How to Deploy Teams Direct Routing in China: 4 Delivery Models Compared

When deploying Microsoft Teams Direct Routing in China, you have 4 delivery models to choose from. The right choice depends on whether you need a new number, want to keep an existing number, and whether you want to manage hardware locally or in the cloud.

In this guide

1. Introduction 2. Model 1: Fresh New Cloud Number 3. Model 2: Porting to Cloud 4. Model 3: Local Office Gateway 5. Model 4: IDC Gateway 6. Full Comparison Table
Last updated: August 2026

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Model 1: Fresh New Cloud Number
  3. Model 2: Porting to Cloud
  4. Model 3: Local Office Gateway
  5. Model 4: IDC Gateway
  6. Full Comparison Table

When deploying Microsoft Teams Direct Routing in China, you have 4 delivery models to choose from. The right choice depends on whether you need a new number, want to keep an existing number, and whether you want to manage hardware locally or in the cloud.

Model 1: Fresh New Cloud Number

Apply for a completely new number and host it entirely in the cloud. No hardware is required at your office.

  • Number: New, applied from telecom
  • Time to ready: 1-2 months
  • Phone bill: CTS provider bill, can also pay directly
  • Best for: Companies that don't have existing numbers and don't want to manage hardware

Model 2: Keep Old Number — Porting to Cloud

Keep your existing number and migrate it to CTS's cloud SIP server.

  • Number: Existing, ported to cloud
  • Time to ready: 2-3 months
  • Phone bill: CTS provider bill, can also pay directly
  • Note: Porting approval must be obtained from the current provider (success rate varies by city)

Model 3: Keep Old Number — Local Office Gateway

Keep your existing number and lines in your local office with a VOIP gateway hardware device.

  • Number: Existing, on-premise gateway
  • Time to ready: Already have number
  • Phone bill: Pay directly to local provider
  • Best for: Companies that need 100% China city coverage and already have physical lines

Model 4: Keep Old Number — Internet Data Center Gateway

Keep your existing number and move the hardware to a remote data center (IDC) instead of your office.

  • Number: Existing, IDC gateway
  • Time to ready: Already have number
  • Phone bill: Pay directly to local provider
  • Best for: Companies that want to keep the number but don't have physical office space

Model Comparison Overview

Model Number Type Time to Ready Phone Bill Best For
1. Fresh New Cloud New 1-2 months CTS / Direct New numbers, no hardware
2. Porting to Cloud Existing 2-3 months CTS / Direct Keep existing number in cloud
3. Local Gateway Existing Already have Direct 100% city coverage, existing lines
4. IDC Gateway Existing Already have Direct Keep number without office
Walter Wang, CTS Founder

“OP providers usually need new numbers, while DR providers need porting or local gateways. CTS selects the most suitable carrier based on the end user’s situation, drives direct contract signing, and ensures compliance and long-term stability.”

— Walter Wang, Founder & CEO, CTS China VOIP Consulting

Ready to Choose Your Deployment Model?

Each model has its own advantages and trade-offs. CTS can help you assess your specific needs and recommend the best approach.

📘 How to Get a China SIP Trunk Number — Step-by-step guide

🔧 Get Teams Direct Routing Service — Start the application process

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CTS helps you choose the right delivery model for your business.

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