Introducing Teams Voice
Humber Polytechnic is pleased to offer Teams Voice, an integrated way of communicating and collaborating with internal and external colleagues. Teams Voice is a cloud-based phone system that seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, the platform you already use for chat, video meetings, and file sharing.
With Teams Voice, you can make and receive calls from any device, anywhere, using your Humber phone number. You can also access voicemail, call history, contacts, and other features within the Teams app. Teams Voice has replaced the existing desk phones and voicemail system, providing a more flexible and convenient solution for your communication needs.
What is Teams Voice?
Teams Voice is a powerful extension of Microsoft Teams, the app that enables you to chat, meet, and collaborate with your colleagues. With Teams Voice, you can also make and receive phone calls from any location, at any time, across devices. This upgrade enhances your communication experience, making it more efficient and adaptable.
Why use Teams Voice?
- Flexibility everywhere: Whether you’re at your desk, working remotely, or on the move, Teams Voice supports you. You can seamlessly transition between your headset, mobile device, and other endpoints.
- Easy transfers and productivity boost: You can transfer calls effortlessly to internal contacts, external numbers, or even your voicemail. You can also dial your contacts with a single click—no need to remember phone numbers anymore.
How to get started with Teams Voice?
If you’re not already using Teams for instant messaging and meetings, now is the perfect opportunity to explore its full potential.
- Learn Teams basics: Familiarize yourself with Teams if you haven’t already. Explore its features, including chat, channels, and meetings. Visit our Teams Voice welcome guide for helpful resources.
- Update your contacts: Make sure your essential contacts are saved in Teams. You’ll appreciate the convenience of one-click calling.
- Test it out: Give Teams Voice a try! Make a test call to ensure everything is working smoothly.
How to Use Teams Voice
You can learn how to use Teams Voice by visiting our Teams Voice Playlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Teams Voice?
Microsoft Teams Voice is a feature within Microsoft Teams that allows users to make and receive phone calls using the Teams app. It integrates traditional telephony features with Teams collaboration tools, enabling users to stay connected through voice calls from anywhere.
Why are we moving to Teams Voice?
By adopting Microsoft Teams Voice for staff, Humber can leverage a modern, integrated communication solution that enhances collaboration, reduces costs, improves flexibility, and provides advanced features to support staff members in their daily tasks.
Who is affected by this move?
The move to Teams Voice is a Humber staff/faculty initiative. Students are not being provisioned with Teams Voice.
How do I make a call via Teams Voice?
- Open Microsoft Teams
- Navigate to the Calls Tab
- Initiate a New Call
- Choose/Select the Contact
- Place the Call
- Manage the Call
- End the Call
How is it determined who is assigned a 10-digit number?
To be eligible for a 10-digit number, you must be an employee who has a legitimate business need to place and/or receive telephone calls AND does not have a Humber-issued mobile device, OR a role involved in the on-going design, build, operation, maintenance, security or support of the unified communications OR an accommodation or exception granted by People(s) & Culture, Public Safety, or a member of the executive team.
Where can I find my Teams Voice number?
As stated above, not everyone will be assigned a 10-digit number. If you have requested and been provisioned with one because of a business need, you can locate your number this way. Ensure you're logged into Teams. Next, navigate to the Calls section on the left-side menu. The telephone keypad is displayed. Your Teams Voice Number will be visible right below the Call button.
Can I configure my own custom voicemail? If so, how?
- Open Microsoft Teams
- Click on your profile picture or initials at the top right corner
- Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu in the Settings menu
- Choose "Calls" from the sidebar under "Voicemail"
- Click on "Change greeting"
- Select "Record a greeting" and follow the prompts to record your custom voicemail message
- After recording, click "Save" to set your custom voicemail greeting
Can I make calls to individuals who may not have a Teams number?
Yes! You can make a call to anyone, even 1-800 numbers.
How do I use the number pad to interact with a telephone menu?
To input numerical answers on a telephone call (ie press 1 for English), you will need to use the number pad in the telephone window, NOT the number pad in the Teams window, where you originally entered the telephone number.
Where can I find additional information on Teams Voice?
For more detailed information about Microsoft Teams Voice, including setup guides, feature documentation, and troubleshooting tips, users can refer to the official Microsoft documentation or reach out to the IT Support Centre for assistance.
Are my calls being monitored?
No!
Are there advanced functions to Teams Voice?
Yes. For the most up-to-date support, visit the Microsoft Support website.
If I leave Humber, do I get to keep my 10-digit number?
No, Microsoft Teams Voice is for active Humber employees.
What is the difference between Teams Voice and VOIP?
Microsoft Teams Voice is a specific implementation of VOIP technology within the Microsoft Teams collaboration platform, providing integrated voice calling capabilities alongside other collaboration features. VOIP, on the other hand, refers to a broader category of technology that encompasses various methods for transmitting voice over the internet.
Do we still have a desk alert key?
While there is no dedicated alert key, you can still contact public safety by entering 4000 or 8500 from Teams if you do not have a desk phone. Additionally, while you can enter 911 directly from Teams without the need to dial 9 first, it is recommended to use a physical phone or a smartphone to dial 911 instead of Teams.
What will happen to my 4 or 5-digit Humber extension?
Existing 4-digit or 5-digit Humber extensions will be phased out starting early Fall 2024. Callers will be able to contact you via ‘dial-by-name'. See How does 'dial-by-name work' for more.
Is Teams Voice available internationally?
Yes, Teams Voice is available internationally but will only be issued to staff with a business need. Local (416, 647, 437, 942, 289, 365, 742, 905), national, and international calls are supported.
How secure is Teams Voice?
Teams Voice is built on the same secure infrastructure as Microsoft Teams, which adheres to industry-leading security and compliance standards. Calls are encrypted to protect sensitive information and ensure privacy.
Can I use Teams Voice on mobile devices?
Yes, Teams Voice is fully functional on mobile devices through the Teams mobile app. Users can make and receive calls, access voicemail, and manage their Voice settings directly from their smartphones or tablets.
What will happen with classroom phones?
Classrooms will be provisioned with physical Teams phones.
What will happen with phones currently used at reception/common areas?
Each location will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Upon review, a Teams phone may be provisioned for that area.
How does ‘dial-by-name’ work?
When callers dial into Humber’s main number, 416-675-6622, they will be invited to dial-by-name. The caller will press 1 to dial-by-name and then will say the name of the person they are calling to be connected. If there are multiple people with similar names, the caller will be given the list and invited to press a corresponding number for the person they wish to speak to.
How do I contact IT to communicate any concerns or special requests I might have?
If you have any questions or concerns you can fill out the Teams Voice eForm to report issues/concerns you may encounter during the transition to Teams Voice. The form can also be used to request a 10-digit telephone number, if you have a business need.