Migration to VoIP Phones

VoIP Phone Usage on Campus

Media and Technology Services (MTS), a division of Information Technology Services (ITS), is in the process of migrating the University to a new telephone system. The new system, Voice over Internet Protocol (shortened to Voice over IP or VoIP), is based on the same technology that provides high-speed network connectivity to desktop computers. It will decrease monthly telephone expenses, provide the foundation on which we build future communication services and enable you to be plugged in or un-tethered at will.

Implementation Process and Cost

• We will notify department managers and chairs by email a few weeks before your building is scheduled to transition to the new system.
• The project coordinator will contact you to discuss the process and transition schedule.
• Although disruption to your phone service will be minimal during the transition, please inform the project coordinator if our intended schedule would cause a significant business disruption. We will then make every effort to reschedule you to a more convenient time.
• During the migration to the new phone system, existing URI phones will be replaced at no charge with designated Cisco phones offering comparable functionality. These phones will become the property of their respective departments!
• During migration – and during the migration only – you can upgrade from the designated phone to a higher-end model at a substantial discount, with the approval of someone in your department who has signature authority over the budget. We will apply funds allocated for the designated replacement phone toward the purchase of an upgraded model and will also apply a 35% discount off the list price. Your price will include the necessary phone licensing!
• Phone upgrades requested after the installation of your new phone will still receive a 35% discount off the list price, but will not be subsidized and will not include the cost of any additional licensing.

Monthly Billing Changes

With the implementation of the new telephone system comes a very different approach to how telephone services are billed at URI. The most notable change in the business plan for URI’s new telephone system is not only that there will be no monthly charge for the phones, but also that the phones will be owned by your department (like desktop computers). You will be charged only for the services that you choose; nearly all monthly service costs will decrease! For example:

• An analog line with voicemail and a phone number accessible from outside URI was $22/month and a digital line was $24. Both are now $21.20 and both have caller ID.
• Fax and modem lines and elevator, courtesy and emergency phones were $22/month; they are now $19.95.

In addition, once the system is fully deployed across campus, you will be able to move your phone yourself and take your number with you. You will also be able to take your number to the Feinstein Providence Campus and the Bay Campus once those campuses are fully set up. If you move your phone to a different location that is still within your department and therefore does not require a billing record change, you will not incur a charge for the move. With URI’s existing phone system, a telephone technician was needed to move your phone at a price and not always on your preferred schedule. The new system lowers your cost and offers convenience if you are moving.

A Few Future Features

• Integrated video conferencing
• Find me/follow me: a service that can automatically route to multiple numbers including cell phones
• Click-to-call: the ability to click on a phone number from a Web-based phone directory or contained in an email and have that number automatically dialed
• Extension Mobility: the ability to log on to a phone and have your settings and numbers automatically route to that phone
• A Web interface that allows you to easily set up your phone features and speed dials
• Ability to purchase your own phone and buy only the service and phone licensing from us