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What is VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)?

VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) describes the methods and technology used to transmit voice communications (as well as other forms of multimedia) across the Internet, rather than through a telephone network.

While currently most offices contain a telephone jack for the phone and a network jack for the computer, offices will now share the network jack between the computer and phone.

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Why is VSU moving to VoIP?

VoIP allows the university to achieve two major benefits at a cost lower than conventional phone lines:

  • Advanced Features - All VoIP users will be able to access a number of features that were only available through conventional phone lines at an extra charge, such as voicemail. Click this link to see a list of features available. Bear in mind that some VoIP phones may or may not support all VoIP features.
  • Contact Centers - Priority contact centers, such as Financial Aid and Admissions will have additional software that will allow them to manage phone traffic more efficiently.

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How will moving to VoIP change campus telephone service?

There are two primary differences between VoIP phones and conventional phones. First, there are a number of advanced features available. The university will be offering face-to-face training sessions to departments as they are migrated to VoIP in order to get users accustomed to these features. The second difference is that these phones do not receive power from network lines. Thus,please note that, even though precautions have been taken to allow phone service for approximately 20 minutes in the case of a power outage, it is critical to know the location of analog phones within your building in the case of an emergency.

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How do I request a new phone?

In order to request a new telephone line, you must submit a request to the Technology Services Portal.

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How can I request training for VoIP?

The university will be conducting training for each department and division as they are migrated to VoIP phones. If you have missed the session for your department or division or began working for the university after your department was converted, the Information Technology Communications and Training branch will be intermittently offering additional sessions. To review the dates and register for VoIP face-to-face training sessions, please visit the Employee and Organizational Development Training Registration Database.

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Why do we get an outside line by dialing 8 instead of 9?

We have made the change to use 8-1 instead of 9-1 for dialing out to prevent the accidental dialing of 9-1-1, which cost the university money. Please note, though, that on an analog phone, you will still dial 9 rather than 8.

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What should I do if I have questions about my telephone bill?

For inquiries about your telephone bill, please contact Telecommunications.

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What should I do with my analog phone once I receive the new VoIP phone? 

Once your phone number(s) has been ported to the new VoIP system (this may take up to 30 days or more), your analog phone will no longer function. For VSU-issued analog phones, you should submit a “Surplus Request” email to Courtney Wilkes (cewilkes@valdosta.edu) of VSU Central Warehouse to schedule pick-up. Please include your contact information and office location within the email. For efficiency, please collect ALL of your department’s non-functioning analog phones and place in one central location for convenient pick-up. The surplus analog phones will be handled in accordance to Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) policy. For questions regarding surplus items, please contact Central Warehouse at 333-5958.

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