Microsoft Teams call functionality

Microsoft Teams is used to make and receive internal and external phone calls via the Calls button on the platform’s landing page.

You can add contacts and then sort them into contact groups making it easier to manage. Frequent contacts can also be added to your speed dial list, so that you can quickly get hold of the person you need to speak to.

This functionality allows you to make and receive external calls via your UCT extension number. The types of numbers you can dial depends on your UCT dialling plan. For example, some extensions can dial national numbers, but cannot dial mobile or international numbers.

Who can use this functionality?

While all UCT staff and students can use Microsoft Teams, the call functionality is only available to some UCT staff.

All UCT staff and students can, however, continue to make internal calls to anyone at UCT directly from a chat window.

Calls’ functionality

The Calls feature is divided into different sections to assist you in effectively managing your calls.

• Speed dial: This is the default display screen when clicking Calls and lists all contacts you have added to this category.

• Contacts: Lists all your added contacts.
  Note: we recommend that you first add your contacts before assigning them to the speed dial group.
• History: Provides an overview of missed, incoming and outgoing calls and contains the following information:
  • Date
  • Time
  • Duration
  • More options (···)
    • Call back
    • Chat: applicable to internal contacts only
    • Add to speed dial
    • Add to contacts
    • Block: applicable to external contacts only
• Voicemail: lists all voicemail messages you received along with its transcripts.

Using Teams Calls

We recommend installing the Microsoft Teams desktop client to get the best user experience. However, you can access the call functionality using these recommended web browsers and mobile apps. The benefit of using the Microsoft Teams mobile app is that you can use it when you’re on the go or working remotely (whether local or global, standard local call rates apply i.e. Cape Town to Cape Town charges). The caller must dial your UCT extension though.

This detailed table also provides an overview of what desktop and mobile operating systems as well as web browsers can be used to effectively manage your calls. 

Call recording now enabled

Recording has also been enabled for internal and external calls.

In the Teams call window, click More •••.> Start recording.

Call recordings are saved in the chat window as well as in the OneDrive folder of the individual who started the recording. The recording owner will be able to share the recording, as necessary.

Call features

Manage your calls in Teams Four things to know about calls Place a call in Teams Answer a call Call a phone number Add someone to a call in Teams Add someone to a call Make multiple calls at the same time Put a call on hold Park a call Transfer a call Call forwarding, call groups, and simultaneous ring Merge calls in Teams Share a phone line with a delegate Turn off automatic video in a call

Additional features Reduce background noise Optimise mobile data usage Manage your call settings View your call history Use certified Teams devices to help manage calls and meetings Custom ringtones Presence status in Teams

Voicemail Check your voicemail Voicemail with transcription   Contacts View or add contacts   Calls via a Teams chat Start a call from a chat

Get help

Should you have a query, please use one of the following methods to find out more or request assistance:

• Everything you need to know about Teams is on the ICTS website. This includes how-to documentation, FAQs, and use cases.

• Watch this step-by-step demo if you’re new to Teams.
• Join the Teams at UCT team.

Alternatively, log a call with the IT Helpdesk.