Switchover to new '276' exchange begins

n response to the growing demand for consecutive telephone numbers, Information Technology Services (ITS) Telecommunications has secured the 276 telephone exchange to supplement the 273, 274, and 275 exchanges. This acquisition will provide the University community with 10,000 numbers and eventually replace 2,000 numbers that use the 506 exchange.

"We're very fortunate to be able to acquire the 276 block of numbers through our vendor," says David Lewis, director of telecommunications and networking. "This ensures future University needs can be met while keeping our institutional phone numbering in an organized sequence."

To make the transition easy to implement and communicate, Telecommunications will convert all numbers between 506-0000 and 506-2999 to the 276 exchange using the same four-digit extension. For example, 506-1234 will convert to 276-1234. Telecommunications is in the process of contacting departments that will be affected by the change. Other 506 numbers used by the University that will not be affected include 506-3000 through 506-9999.

For those using 506 numbers for credit card swipes, modems, and termination of in-bound 800 numbers, Telecommunications will assist departments in making the change in the next few months. These telephone numbers are not normally dialed from outside the University or published, and conversion should be transparent to University customers.

Additional time may be needed to convert the 506 numbers used for fax or other analog service. Telecommunications will work with departments to plan stationery changes and updates to the Faculty/Staff Directory or Greater Rochester 2005 Frontier White & Yellow Pages. Ideally, Telecommunications plans to convert many numbers in July and August as listings are prepared for this year's directories. For the few remaining numbers, the switchover is scheduled to take place in July and August 2005; giving University customers 12 months to communicate the change and modify existing stationery and marketing.

Once phone service is converted to the 276 exchange, callers will hear a recording alerting them that the previous number has been changed. Callers will be asked to redial the new number. This message will stay in place for 90 days following the transition.

Telecommunications plans to work closely with departments and administrators to make this transition as smooth as possible. Those who have questions or would like additional details can call x4-4357.

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