When Microsoft Teams launched in 2017, it was a free add-on to Office 365 – a move that helped it rapidly gain traction. Then came the pandemic, and Teams became a staple in the remote work toolkit, with businesses around the globe relying on it for video conferencing, messaging, and collaboration.
But the Teams value equation is starting to erode.
Starting April 1, 2025, Microsoft is implementing significant price increases* for Teams Phone licenses:
- Teams Phone Standard will rise from $8 to $10 per user/month
- Teams Phone for Frontline Workers will increase from $4 to $5 per user/month
That’s a 25% increase – a steep jump that could hit IT budgets hard, especially for larger organizations. For many, this may be the tipping point that sparks a re-evaluation of their communication platforms.
Now, take a look at E-MetroTel.
Our cloud-based and on-premises appliance solutions offer more value at a lower total cost. Unlike Teams, every E-MetroTel license includes a full PBX feature set, and free softphones for remote work and mobility. From there, you can add cost-effective redundancy options, omnichannel contact center capabilities, and a host of applications that can improve safety and communications flow at every location. Better yet, most businesses can retain their existing phones and user experience – no retraining, no workflow disruption.
And for collaboration, E-MetroTel offers InfinityOne, a powerful set of tools bundled with every UCX user license. It supports:
- Full PBX call control on desktop and mobile
- Secure one-on-one and group video conferencing
- Screen sharing, whiteboarding, and file sharing
- Secure messaging stored locally – 1:1 or group
- Presence indicators with custom status options
And while Microsoft Teams offers limited telephony and minimal legacy support, E-MetroTel bridges that gap – seamlessly integrating with Teams so users can:
- Initiate calls using Teams contacts
- Receive calls via the Infinity One softphone
- Use desktop phones or softphones interchangeably
- Enjoy a smoother, more flexible communication experience
Why pay more for less?
With Microsoft continuing to increase prices and unbundle features, it’s time to step back and ask: is Teams still the right fit – or are there alternatives better suited to my needs and my budget?
E-MetroTel offers a complete, cost-effective solution – without compromise. Make the switch and discover a better way to collaborate.
*All prices listed are in USD and may vary by region.
Author:
Gev Pestonji
Australia & New Zealand Business Development Leader
