Get to Know TeamMate’s Operator Connect Express
Pemission-Free Microsoft Teams Telephony
For service providers seeking seamless Microsoft Teams telephony, TeamMate’s Operator Connect Express (OCE), launched in January 2025, delivers a powerful, permission-free alternative to Microsoft’s Operator Connect and TeamMate’s own Direct Routing-as-a-Service (DRaaS). Unlike TeamMate DRaaS, which requires global admin permissions from the Microsoft Teams account (tenant), OCE enables resellers to provision Direct Inward Dialing (DID) numbers directly into the Teams Admin Center without any tenant-level permissions. TeamMate’s expertise in unified communications, OCE and DRaaS simplify the process of integration to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) while offering flexibility and speed in every deployment scenario. This guide explores how OCE works compared to Operator Connect as well as to TeamMate’s DRaaS.
A Brief History of Teams Telephony
- 2019: Microsoft introduced Direct Routing, requiring businesses to manage complex Session Border Controllers (SBCs) with technical expertise and PowerShell configuration.
- 2020: TeamMate launches it’s SIP Trunk Connector, a Direct Routing-as-a-Service (DRaaS) offering designed for service providers needing to connect SIP Trunks to Microsoft Teams.
- 2021: Operator Connect simplifies the Direct Routing integration process by enabling certified telecom operators to handle infrastructure, and allowing management via the Teams Admin Center.
- 2025: TeamMate launched OCE as an add-on to DRaaS, combining simplicity with flexibility for resellers and businesses.
Microsoft created Operator Connect to streamline PSTN integration, prioritizing ease of use over advanced features like call forking or legacy system integration.
Operator Connect Certification Requirements
To become a Microsoft Operator Connect provider, operators face stringent requirements:
- Direct Peering: Connect via Microsoft Azure Peering Service for reliable voice quality.
- Certified SBCs: Use Microsoft-approved Session Border Controllers.
- API Integration: Adopt Microsoft’s APIs for provisioning and billing.
- Certified Personnel: At least two staff with Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate and Practical Guidance Assessment for Voice certifications.
- Regulatory Compliance: Hold licenses for phone numbers and PSTN services.
- Verification: Pass Microsoft’s third-party certification process.
The image below shows the Operator Connect page within the Teams Admin Center.
Why Choose Operator Connect Express?
With over 100 certified Operator Connect providers as of January 2025, success in this competitive space calls for innovative solutions like TeamMate’s OCE, which bypasses the hurdles while delivering comparable functionality.
TeamMate’s OCE enables service providers to provision Direct Inward Dialing (DID) numbers directly into a customer’s Teams Admin Center without submitting to Microsoft’s rigorous certification process. This eliminates barriers like Azure peering or API integration, saving time and costs. For example, a small reseller can offer Operator Connect-like functionality to clients in days, not months, without investing in certified infrastructure. While OCE doesn’t include a marketing tile in the Teams Admin Center, TeamMate provides resellers with marketing resources and a user-friendly provisioning portal to attract and retain customers.
Operator Connect Express: Certification-Free Simplicity
OCE is tailored for Teams tenants unwilling or unable to grant global admin permissions. Resellers or authorized customers can provision DIDs directly in the Teams Admin Center via TeamMate’s portal, mimicking Operator Connect’s simplicity without certification. This eliminates the need for tenant-level access, reducing security risks and administrative overhead. For instance, a cautious IT manager can adopt OCE without compromising tenant control, while resellers benefit from a fast, cost-effective way to offer Teams telephony.
Operator Connect vs. TeamMate DRaaS vs. Operator Connect Express
The table below compares key features of Microsoft’s Operator Connect, TeamMate’s DRaaS, and OCE:
| Feature | Operator Connect | TeamMate DRaaS | Operator Connect Express |
| Microsoft Certification | Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| User Provisioning | Teams Admin Center | TeamMate Portal | Teams Admin Center |
| DID Provisioning | Teams Admin Center | TeamMate Portal | TeamMate Portal |
| Permissions Needed | No | Yes | No |
| Marketing Tile | Yes | No | No |
| Setup Time (Days) | ~30 | ~5 | ~3 |
Note: While OCE offers unmatched simplicity, businesses needing advanced features like call forking and complex call transfer may prefer DRaaS or TeamMate’s PBX Connector. Some of the advanced telephony integration capabilities are discussed here.
TeamMate DRaaS: Simplified Direct Routing
TeamMate’s DRaaS automates the complex PowerShell and Graph API requirements of Direct Routing through a service orchestration portal. With a few clicks, resellers can link DIDs to Teams users, leveraging TeamMate’s permissions to manage the connection. DRaaS ensures seamless compatibility with most SBCs and SIP Trunking solutions (internet-based call routing), guaranteeing high-quality service without interoperability issues.
Get Started with TeamMate
Ready to simplify Microsoft Teams telephony? TeamMate’s Operator Connect Express and DRaaS offer flexible, cost-effective solutions for service providers. Contact us today or start your free 30-day OCE trial by completing the form here.
