Government agencies and defense contractors using Microsoft Teams GCC High face a unique challenge: how to add robust, compliant, and secure voice calling. While Microsoft Teams GCC High is designed for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and meet government compliance standards, it lacks built-in Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connectivity. This is where Intuity’s Direct Routing solution comes in, delivering a secure, scalable, and fully compliant voice-calling infrastructure.
What is Microsoft Teams GCC High, and Who is it For?
Microsoft Teams GCC High is a specialized version of Teams designed for U.S. government agencies, the Department of Defense (DoD), and defense contractors that must comply with regulations like the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
It’s built to support users handling CUI, export-controlled data, and other sensitive government information, ensuring all data is stored and processed exclusively in U.S.-based data centers by vetted personnel.
How Does GCC High Differ from the Commercial Version of Microsoft Teams?
While Microsoft Teams for commercial users and GCC High offer similar collaboration features—such as chat, file sharing, and video conferencing—there are key differences:
- Compliance Requirements: GCC High is designed to meet strict compliance standards, including CMMC and ITAR.
- Hosting Environment: It operates in government-dedicated data centers.
- Access Restrictions: Only U.S. persons are authorized to access or manage GCC High environments.
- Integration Limitations: It supports fewer third-party apps and requires government-approved partners for integration.
How Do I Add Voice Calling to Microsoft Teams GCC High?
Unlike the commercial version, Teams GCC High doesn’t include Microsoft Calling Plans, meaning it lacks built-in PSTN connectivity. To enable external calling, organizations need a Direct Routing solution that links Teams to the PSTN.
What is Direct Routing, and How Does it Work with Teams GCC High?
Direct Routing allows organizations to connect Teams GCC High to the PSTN using a certified Session Border Controller (SBC) and SIP trunks. It acts as a bridge between Teams and the external phone system, allowing users to make and receive calls from their Teams interface while complying with government regulations.
Intuity’s Direct Routing solution includes:
- Certified SBCs hosted in secure data centers
- Integration with Microsoft Teams GCC High
- Connection to the PSTN via compliant SIP trunking services
- 24/7 monitoring and support
Is Direct Routing in GCC High Secure and Compliant?
Yes, Intuity’s Direct Routing is specifically designed to meet the strict security and compliance standards required for GCC High environments. Key features include:
- End-to-End Encryption: Secures voice traffic from endpoint to endpoint
- Redundant Infrastructure: Provides failover protection and ensures business continuity.
- FedRAMP-Authorized Environment: Hosted in secure, compliant U.S. data centers
- Access Control: Managed by U.S. citizens with background checks
What Are the Advantages of Using Intuity’s Direct Routing with Teams GCC High?
Intuity provides a fully managed Direct Routing solution optimized for government and defense organizations, offering:
- Security First: Compliant with CMMC, ITAR, and FedRAMP
- Seamless Integration: Natively compatible with Teams GCC High architecture.
- Proven Reliability: 99.999% uptime with geo-redundant infrastructure
- Scalable Plans: Designed for small agencies to enterprise-level deployments.
- Dedicated Support: Access to GCC High-certified support engineers
How Do I Ensure Call Quality and Reliability in Teams GCC High?
Intuity delivers enterprise-grade call quality through:
- Geo-Redundant SBCs for enhanced reliability.
- Advanced QoS (Quality of Service) Monitoring to optimize performance.
- Real-Time Traffic Shaping to prevent congestion.
- Proactive Alerts and Issue Resolution to minimize disruptions.
These systems ensure your Teams environment performs reliably under all conditions.
Can I Use My Existing Phone Numbers with Teams GCC High Direct Routing?
Yes! Intuity supports number porting, so your organization can keep its existing phone numbers. We also provide:
- New DID provisioning for seamless expansion
- Local and toll-free numbers to fit your needs
- Number management and routing services for streamlined operations
What Are the Costs Associated with Adding Voice to Teams GCC High?
Costs vary based on your organization’s needs, but Direct Routing is generally more cost-effective than traditional telecom systems. Intuity offers:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Flexible Billing Models (per-channel or per-user).
- Volume Discounts for large deployments.
How Does SIP Trunking Work with Microsoft Teams GCC High?
SIP trunking is the foundation of Direct Routing, allowing voice traffic to flow between your Teams platform and the PSTN. Intuity’s SIP trunks are:
- Optimized for High-Quality Voice to ensure clear, reliable calls.
- Fully Compliant with Federal Regulations including CMMC, ITAR, and FedRAMP.
- Provisioned Through Secure, U.S.-Based Data Centers for maximum security and reliability.
How Does Teams GCC High Meet CMMC and ITAR Requirements?
Microsoft’s GCC High environment ensures compliance with CMMC and ITAR through:
- Dedicated U.S.-Based Infrastructure for secure data storage and processing.
- Government-Vetted Personnel to manage and maintain the environment.
- Data Encryption & Secure Identity Management to protect sensitive information.
- Auditable Logs & Access Controls for traceability and security enforcement.
Intuity complements this with compliant voice services that align with your overall security strategy.
How Do I Migrate to Microsoft Teams GCC High?
Migrating to GCC High is a complex process that requires careful planning. Intuity’s experts provide end-to-end support, including:
- Gap Analysis & Compliance Planning to ensure a smooth transition.
- Tenant migration strategy
- Direct Routing Onboarding & Voice Enablement for seamless connectivity.
- Post-Migration Support & Monitoring to maintain performance and security.
What Support Options Are Available for Teams GCC High Users?
Intuity offers comprehensive support tailored to GCC High users, including:
- 24/7 U.S.-Based Technical Support for immediate assistance.
- Dedicated Account Management to ensure personalized service.
- Onboarding Assistance & Training for a smooth transition.
- Proactive System Health Checks to maintain reliability and performance.
Why Should I Choose Intuity for Teams GCC High Direct Routing?
Intuity is a trusted name in secure government communications. We offer:
- Deep experience in GCC High environments
- Government-grade security and compliance
- Custom voice solutions tailored to your agency’s needs
- Proven reliability and scalable infrastructure
- Exceptional support from certified professionals
For government agencies and defense contractors using Microsoft Teams GCC High, Intuity provides a Direct Routing solution for secure, compliant, and high-quality voice calling. With deep expertise in federal compliance and advanced SIP trunking, we ensure your Teams environment meets the demands of modern government communication. If you have any questions, please contact Intuity today at (800) 811-1086.