Microsoft offers premium Teams for free over the next six months due to coronavirus

Microsoft Teams Android
Microsoft Teams Android (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft will offer the premium version of Microsoft Teams for free over the next six months due to coronavirus.
  • Microsoft will also remove the limit for the number of team members within the free version of Microsoft Teams soon.
  • Google similarly lowered the cost of its communication features within Google Hangouts Meet.

Microsoft is allowing people to communicate with the premium version of Microsoft Teams for free over the next six months due to the coronavirus, according to Business Insider. The move will allow people at enterprises to coordinate and communicate better during the coronavirus outbreak. Along the same lines, Microsoft will also remove the limit on the number of team members that can join a team within the free version of Microsoft Teams on March 10, 2020.

According to Toms Hardware, when you try to sign up for the premium version of Microsoft Teams for free, you're directed to a local Microsoft partner to set it up.

In a similar move, Google announced that all G Suite and G Suite for Education customers will be able to livestream to up to 100,000 viewers and host teleconferences with up to 250 people. People will also be able to record meetings and save them to Google Drive. Those features are usually restricted to the Enterprise edition of G Suite, but can now be used with a more affordable G Suite account.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.