Microsoft Teams Phone

Quicklink(s)

Microsoft Teams Phone Service is a cloud-based phone system that allows you to make and receive phone calls using your UCI number directly within the Microsoft Teams application. It integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications, such as Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive, providing a seamless communication experience. MS Teams Phone Service is replacing the Micollab Soft Phone Service.

Phone Calls Using Microsoft Teams

OIT has started to offer a softphone calling feature through Microsoft Teams allowing you to make and receive calls on any device, including desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and desk phones, using your UCI phone number. Teams Phone allows you to take and receive UCI calls no matter where you are working, strategically aligning with the Work Reimagined initiative.

Migrating Current Customers

During Phase 1 and 2, we will be migrating existing Mitel customers over to the MS Teams Phone service. We expect to have basic and advanced users migrated by the end of January 2025. ACD, Fire, Life & Safety, and analog lines will be migrated at a later phase of the project.
Learn more about the Mitel PBX Phone System Retirement Project

New Customers

If you are a new employee and/or do NOT have a UCI phone number, you may request new Teams phone service.

  1. Please submit a Telephone Service Request for New Phone Service
  2. Under Instrument Type, select “MS Teams Phone Service – no phone set
  3. In the Description field, verify the name and UCInetID of the person requesting the service.

Included Services

No additional costs for domestic phone calls or voicemail. It’s all included with the MS Teams Phone service.

  • Unlimited domestic calling
  • Teams voicemail service

Add-ons

  • International calling will be an available option upon request and will be billed on a per-minute basis.
    • If you currently have international calling capability on the Mitel PBX Phone System, you will automatically have international calling capability when you move to the MS Teams Phone Service.
    • If you need international calling capability, and don’t currently have it, please submit a Telephone Service Request.
  • Physical desk phones, when required, will be available during the MS Teams Phone migration project. An approval by your department will be required. One-time and monthly charges will apply.

Cost

ServiceCurrent Rates (FY 24/25)Rate Type
MS Teams Phone Service (without phone set)$10.75/monthRecharge
MS Teams IP Phone$10.75/month (MS Teams Phone Service)
+ $5.41/month (MS Teams IP Phone)
+ one-time labor fee. (See Project Recharge Rates)
Recharge
MS Teams IP Telephone Power Supply
(required for audiocodes C455HD)
$16.94/one-timeRecharge
Call Queues, Call Controllers/Auto Attendants, and Hunt Groups$10.75/month for each additional number + one-time labor set-up fee. (See Project Recharge Rates)Recharge
International Calls (available on request)Billed per minute based on the rates for each country.Recharge
  • Customers migrating existing phone numbers and telephone services to MS Teams phone service, including the installation of a Teams physical phone, will not be charged OIT labor.

  • OIT labor, based on recharge rates, will be charged to install new hardware phones, setup new call queues, call controllers/auto attendants, and hunt groups.

  • If a MS Team physical phone is lost or stolen, OIT will charge the department $297.74.

AT A GLANCE

REQUIREMENTS

COST

See Pricing

ELIGIBILITY

Faculty, Staff

RELATED OR SIMILAR SERVICES

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is included in Microsoft Teams Phone Service?

Basic Teams Phone service includes unlimited domestic calls and Teams voicemail.

Can I keep my UCI phone number?

Yes. UCI phone customers will keep their existing phone number(s). Your phone number will be moved over to Teams Phone during your migration. After your migration, you will be able to make and receive calls using your UCI phone number using Teams Phone.

Can I use the Teams Phone Service for international calls?

Yes. International calling will be an available option and will be billed at a per-minute rate based on the current rates for each country.

  • If you currently have international calling capability on the campus phone system, you will automatically have international calling capability when you move to Teams.
  • If you need international calling capability, and don’t currently have it, Please submit a Telephone Service Request.

How does Teams Phone calling work? Where can I learn how to use Teams Phone?

Voice calls made through Microsoft Teams Phone will route through the campus phone system. Within your Teams app you will see a Calls tab that includes a dial pad, call history, voicemail and customizable features such as speed dial groups, call notifications and more.

To learn how to use Teams Phone, see the following guides.

  1. Microsoft Teams Phone - Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
  2. Get started with Microsoft Teams phones (from Microsoft)
  3. Microsoft Teams Phone Service Customer Documentation

 

What is the cost for installation and cost for MS Teams phone service?

