Operator Connect vs Direct Routing: which should you offer?
Both connect Microsoft Teams to the phone network, and a single tenant can run either. The real question for ITSPs and PBX vendors is who controls the carrier, the integration and the margin.
Operator Connect vs Direct Routing
| Operator Connect | Direct Routing with Spanvox | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Pick a Microsoft-certified operator in the Teams Admin Center; they run the SBC | Connect any carrier through a certified SBC that we run and provision for you |
| Who controls the carrier | The certified operator | You, any carrier (BYOC) |
| Carrier & country choice | Operators in the program | Anywhere you have a trunk |
| PBX & analog integration | No | Yes, bridge your existing PBX |
| Setup effort | Low, number assignment in the admin center | We handle the SBC, certificates and routing |
| Cost & margin | Operator-set | Keep your carrier rates and your margin |
| Best for | Orgs happy to use a listed operator | ITSPs & PBX vendors who own PSTN or need PBX integration |
If you own the carrier, Direct Routing wins
Operator Connect is genuinely simple when your carrier is already in the program and you just want numbers assigned in the admin center. But ITSPs and PBX vendors who own their PSTN, numbers and a switch get more from Direct Routing: keep your carrier and your margin, bridge your existing PBX, and reach regions Operator Connect does not.
The catch is operating the SBCs. Spanvox removes it by running certified, multi-tenant SBCs and the Teams provisioning for you, so you get Direct Routing’s control without the build.
Explore Teams Direct Routing- Keep your carrier, numbers and margin
- Bridge any PBX, analog and contact center
- Reach any country you have a trunk in
- Run it as a service, no SBC or PowerShell
- Mix with Operator Connect per user if you like
Operator Connect vs Direct Routing
What is the difference between Operator Connect and Direct Routing?
Operator Connect is a Microsoft program where you choose a certified operator who runs the SBC, with setup in the Teams Admin Center. Direct Routing connects Teams to any carrier through a certified SBC you, or a provider like Spanvox, run, giving full carrier choice, BYOC and PBX integration.
Which is better for an ITSP or carrier?
For providers who own their PSTN, numbers and a switch, Direct Routing usually wins: you keep your carrier and your margin, integrate your existing PBX and reach any country. Operator Connect suits organizations happy to use a carrier already listed in the program.
Can I use Operator Connect and Direct Routing together?
Yes. A single Teams tenant can mix connectivity types per user, so you can run Operator Connect for some sites and Direct Routing where you need a specific carrier, PBX integration or region.
Does Spanvox offer Operator Connect?
Spanvox delivers Microsoft Teams Direct Routing as a managed service. If your carrier is also an Operator Connect operator, you can run Operator Connect alongside Spanvox Direct Routing in the same tenant.
Is Direct Routing harder to set up than Operator Connect?
Done yourself, yes: certified SBCs, certificates and PowerShell voice routing. Delivered as a service by Spanvox, that work is handled for you, so onboarding is fast while you keep Direct Routing’s flexibility.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on your carrier rates, but Direct Routing lets you keep your existing trunks and margins rather than an operator’s pricing, which is why providers with their own PSTN tend to prefer it.