Overview
Due to upcoming licensing requirement changes made by Microsoft, the 8x8 Phone App for Microsoft Teams will no longer support PSTN calling on September 30, 2025.
Applies To
- 8x8 Phone App for Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Teams Phone Standard
Questions & Answers
What is happening?
On September 30, 2025, Microsoft will begin enforcing Teams Phone Standard license checks for Bot-initiated transfers to Teams users.
By design, 8x8 Phone App does not use this license, and Bot transfers are a core function of the app, required even to receive inbound phone calls.
Who does this affect?
This will affect only users who are assigned to use the 8x8 Phone App.
Does this affect 8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams or Operator Connect at all?
No, 8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams and Operator Connect products and users will not be affected in any way.
Will Phone App users lose PSTN call ability on September 30, 2025?
After September 30, 2025, 8x8 Phone App users will no longer be able to place or receive PSTN calls within Microsoft Teams.
However, note that because these users already have an 8x8 X Series license, they will still be able to place and receive calls using the 8x8 Work for Desktop, Mobile, and Web apps. Please see below for a list of other options.
What is my alternative solution?
The existing free 8x8 Teams App add-on, available through Microsoft AppSource, will be updated to include the ability to initiate outbound calls via the 8x8 Work for Desktop application. You can find more info about the 8x8 Teams App here:
What other solutions can I use?
There are several potential 8x8 solutions available to replace the Phone App:
- 8x8 Work: Users can continue placing and receiving PSTN calls using the 8x8 Work app for Desktop, Mobile, or Web. This option does not require any licensing changes or Microsoft Teams integration, and is best for users who do not need to initiate calls from Teams.
- Cross-Launch from Microsoft Teams to 8x8 Work (available in 2025): Users will be able to dial a contact or number from the 8x8 Teams App and launch the 8x8 Work app to complete the PSTN call. This provides a cost-effective replacement for 8x8 Phone App, without requiring Teams Phone Standard licenses or changes to the user’s existing 8x8 license.
- 8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams: Users can place and receive calls directly within the Microsoft Teams interface using Teams' native dial pad. This option requires a Microsoft Teams Phone Standard license per user, but allows organizations to retain access to 8x8 Work and advanced UCaaS features.
- 8x8 Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams: Users can place and receive PSTN calls using Microsoft Teams, only. This option requires a Microsoft Teams Phone Standard license and replacing 8x8 X Series licenses with 8x8 Operator Connect in 8x8 Admin Console. Users will lose access to 8x8 Work and other advanced UCaaS capabilities.
End User Calling Options
The table below contains a comparison of features between available alternatives to the 8x8 Phone App.
Are there instructions for converting from Phone App to Voice for Teams?
Yes, see the following articles for guidance on converting 8x8 Phone App users to 8x8 Voice for Microsoft Teams: