South Africa's Guide to Teams Calling

Microsoft Teams Phone System for South African Businesses

Millions of South Africans use Microsoft Teams every day — but setting up voice calling isn't straightforward. We explain every option available to SA businesses and connect you with the right VoIP partner to make it happen.

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Works with: Microsoft Teams Microsoft 365 Azure AD

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320M+
Monthly Microsoft Teams users globally
4+
Calling methods to choose from in SA
R0
Cost to use this guide — completely free
~1 Day
Typical time to get matched with a partner
The Challenge

Why Can't I Just Use Microsoft's Calling Plans?

Microsoft has a rich suite of phone system features globally — but several key options simply aren't available in South Africa yet. Here's the gap, and how to bridge it.

What Microsoft Offers Globally

Available in select countries — not yet South Africa

  • Microsoft Calling Plans — Buy numbers and call bundles directly from Microsoft. Not available in South Africa.
  • Teams Phone Mobile — Use your mobile number natively in Teams. Requires MNO agreements not yet in place in SA.
  • Operator Connect — Use a Microsoft-approved carrier. Limited but growing availability in SA.
  • Teams Phone Licence — The core PBX feature set. Available in SA — your essential starting point.

What's Available in South Africa

Fully supported via ICASA-licensed VoIP partners

  • Direct Routing — Connect SA VoIP/SIP providers to Teams via an SBC. The most popular and flexible option for SA businesses.
  • Local SA phone numbers — Geographic, 087, 0800, and non-geographic numbers from local providers.
  • Competitive calling rates — SA VoIP providers often undercut traditional telco rates on local and international calls.
  • ICASA-compliant PSTN access — All services routed through properly licensed South African carriers.
Your Options

4 Ways to Enable Calling in Microsoft Teams

Not all calling methods are equal — or available — in South Africa. Here's an honest breakdown of each option to help you make the right choice for your business.

✓ Available in SA — Most Popular
Direct Routing

Connect your Teams environment to the SA PSTN via a certified Session Border Controller (SBC) and a local VoIP/SIP provider. The most widely adopted and flexible method for SA businesses of all sizes.

  • Works with any Teams Phone licence
  • Use local SA numbers (011, 021, 087, 0800…)
  • Competitive local call rates from SA VoIP providers
  • Full PBX features: auto-attendants, call queues, voicemail
  • Hosted SBC options — no on-premise hardware needed
Complexity: Low–Medium (with a partner)Find a partner
⚡ Limited Availability in SA
Operator Connect

A Microsoft-managed programme where approved carriers connect directly to Teams via the Microsoft Teams Admin Centre. Simpler than Direct Routing, but requires your carrier to be a Microsoft-approved partner.

  • Simplified setup via Microsoft Admin Centre
  • No SBC management required on your end
  • Growing list of SA-compatible operators
  • Microsoft SLA-backed connectivity and reliability
Complexity: LowCheck availability
✗ Not Available in South Africa
Microsoft Calling Plans

Microsoft's built-in calling service where you buy call minutes and phone numbers directly from Microsoft. South Africa is not on the supported countries list — SA businesses must use alternatives.

  • Not currently available in South Africa
  • Available in US, UK, EU and select other markets
  • Use Direct Routing or Operator Connect instead
  • VoIP partners replicate this seamless experience locally
Unavailable in SASA alternatives
✗ Not Available in South Africa
Teams Phone Mobile

Lets your mobile SIM number become your Teams number — so incoming calls ring in Teams and outbound calls show your mobile number. Requires formal agreements between Microsoft and MNOs not yet in place in SA.

  • Not currently available in South Africa
  • Requires MNO-specific integration not yet in SA
  • Available in US with select carriers (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile)
  • Similar mobile experience available via Direct Routing + Teams app
Unavailable in SASA alternatives
The Solution

How South African VoIP Partners Bridge the Gap

South Africa has a vibrant ecosystem of licensed, ICASA-compliant VoIP and SIP providers who specialise in Microsoft Teams integration. They handle the complexity so your business gets a seamless Teams phone experience.

  • Hosted Session Border Controllers (SBCs)
    Partners manage the SBC infrastructure so you don't need on-premise hardware — a fully managed Direct Routing setup delivered as a service.
  • Local SA Phone Numbers & SIP Trunks
    Get South African geographic numbers (011, 021, 031…), 087, 0800, and 0861 numbers — newly provisioned or ported from your current provider.
  • ICASA-Licensed & Compliant
    All partners operate with the correct ECNS and ECS licences under ICASA, ensuring your business stays fully compliant with SA telecoms regulations.
  • SA-Based Support & Hands-On Onboarding
    Local teams who understand both Microsoft's ecosystem and South Africa's unique network infrastructure — no international call queues.
How It All Connects
Microsoft Teams
Your unified communications hub
Teams Phone Licence
Enables PBX features in Teams (required per user)
Session Border Controller (SBC)
Managed by your VoIP partner via Direct Routing
SA VoIP / SIP Provider
ICASA-licensed, local SIP trunks & numbers
SA Public Phone Network (PSTN)
Make & receive calls to any SA or global number
Getting Started

Get Your Teams Calling Set Up in 3 Steps

From your first enquiry to making your first external call, the process is simpler than you might think — especially with the right partner at your side.

