Microsoft Teams Auto Attendant/Call Queue - We can't upload the audio file. Verify the contents of the file and try again.

Many companies are migrating to Teams Voice, transitioning from legacy PBXs such as Cisco, Avaya, and Coral. In the past, for Hunt and IVR voice prompts, they would reach out to professionals or companies that specialize in these prompts, or they would record them internally as a low-cost option.

Option #1: You can convert speech to text and use it for Teams CQ/AA greetings and menus.

Option #2: You can use existing WAV or MP3 files and upload them as they are.

I decided to write this article based on my own experiences with various failures, such as the following:

Error: Microsoft Teams Auto Attendant/Call Queue - We can't upload the audio file. Verify the contents of the file and try again.

Solution: Change the sampling rate to something Teams CQ&AA supported. 

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams/phone-system-upload-wav-greeting-to-call-queue/m-p/1525267 

How it is been done: I had heard about this tool before, but I was recently convinced by my colleague Lawrence, and it's a free tool. I’ve seen similar articles, but I’ve never come across one that offers a proper resolution

Open the existing WAV or MP3 file; it doesn't matter what sample rate it was recorded at as long as you can listen to it. If you don’t need to cut or change anything, the next step is to EXPORT. 

What I did was export to a low sample rate of 8000 Hz, without making any other changes in the following window.

Export to file location,

Upload this file afterward to Teams CQ/AA; it should work without any problems. This method was also used recently with WebEx Contact Center.

Setting Up PLAR on Microsoft Teams Common Area Phones

Configuring Private Line Auto Ringdown (PLAR) on Microsoft Teams common area phones can significantly enhance communication efficiency in shared spaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you set it up:

Amazing feature, However a bit of delay from Microsoft end even though Teams certified phones were in the market. Cisco call manager or Cisco DI had it for a longest time according to what i learn! Having said that this feature must be there with other legacy PABX for sure. 

What is PLAR/Hotline? 

PLAR, or Private Line Auto Ringdown, is a feature that allows a phone to automatically dial a pre-configured number when the handset is picked up. This is particularly useful in common areas where quick access to specific contacts or services is essential.

Why Use PLAR on Common Area Phones? 

Mostly following features: Good for emergency, safety &  compliance, convenience

Steps to Set Up PLAR on Microsoft Teams Common Area Phones

1. Assign license - Microsoft Teams Shared Device License 

2. Set up the PLAR Number & Turn on TAC and Teams Phone Device

    -     Sign into the Teams admin center with a Microsoft 365 admin account. 

    -     From the left navigation, select Teams devices, select Phones and then select the Configuration profiles tab.

    -    From the list, select the configuration profile assigned to your common area phone. 

    -    Under the Call settings section, turn on the Enable hotline toggle and then select Save.

Note: Verify the Advanced Calling setting is disabled when you are enabling the hotline setting in Teams admin center. Also verify the Team app version on the Android phone is version 1449/1.0.94.2023082303 or later.

    -     Sign into your Teams phone device and select Settings > Device settings > Admin only > Calling > Hotline.

    - Enter a contact or phone number to be autodialed.

    - Enter the display name you want to show on the phone's home screen and Save. 

3. [Optional] Create a policy and assign. to disable Advanced Calling settings and push all the site available phones bulk. 

Reference from Microsoft - Set up the common area phones for Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn