Project Purpose
Technology Services will upgrade all campus phone systems into a single system – Cisco Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Currently, multiple unsupported phones are used across campus. Transitioning all phones to Cisco VoIP will allow Technology Services to provide expert support faster through a more reliable phone service, while reducing overall costs and monthly phone rates for the Texas A&M community. The upgrade also paves the way to offer softphones as an alternative to physical phones in the future.
Implementation
The Cisco VoIP phone service upgrade for each building will be completed in two stages and primarily focus on the following actions:
- Gather data from customers on current phone needs
- Upgrade physical desk phones for each active existing desk phone and provide quick links to ensure customers learn how to use their new phones
Milestones
- Purchase initial hardware: Completed Summer 2022
- Project planning and initial project communications: Fall 2022. Completed Fall 2022
- Phase One: Upgrade 25% of all non-Cisco VoIP phone lines: Underway
- Phase Two: Upgrade 75% of all non-Cisco VoIP phone lines: Begin Spring 2024 (in coordination with Next Generation Aggie Network switch upgrades).
- 100% of campus phone lines upgraded to VoIP: Fall 2026.
Project Progress
Cisco VoIP Project Completion
13%
The original number of phone lines that need to be upgraded
8,425
The remaining phone lines to upgrade
7,732
Total number of phone lines upgraded
782
Total number of phone lines disconnected