1

Tell Us About Your Business

Complete the short enquiry form. Share how many users you have, your current setup, and what you're trying to achieve with Teams calling.

2

Get Matched with a Vetted Partner

We review your requirements and connect you with a suitable SA-based VoIP or Microsoft partner from the WhichVoIP.co.za network — within one business day.

3

Start Calling in Teams

Your partner handles the technical setup — licences, SBC, numbers, and Teams configuration — while you focus on running your business.

Powered by WhichVoIP

South Africa's Largest VoIP Provider Comparison Platform

TeamsCallingPlan.co.za is powered by WhichVoIP.co.za — South Africa's most trusted platform for comparing and connecting businesses with vetted VoIP providers. With hundreds of verified reviews and a network of pre-vetted telecoms partners, WhichVoIP helps you find exactly the right Microsoft Teams calling solution.

  • Hundreds of verified user reviews from real SA businesses
  • Pre-vetted VoIP providers with proven Teams Direct Routing expertise
  • Independent — no single provider pays for top placement
  • Free to use — we're compensated by partners only when they win your business
  • South African-owned and operated since 2012
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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything South African businesses ask us about Teams calling, licensing, and VoIP partners.

Can I use Microsoft Teams as a phone system in South Africa?
Yes! While Microsoft Calling Plans and Teams Phone Mobile aren't yet available in South Africa, you can use Teams as a full phone system via Direct Routing or Operator Connect. These connect your Teams environment to local South African VoIP providers, giving you local numbers, competitive call rates, and full PBX functionality.
What licence do I need to make calls in Microsoft Teams?
To make and receive external calls in Microsoft Teams, each user needs a Teams Phone licence (formerly called "Phone System"). This is included in Microsoft 365 Business Voice, or can be added to most Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans. Your VoIP partner will advise on the most cost-effective licence bundle for your business size.
What is Direct Routing and how does it work in South Africa?
Direct Routing connects your Microsoft Teams environment to the PSTN using a Session Border Controller (SBC). In South Africa, your VoIP partner typically provides a hosted SBC — meaning no on-premise hardware. The SBC bridges your Teams tenant to the partner's local SIP trunks, giving users local SA phone numbers and the ability to call any landline or mobile.
Are Microsoft Calling Plans available in South Africa?
No — Microsoft Calling Plans are not currently available in South Africa. Microsoft provides Calling Plans in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and many EU markets, but South Africa is not on the list. South African businesses must use Direct Routing or Operator Connect with a local SA VoIP partner.
What is Teams Phone Mobile and why isn't it available in SA?
Teams Phone Mobile allows a user's cellular number to become their Teams number. This feature requires a formal partnership between Microsoft and mobile network operators (MNOs). While available in select markets with carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile (US), no South African MNO has implemented Teams Phone Mobile yet.
Can I keep my existing SA phone numbers when switching to Teams?
Yes! Number porting is fully supported in South Africa. You can port your existing geographic numbers (011, 021, 031, etc.), 087 numbers, and other number types to your new VoIP provider. Your partner will manage the porting process and ensure minimal disruption to incoming calls during the transition.
How much does Teams Direct Routing cost in South Africa?
Costs typically include a Teams Phone licence per user (from Microsoft), a monthly SBC/SIP trunk fee from your VoIP partner, and per-minute calling costs or bundled call packages. The combined total is often cheaper than a traditional PBX and phone line setup. Use WhichVoIP.co.za to compare prices from multiple providers.
Do I need a dedicated internet line for Teams calling?
Not necessarily, but call quality depends on your internet connection. A stable fibre or business broadband line is strongly recommended. For businesses with many simultaneous calls, QoS settings and sufficient bandwidth are important. Your VoIP partner will assess your connectivity as part of the onboarding process.
Ready to Get Started?

Find the Right Teams Calling Partner for Your Business

Stop trying to navigate the complexity alone. Tell us what you need and we'll match you with a vetted South African VoIP partner who specialises in Microsoft Teams — at absolutely no cost to you.

  • 100% free — no obligation whatsoever
  • Matched with SA-based, ICASA-licensed partners
  • Microsoft Teams-certified expertise
  • Response within 1 business day
  • Your details are kept private and secure

Get Matched with a Partner

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A suitable Microsoft Teams VoIP partner from the WhichVoIP network will contact you within 1 business day.