8/8/07 New VoIP Telephone System

Faculty & Staff

Over the past two years, Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU), Coastal Georgia Community College, East Georgia College, South Georgia College, and Waycross College have been planning the implementation of a collaborative VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone system.  After two RFP attempts and strenuous contract negotiations, BlackBox Network Services Inc. was selected to design, install and assist with training on an Avaya Inc. VoIP telephone system.

One area of utmost importance is the 911 functionality of the new system.  The system is being designed to provide the 91l operator with the street address and building where the emergency is occurring.  This information will also be provided to University Police, allowing them the ability of a quick response time to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the emergency.   

As users of the phone we are striving to keep the VoIP phone system similar to the present system.  However, there will be changes with this implementation.  For instance:

·       5-digit dialing - To dial another individual on campus, it will now require the dialing of 5 digits instead of 4.   
·       New telephone numbers - Everyone will receive new phone numbers. CIS will make those numbers available as soon as talks have been completed with our provider and they have been assigned. 
·       Caller ID – Everyone will receive caller ID functionality with their new phone.

Equipment installation for the project for AASU will begin during the month of August and should conclude in early October.  For approximately one month, each employee will have two telephones (the existing telephone system associated with GTA telephone service and the new IP Telephone associated with the Avaya VoIP system) on their desk. This will allow adequate time for users on campus to become accustomed to the new phones, dialing plans, and new telephone numbers.  After one month, the old system will be disabled and all old phones should be sent to CIS.   Additional information will be provided as we get closer to our implementation. If you have any questions, please contact us at 344-2888.

The CIS Department