About the new phone system

It will be installed in phases, most probably starting in the summer of 1998. Current planning calls for the switchover to begin at Highland Hospitalwhich is in greatest need of improved phone services. The Medical Center would follow. The rest of the campuses would be switched over by December 1998.

What will my phone look like?

Advisory committees are now consulting with UTD on the features that the "basic model" should contain. Then a representative from each department throughout the University will be designated to assemble information on what particular features are needed for individuals within those departments.

What input can I have into the new system?

The departmental representatives--"Telephone Coordinators"--will be asked not only to get information out to you about the new system, but to get information back to UTD and NEC on what features you and your department will need, with full consideration for the expense of those features.

What are some of the features I'll be able to have?

In faculty and staff offices, standard phones may include two-way speakers and displays that will make it easier for phone users to program their phones, and which will allow them to look up numbers of those they wish to call.

Students could have multiple VoiceMail boxesone for each residentin a residence housing several individuals who share a single phone line.

Will I be able to choose specific features myself?

Yes, within constraints that are set by a) what features are generally available in the new phone system, and b) budgets for your department or program.

How much will the phone system cost, and how will it affect rate structures?

This is a multi-million project, to be amortized over a number of years. The final cost will depend on the detailed bids submitted, as well as on decisions about the extent of new wiring that that must be in stalled in conjunction with the new system. The implications for the phone charges for individual departments are now being worked on, and will be reviewed by the deans and vice presidents in coming months. At this moment, it appears likely that old rate structures may remain in effect for much of the University for part of 1998-99, with the new rate structures taking effect in the latter part of that year.

Will I know how much various phone features will cost me and my department before I am asked to choose?

The University is working as quickly as possible to establish the rate structures for the new phone system. Every effort will be made to have rate information available before departments have to give final confirmation on features and configurations.

Will we be trained to use the new phone system?

Yes. Training will be organized for all departments. It will be timed to take place just before the switchover for your division occurs.

Will there be any phone disruption during the switchover for my department, whenever it comes?

The different options for actually making the switch are now being reviewed. The nature of any "disruptions" will depend upon which option is chosen, but in any case UTD will do everything possible to make disruptions to any particular department as minimal as possible. For some departments that have special situations--for example, due to patient care requirements--and cannot have even momentary phone disruption, some special arrangements may be made.

Will you actually be replacing the wires in the walls, or is it just my phone that will be changed?

In many parts of the University, existing lines will be used. However, wiring may be added in specific areas if the existing wiring is no longer sufficient, or if any disruption in phone service during the switchover cannot be tolerated as mentioned above

Will my phone number change?

The current thinking is phone numbers will not change. That makes the transition to the new system more complicated in some ways, but it also means that existing directories and listings remain current.

Will the new phone system affect my computer hookup?

The phone system wiring is independent of the network connections for your computer that allow you to print to a central printer, use email, or use the Internet. However, the new phone system will be able to "interact" with your computer--for instance, you may be able to "fax" directly from your computer to a fax machine outside the University, depending on your own configuration of features.