Microsoft Teams Voice – Phone System Transition FAQ

UW‑Platteville is transitioning its campus phone system from aging, on‑premises telephone infrastructure to Microsoft Teams Voice. Teams Voice is a modern, cloud‑based phone system integrated into the Microsoft Teams application.

No. Microsoft Teams Voice will be the university’s phone system. Faculty and staff will use Microsoft Teams to make and receive phone calls as part of this transition.

Yes. Existing university phone numbers will be migrated (ported) into Microsoft Teams during the transition.

No. External callers do not need Microsoft Teams. Teams Voice functions like a standard business phone system and works with landlines, mobile phones, and other non‑Teams phone systems.

Calls can be made and received using any of the following options:

• Microsoft Teams desktop application
• Microsoft Teams mobile app*
• Physical phone (desk phone)

* About the Teams mobile app:

• The Microsoft Teams mobile app operates independently of your cellular voice plan. All Teams calls use data only.
• When connected to Wi‑Fi, no cellular data is used.
• When not connected to Wi‑Fi, Teams will use cellular data, and standard data usage and rates may apply. The University is not responsible for any charges related to cellular data usage on personal devices.

The university encourages using the Microsoft Teams client on your computer or the Microsoft Teams mobile app as your primary phone whenever possible.

Possibly. While most users will not require a physical desk phone, handsets will continue to be used where appropriate, such as front desks, conference rooms, and other specialized locations. Physical desk phones are available based on role and business need.

No. The decision to have a desk phone is not permanent. Departments may reassess physical phone needs over time as roles and work patterns change.

Microsoft Teams Voice includes:

• Making and receiving calls
• Call transfers and forwarding
• Integrated voicemail
• The ability to work from anywhere with an internet connection

Additional features are available and will be evaluated as needed.

Department‑level meetings will begin in late March to discuss the transition, review needs, and answer questions. The phone system transition will begin in Spring 2026.

There is no cost to departments for the Microsoft Teams client. ITS is currently covering the cost of headsets and handsets. In the future (estimated several years out), departments may see a chargeback for handset replacement as equipment reaches end of life.

Yes. ITS will work directly with departments during scheduled meetings to explain options, review requirements, and support the transition to Microsoft Teams Voice.