• Why am I getting a new phone?
  • The university is migrating to a new phone system, Voice over IP (VoIP).  VoIP requires a more intelligent phone on your desk.
• Who/ what is funding my new phone?
  • The Information Technology department is funding the migration to the new phone system.
• Will this new phone increase my department’s monthly costs?
  • No.  Monthly recurring charges remain the same with the new phone system.  However, if a new phone needs to be purchased the options that are available are more expensive than traditional phones.  Those options are explained and priced at:  http://www.unco.edu/it/core/netcom/ITIPPhones.htm
• What benefits will I realize from being on the new phone system?
  • Improved call quality, caller ID for everyone,  speakerphone for everyone (excluding 7911G model), call history via “directories,” campus directory (accessible via directories), phone customizations (e.g. ringtones), and potential for future applications.
• Will my PC run slower now that it is connected to the phone?
  • No.  There are two separate networks over the one wire that dedicate the necessary bandwidth for your uses.  If for some reason, your PC does appear slower contact the TSC and report the issue as there could be a configuration problem on your phone or PC.
• Has anything changed with making long distance phone calls?

  • Yes.  With your new IP phone, you can now dial the number direct and you will be prompted for your Long Distance Authorization Code.  Please dial a long distance number in the following manner:  
    
    

    8 + 1 + (Area Code) + 7 digit number + receive confirmation tone + (Auth Code) + "#" key.

    Hints: 
    -56 is not the beginning of your authorization code, that was an identifier for placing a long distance call on the old system.
    -Push the pound sign (#) after entering your long distance authorization code to let the system know that you are finished entering digits.
    
    Currently with the new system, long distance dialing is supported in the traditional format you are used to.  That procedure is to dial 56, wait for dial tone, dial your long distance authorization code, wait for dial tone again, then dial 8+1+area code & number.  This method will be discontinued by early summer ’08.

    Storing your authorization code for speed dial purposes is not supported due to security considerations.
• How do I transfer using my new phone?
  • While on a call, push the “Transfer” softkey, enter the desired number, and then push the “Transfer” key again.
• Now that we are on Voice over IP are calls off campus routed over the internet?
  • No.  The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) still has dedicated lines to campus via our Telephone Service Provider.  Now, instead of those lines coming into our traditional Private Branch Exchange (PBX), it comes into a network device that is our IP enabled PBX.
• Are there cordless options for VoIP?
  • Unfortunately, there are currently no cordless phones for VoIP.  However, the speakerphone on the 7941G, 7961G, and 7971G offers superb quality.  IT  recommends obtaining the Plantronics wireless headset with lifter (http://www.unco.edu/it/core/netcom/ITIPPhonesA.htm).  Also, IT is currently testing the reliability of the 7921G wireless IP phone.  Once it proves reliable call quality in our environment, that option will be made available to the campus community.
• If my new phone breaks, who will be responsible for replacing it?
  • In the event of failed hardware, IT will make every effort to replace your phone under the hardware warranty.  If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, it will be the responsibility of the department to replace the phone.  Please report problems to the TSC (351-HELP).
• Will I need to setup my voicemail again once I receive my new phone?
  • No.  Voicemail will remain unaffected by the phone change.
• Why was my personal network hub disconnected when my phone was installed?
  • It has been and will remain UNC policy that networking equipment is only installed by authorized IT personnel.  This policy is to ensure that the integrity of the network can support mission critical applications.  Unauthorized network devices can create problems such as broadcast storms (e.g. by mishandling multicast traffic) or spanning-tree loops either of which can render a network segment unusable.  Now that phone services traverse those network segments, it is more important than ever to prevent potential network problems.
• What headsets are available for use and how do I obtain them?
  • Most headsets will work just fine with your new phone.  IT recommends the headsets listed at: http://www.unco.edu/it/core/netcom/ITIPPhonesA.htm.  Please place a call to the Technical Support Center, TSC (351-HELP) to have a phone technician contact you and discuss what option best fits your need.
• I have a phone that I personally purchased, will that be replaced during this project?
  • All phones that are serviced under the monthly charges will be replaced by this project.  If you have personally provided the physical phone, it will still be replaced.  IT is attempting to help clean up by removing old phones.  If you do not wish IT to remove your old phone, it is recommended to either place a phone in service in your room that you would like removed or to place a note on your phone asking that it be left behind. 

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