Significant changes to telephony at UCT

In 2011, Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) started a multi-year Telecommunications Renewal Project to move UCT off its existing PABX and onto an Internet Protocol or IP telephony system, which will use the UCT network to route telephone calls. The project will reduce UCT's reliance on Telkom lines, address issues of ageing technology, and help the university to get more out of its existing network infrastructure. IP telephones will eventually replace all current handsets, but don't worry if you're not a gadget junkie - you'll still be able to use your IP phone like any other regular phone. The new system includes software that offers some great new functionality such as integrated instant messaging, file sharing and video conferencing.

Traditional fax machines won't work in the new IP telephony environment, so ICTS encourages people to ditch those dinosaurs and use the existing RightFax solution instead. Likewise, traditional burglar alarm lines will not work, but Properties and Services are working alongside ICTS to provide an alternative solution before any implementation of IP phones takes place.

At the moment, ICTS is piloting the new IP telephones. Once the pilot is completed, a phased rollout will begin to the rest of campus. You'll hear more about this soon, but in the meantime ICTS advises you not to invest in any new telephone lines.