Customers can access the voice service through the Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) client on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, or a stand-alone IP Phone device.

Most Windows or MacOS computers have an audio card with microphone and speaker capabilities -- and your existing computer might be sufficient. Depending on how you use Microsoft Teams, you will likely prefer an additional device such as a headset or an IP Phone. We suggest using, at minimum, a USB headset rather than the built-in microphone and speakers; the user experience is greatly improved by doing so.

Where to Buy

Technology Services does not sell equipment. Tested and approved devices may be purchased by units via iBuy or other campus-approved methods for purchasing equipment.  The CDW punchout in iBuy has a section named "Telephony/Video Conferencing Equipment," which has the currently supported IP phones for sale at preferred pricing.

Who Does the Installation

Support for MS Teams devices is handled primarily by the local unit IT Professional. Technology Services provides support for the network connectivity of stand-alone IP phones. Configuration and troubleshooting of IP phones or USB phone devices (aka personal peripherals) is handled by local IT Professionals.

USB and Personal Peripherals

MS Teams USB and personal peripherals connect to your computer and interact with the MS Teams client software. The device you choose should be compatible with your current operating system.  

• Microsoft-Certified USB and personal peripherals for Teams:  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/devices/usb-devices

MacOS support of USB devices may be limited. Please contact the vendor to verify Mac compatibility before purchasing.

IP Phones

An IP Phone is a stand-alone device that does not require a computer in order to make and receive phone calls.  A limited selection of MS Teams IP Phones are supported by Technology Services because they must be compatible with the campus' network management and E911 systems. (Reference: Campus Administrative Manual, Section V-A-5, "9-1-1 Service As Used For Emergency Response")  Only IP Phone models specifically listed below should be used and will be supported by Technology Services.  They have been tested for compatibility with our E911 system and have the relevant network options enabled on the voice networks.

The current list of recommended devices will be able to be upgraded to Microsoft Teams firmware.

Yealink MP50 USB Phone

We have received numerous reports of issues using the Yealink MP50 USB phone. We have ongoing tickets in with Microsoft and Yealink to resolve the issues. If you are experiencing issues using the MP50 with New Teams, please send feedback to Mike Cervone (MS Teams Product Owner) at mcervone@illinois.edu. 

Phone Comparison:

Technology Services recommended phones will pass E911 information to public safety.

Technology Services Recommended Teams Telephony Device Table

	Microsoft Certified Teams Phones
Model	Yealink MP54	Yealink MP56	Yealink MP58	Yealink MP58 with Wireless Handset	Yealink CP965 Conference Phone
CDW #	Teams: 6391438	Teams: 6110690	Teams: 6391436	Teams: 6476873	Teams: 6978434
Microsoft -Certified for Teams
Wired handset	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Wireless handset	No	No	Optional	Yes	No
Speaker	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen	4" 480 x 800px	7" 800 x 480px	7" 800 x 480px	7" 1024 x 600px	5"  720 x 1280px
HD audio	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dedicated Teams button	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Visual voicemail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Phone lock	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
USB port(s)	1	1	2	2	2
Supports Yealink Bluetooth handset	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Bluetooth (for headset)	with dongle	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in
Wi-Fi	with dongle	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in
Wall Mountable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Accessories for Recommended Phones:

See Teams, IP Phone Installation and Login  on how to set up IP phones.