💡 Our Technical Review in summary
Summary
- Feature Overview: Microsoft Teams is introducing an enhanced “Consult and Merge” capability that supports Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF). This allows users to dial out to PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) participants who are behind automated systems, such as IVRs or auto-attendants.
- Core Functionality: Users can now use an in-meeting dialpad to navigate phone trees to reach a specific person and then merge that individual into the active group call or meeting.
- Roadmap ID: 518218.
- Updated Timeline:
- Targeted Release: Early March 2026 through mid-March 2026.
- General Availability: Late March 2026 through early April 2026.
Impact
- User Experience: Meeting organizers and participants with PSTN calling capabilities will see a new interface in the “Participants” panel. This interface includes a dialpad for DTMF navigation, facilitating easier collaboration with external subject matter experts who use traditional phone systems.
- Administrative Control: This feature is enabled by default. There are no changes to existing meeting policies or call configurations required to activate this functionality.
- Operational Efficiency: It streamlines workflows for departments that frequently interact with external vendors or partners who utilize complex automated phone routing.
- Compliance: Microsoft has identified no specific compliance changes or risks associated with this update.
Action Required
- Update Documentation: IT Admins should update internal “How-to” guides or helpdesk knowledge base articles to include the use of the new dialpad during the consult-and-merge process.
- User Training: Inform power users (such as executive assistants or support desk staff) who frequently manage PSTN participants about the ability to navigate IVRs within the Teams meeting interface.
- Monitor Documentation: Watch for official Microsoft documentation updates prior to the March 2026 rollout for specific screenshots and finalized UI steps.
Microsoft Official Update
Service: N/A
Category: stayInformed
Severity: normal
Updated January 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
To improve collaboration and streamline meeting workflows, Microsoft Teams is introducing the ability to consult and merge Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) callers into active meetings—even when those callers are behind auto-attendants or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems that require Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) navigation. This enhancement allows users to reach subject matter experts via dial-in and seamlessly bring them into the broader conversation.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 518218.
[When this will happen:]
- Targeted Release: Rolling out early March (previously early February), expected to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously mid-February).
- General Availability: Rolling out late March (previously mid-February), expected to complete by early April 2026 (previously end of February).
[How this affects your organization:]
- Who is affected: All Microsoft Teams users who initiate or manage meetings with PSTN participants. Administrators overseeing Teams meeting policies and call configurations.
- What will happen:
- Users can consult with PSTN or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) participants via the Participants panel.
- A new interface will allow users to access a dialpad to navigate IVR systems and auto-attendants using DTMF tones.
- Once the external party is reached, users can merge them into the ongoing meeting.
- No changes to existing administrator policies; feature is enabled by default.
[What you can do to prepare:]
- No administrator action is required for this rollout.
- If your organization uses custom training or helpdesk documentation, consider updating it to reflect this new capability.
- Before rollout, we will update this post with new documentation.
[Compliance considerations:]
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
