Teams Voice External Calling Project Update – Phase 3
30 Jul 2024
The Teams Voice External Calling Project is a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing communication and collaboration across the University.
By implementing Microsoft Teams as the primary platform for voice calls, we are replacing traditional phone systems with a more integrated and feature-rich solution.
We are currently in Phase 3 of this project, which focuses on several key workstreams including the rollout of new handsets, changes to meeting rooms conference equipment, and the implementation of a new Switchboard/Call Centre application.
Phase 3 Progress
Contact Centre and Switchboard
We are delighted to announce that 4NET, a current telecoms partner of the University, has been selected as our partner for the Switchboard/Call Centre implementation. By the end of 2024, we will replace the current ageing University Switchboard and a number of University Call Centre applications, such as that used by the IT Support Centre.
We will migrate all contact information to the new system, which aims to deliver a modern and up to date telephony service. The data will continue to receive the highest level of security at all times.
Non-Voice Devices (NVDs)
NVDs are devices with an analogue connection, of which we have identified 1,792 across campus. Many devices initially thought to be NVDs, such as fax machines, are no longer required. However, there are still some devices that are necessary for which we need to find a solution. They will remain on the existing telephone network until an appropriate solution is found.
Approximately 600 analogue lines are still connected to the Hi-Path telephone network, of which we have verified more than half, with just 287 left to verify. We encourage all staff who use an NVD to help us understand its usage by completing this short survey.
Attaching telecoms-enabled devices to the network
As we transition to a digital network, it’s crucial that the Telecoms Team is informed of any telecoms-enabled device that needs to be connected to the network. This includes both voice devices like phones, and non-voice devices like alarms. Simply plugging in a device will no longer work; the port needs to be activated and a record must be kept of what is connected to each port. This applies to both new devices being connected and devices being moved from one port to another. For more information on procuring and deploying telecoms-enabled devices or moving them, please visit the Telecoms Teams Voice Support site.
Meeting Rooms
The project has also been reviewing the usage of Analogue Conference Devices (aka Spider Phones) used within meeting rooms throughout the University. The project has conducted a survey of over 99% of all meetings rooms within the University and has run a usage report on these devices which has shown that usage is very low. A strategy on what to do with these devices is being discussed with stakeholders and will be announced shortly.
Handset Rollout and Recycling
As of now, over 50% of the requested handsets have been installed across the campus, with a target of 60% completion by mid-August. In terms of legacy handset recycling, approximately 2.4 tonnes of old phone waste, equivalent to just under 3200 old phones, have been recycled. If you have an old handset to recycle, please visit one of the recycling cages located at Arthur Lewis, Crawford, Ellen Wilkinson, or Stopford building. For more information, visit the ‘Recycling your phone equipment’ page for more information.
If you have any questions on how these changes impact you, please contact teams.voice@manchester.ac.uk or visit the Teams External Calling Project pages for more information on the progress of each workstream.
Available Guidance & Support
We have plenty of guidance on the changes being made to Teams licenses and old telecoms devices in Phase 3. Please visit our Support Site for more details on each workstream and further technical guidance.