ServiceCurrent Rates (FY 24/25)Rate Type
MS Teams Phone Service (without phone set)$10.75/monthRecharge
MS Teams IP Phone$10.75/month (MS Teams Phone Service)
+ $5.41/month (MS Teams IP Phone)
+ one-time labor fee. (See Project Recharge Rates)
Recharge
MS Teams IP Telephone Power Supply
(required for audiocodes C455HD)
$16.94/one-timeRecharge
Call Queues, Call Controllers/Auto Attendants, and Hunt Groups$10.75/month for each additional number + one-time labor set-up fee. (See Project Recharge Rates)Recharge
International Calls (available on request)Billed per minute based on the rates for each country.Recharge
  • Customers migrating existing phone numbers and telephone services to MS Teams phone service, including the installation of a Teams physical phone, will not be charged OIT labor.

  • OIT labor, based on recharge rates, will be charged to install new hardware phones, setup new call queues, call controllers/auto attendants, and hunt groups.

  • If a MS Team physical phone is lost or stolen, OIT will charge the department $297.74.

How do I request a MS Teams phone extension for a current or new employee?

Current Employees

If you are a current employee with an existing UCI phone number, you will need to fill out the UCI Phone Migration form. OIT will contact you and provide you a migration date. Moving an existing number from the Mitel system to Teams typically spans 2–3 months. This duration includes the time needed for the team to validate details before forwarding the request to AT&T, which then facilitates the number porting to MS Teams. Once submitted, transferring an existing UCI number takes about 30 days.

New Employees

If you are a new employee and/or do NOT have a UCI phone number, you WILL be able to request for MS Teams phone service. Please submit a Telephone Service Request, select "MS Teams Phone Service (no phone set)" for Instrument Type, and enter your name and UCInetID in the Description. Setting up a new Teams Phone service (i.e. for new employees) is generally completed within a week, barring any delays in receiving necessary information from the customer (such as Name, UCInetID, etc.).

What limitations should I be aware of when using Microsoft Teams voicemail in conjunction with Mitel's voicemail system?

If you're a Mitel user receiving a voicemail message from a Microsoft Teams user on your campus extension mailbox, it's important to know that you won't be able to respond directly to the Teams user through the voicemail system. Similarly, you won't be able to forward a voicemail message to a Teams user from the Mitel system. Please ensure to use an alternative method of communication for responding or forwarding messages to Microsoft Teams users. Once everyone is migrated to Teams Phone, this will no longer be an issue.

Can I keep/use my desktop phone set? Do I need to use a computer or mobile phone?

During our initial Teams Phone roll-out, MS Teams desk phones will be available for specific people who require a phone set. Otherwise, you will need to use the Microsoft Teams app on your computer or mobile device. Calls may be made from any device on which the Teams app is installed. When making calls from your mobile device via Teams, recipients will see your campus phone number as the call display.

MS Teams physical desk phones will be available during the migration for existing customers. Check with your supervisor for approval if you require a physical phone, as one-time and monthly charges will be applied to your department.

Can I use my headphones with Teams Phone?

Virtually any headset that is compatible with your computer may work with the softphone, but some headsets work better than others.  Many headsets are available with a broad range of features, quality, and price.  Options include wired and wireless.  We recommend wired headsets with noise-canceling microphones for the best reliability and audio quality.  Many Teams Phone users have experienced poor audio quality when using wireless headsets.  Although many computers have adequate speakers and microphones that can be used instead of a headset, the audio quality is typically best when using a wired headset with a noise-canceling microphone (especially in noisy environments).

OIT does not sell, rent, or support headsets, but a few links are listed below as examples. None of these products are endorsed or promoted by OIT or UCI and are provided only to help give an idea of what compatible products are available.

My Microsoft Teams phone app on my personal device (phone, tablet, laptop/desktop) is not working. How can I get support?

For basic troubleshooting and support in using Teams with your device, please reach out to the OIT Help Desk by calling (949) 824-2222 or emailing oit@uci.edu, and a technician will assist you. If the issue is with the device itself, you will need to contact the device's manufacturer for further troubleshooting.

I already see "Calls" in Microsoft Teams. How does this service differ?

Without Teams Phone Service: You can make calls to other UCI affiliates who are utilizing MS Teams service by using the Calls tab in MS Teams app, but you cannot call any 10-digit phone numbers (xxx-xxx-xxxx) or campus extensions (4xxxx).

With Teams Phone Service: After you have migrated to Teams Phone, you will also be able to make and receive calls to any 10-digit phone numbers and campus extensions. Voicemail and unlimited domestic calls are included.

I used to be able to view location information on my phone bill. Where can I find that information once I convert to Teams phone service?

We are removing MS Teams locations from the billing system, so there will no longer be locations on the phone bills for Teams services. However, you may reference older phone bills for the location of the number before it was moved to Teams.

Can I call 911 with MS Teams phone service?

Teams Phone service supports 911 emergency calling from the Teams app on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web browser. Teams provides the 911 dispatcher with the location of the 911 caller, but the location is approximate and may be inaccurate.

For best results, do not use Teams app to call 911. Instead, call 911 directly by using your mobile phone.

