: proper call centre queues, supervisor monitoring, call recording with AI transcription via x-bees

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teams Direct Routing UAE

Is Microsoft Teams Direct Routing available in UAE?

Yes. Teams Direct Routing is available in UAE. Microsoft's native Calling Plans are not available in UAE, but Direct Routing — which uses your own UAE SIP trunk — works fully. NetOn Technologies has set up Direct Routing for multiple UAE businesses.

What licenses do I need for Teams Direct Routing in UAE?

Each user needing PSTN calling via Teams requires a Microsoft Teams Phone license (included in Microsoft 365 Business Voice / E5, or as a separate add-on with E3/Business Premium). You also need a UAE SIP trunk and a certified Session Border Controller. NetOn Technologies handles procurement and configuration.

How long does it take to set up Teams Direct Routing in Dubai?

A standard Teams Direct Routing setup for a UAE business of 10–50 users typically takes 3–7 business days from project kick-off to go-live. This includes SBC deployment, SIP trunk configuration, Teams voice routing policy setup and testing.

Can I keep my existing Dubai phone numbers when moving to Teams?

Yes. Your existing UAE numbers (Etisalat or du DDIs) stay with your current SIP trunk and are connected to Teams via Direct Routing. No number changes and no disruption to incoming calls.