Telephone Service for Faculty and Staff
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About the Stanford Phone System (DisplayHide)
Information Technology Services manages the Stanford telephone system, which serves the core campus, student residences, medical center, and a number of off-campus Stanford and affiliate buildings. Payphones, “blue tower” emergency phones, and some critical backup lines are provided by AT&T, the local utility provider. Standard phone service includes a Stanford phone number providing Stanford identity, unlimited domestic long distance dialing, and Voice Messaging.
Features such as international calling, cell phone service, headsets, auto attendant menu, and eACD service may be purchased separately.
Note: you must dial “9” to make an outside call (i.e., off the Stanford network). Even emergency calls must be dialed “9-911” to reach the emergency switchboard directly.
Overview
The standard offering for new phone service is Cisco VoiP (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP technology offers a variety of advanced features and gives you the freedom to move your phone from one office to another (within the same building) without having to place a service call. Note: IT Services continues to support existing legacy Nortel VoIP, as well as legacy Single- and Multi- Line phones, but these are not offered as new service.
Stanford VoIP phone service is available in two service models:
- VoIP telephone service with network support (Converged Communications); and
- Standalone VoIP service.
Telephone with network support (Converged Communications)
This system of professionally managed VoIP telephone and data network support service is based on a simplified billing model that allows IT Services to pass on substantial cost savings, helping our clients to use University financial resources as efficiently as possible.
Converged Communications is available for schools and administrative units and may also be available to small groups moving into new facilities. It offers predictability in cost by providing a single bundled rate for service that is set annually for the entire school or administrative unit, based upon the amount of service used. Subscribers will get all the essential features and functionality of the service, eliminating time-consuming and costly à la carte ordering and billing.
Standalone VoIP Telephone Service
Standalone VoIP service may be appropriate for individual or smaller department subscriptions. IT Services data network infrastructure support is not included in this model.
Features
- Receive calls from any Extension Mobility (EM) phone with a simple login
- Up to three calls per line, with a fourth reserved for conferencing and transferring
- Set up six-way audioconferencing from your phone
- Look up directory services from your phone
- Look up, manage, and create directories via a web user portal
- Remotely call-forward your phone number
- Ring a primary phone number and up to two remote destinations
- Call encryption between two Cisco VoIP desk phones
- Optional softphone client for your desktop or laptop:
- Receive and place calls on your laptop, providing Stanford presence no matter where you are
- Desktop video conferencing, chat, and view availability of other Cisco users
The Converged Communications model offers these additional benefits:
- a network port that supports telephone and data services; and
- professionally managed, 24x7 network support and all network devices (voice and data switches) needed to support the local network.
Note: Some administrative units have phone configurations and templates designed to meet their unique needs. Stanford Hospital and Clinics should refer to their service description for a listing of the feature set available in their environment.
Data security restrictions
While telephone traffic is not subject to the data classifications as defined by the Information Security Office, clients with systems on the data network that contain prohibited or restricted data should contact the Information Security Office for guidance in securing these University assets.
How to use
VoIP phones plug into a network port instead of a phone port. There is a simple login procedure at initial setup for Extension Mobility (EM) phones. Most phones in common areas are static and do not require login. See the Equipment User Guides for instructions.
Support
Telephone services are monitored 24x7 for performance and component failures. Systems personnel are alerted to failures and will respond to alerts.
For support, submit a HelpSU request (Request Category: Phones, Cell Phones and Cable TV), or call 5-HELP (650-725-4357), Option 3. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. During non-business hours, select Option 2 for all questions.
Rates
Converged Communication rates are based upon the amount of phone and network service used by the client. A service consultant will work with you to provide you with an estimated annual cost for the service. You can submit a HelpSU request for consultation. Or, contact your IT Services Business Partner.
Getting started
To begin the process of converting your department's phones to VoIP, submit a HelpSU request for consultation. Or, contact your IT Services Business Partner.
A Service Consultant will work with you to gather your requirements, develop a recommendation for the deployment size and schedule, and provide a cost estimate for the department. Once the deployment has begun, the billing cycle will commence. Note: due to high demand, there may be a four to six month waiting period before service can be deployed.