I heard UCI is moving to a new phone system, what are my options?

  • Move to Teams Phone 
    • It’s an easy and seamless process that keeps your existing phone number. You can fill out this form to get on the schedule.  
  • Relinquish your campus phone number
    • Don’t ever use a campus phone? That’s fine too! We’ll retire your number
    • Fill out this form and select, please disconnect my UCI phone number.

What if I never had a UCI phone number and don’t need one?

If you never had a UCI Phone number, it is still important to fill out the form. On Question 6 of the form, select the "I do not have a UCI phone number and I should be removed from all future communications".

Do I need approval from my supervisor to request a physical phone?

Check with your supervisor for approval if you require an MS Teams physical phone, as one-time and monthly charges will be billed to your department.  

How do I know if my UCI phone number has been moved to MS Teams Phone?

If you have a dial pad when clicking on the MS Teams "Calls" icon, you have already been moved to MS Teams phone.

Teams Phone Dialpad

I requested a physical phone, when will I receive it?    

If you requested a new MS Teams physical phone, you will receive an email confirming your move date and OIT will install the phone before your UCI phone number moves to MS Teams Phone Service.  The phone will not be activated until your move date.   

What should I do with my old phone?

After you have been moved to MS Teams Phone, you should send your old phone to e-waste.

What happens if I change my mind after I submit my request and I need to cancel my request?

If your move date has been confirmed, we cannot cancel the request.  If changes are made to your request, it will delay all other requests.

What should I do if I need to change my request?

Please contact us.  If your move date has not been confirmed, we can make changes.  Please do not submit another request with conflicting information, we will not be able to process the request until we confirm which request is correct.

 

What if I don’t know what my UCI telephone number is?  If you don’t know your phone number, here are a couple of suggestions:

  • You may not have a phone number.
  • Please check with your supervisor to see if they ordered a UCI phone number when you were hired. 

Who can be moved to MS Teams phone using the request form?

Employees who have an existing campus phone number.  If you do not have an existing UCI phone number, and you need one, please submit a new telephone service request for MS Teams phone service. 

Can I have multiple phone numbers?

No.  One employee is assigned one MS Teams Phone number to one UCInetID.  Please do not fill out the survey form to assign multiple phone numbers to one employee.  Shared phones will be moved in a separate phase of the project.  We are only moving individual phone numbers at this time.

 

What should I do if I need to make changes after my UCI phone number is moved to MS Teams Phone Service?  

 Please submit a telephone service request.

Can I hide my number so that the person I am calling doesn’t see it? I do not want people calling me back on my UCI phone number.

  • You may block your caller ID for calls you make to numbers outside of Teams Phone, such as mobile phones or landlines.  This will hide your number from the called party.
  • When you call other Teams users, they will see that you are calling, and you cannot prevent them from finding your number in the Teams directory.  If you need to block your number or identity from other Teams users, you may contact our Help Desk (oit@uci.edu), and we may be able to offer you a solution depending upon your specific requirements.

What are the solutions available for reception phones/multiple people needing access to a single line with MS Teams phones?

This issue breaks down into two scenarios:

  1. One Extension, Multiple Teams Phones: OIT can set up one extension to be accessible from several Teams phones.
  2. One Phone, Multiple Users ("Shared Phone"): Microsoft provides a shared license option suitable for common areas used by many people. Currently, the project team is collaborating with UCI security and Microsoft to establish the procedure and process for this solution before making an official announcement.

How long does it take to get MS Teams phone numbers?

This situation involves two main processes: migration and the establishment of new service.

  1. Migration from existing phone service to Teams: Moving an existing number from the Mitel system to Teams typically spans 2–3 months. This duration includes the time needed for the team to validate details before forwarding the request to AT&T, which then facilitates the number porting to MS Teams. Once submitted, transferring an existing UCI number takes about 30 days.
  2. Establishment of new phone service: Setting up a new Teams Phone service (i.e. for new employees) is generally completed within a week, barring any delays in receiving necessary information from the customer (such as Name, UCInetID, etc.). Keep in mind, this setup will take longer if a physical Teams phone is requested.

What should units do when people transfer to a new department? We want to avoid the previous unit continuing to be charged for their phone line.

This scenario highlights the joint responsibility tied to using a recharge service. It is essential for customers to communicate any service modifications, such as relocations, additions, or changes. We advise units to assess the services utilized by an employee who is transitioning out and report these findings to OIT billing. Without this notification, billing to the associated KFS budget account will persist. This policy is detailed within the "Frequently Asked Questions" section on our telephone service webpage.

Can the Teams Phone number stay with role rather than the individual?

Teams Phone links a phone number with a user's credentials rather than a specific device. For a phone to be shared, it requires a distinct set of credentials to be assigned to it.

Page updated on:
September 19, 2024