Do you work in a lab that uses a phone? We need to capture your feedback
25 Jan 2023
The External Calling (Teams Voice) project is preparing our University for the removal of phone landlines and the introduction of internet phone calling
To do this we need to collate your requirements for the installation of physical Teams phone handsets in communal areas.
When the rollout of Teams Voice happens this year, existing landline phone handsets at the University will no longer work and will be removed as part of the project. The project will be ensuring that all phone equipment is disposed of correctly via the IT Services Recycling Facility.
Lab areas that require a handset to make and receive calls will have their existing handsets replaced with physical Teams phone handsets, subject to a request being made to the project team.
What is a Teams handset?
A Teams handset is a physical telephone device that uses Microsoft Teams to make internal and external calls.
It is connected to the data network, not the existing phone network and it is not assigned to an individual person.
What if my Lab has a poor Wi-Fi signal?
Teams handsets will be connected to network ports and will use a wired network connection, meaning Wi-Fi problems will not affect the handsets. This makes them highly suitable for making and receiving calls in restricted labs or lab areas where mobile phones and Wi-Fi are not permitted, (for example Faraday caged areas).
What about emergency phones?
The project team is working with Health and Safety representatives from across the University to determine requirements for emergency calls. To support this, we need to be informed of any existing handsets in labs in advance, to ensure they will not be disconnected and continue to operate until an acceptable solution is in place.
Will Teams physical handsets work in cold rooms and cloud chambers?
The project is aware that colleagues sometimes work in cold rooms and cloud chambers that can drop as low as -60 degrees and do not allow mobile phones or PCs. Teams handsets would not function in these extreme temperatures. To support these unique areas, we are looking into alternative options to enable emergency calls to take place.
We need to be informed of existing handsets and emergency devices in cold rooms or cloud chambers to ensure they will not be disconnected and continue to operate until an acceptable solution is in place.
How do I submit requirements?
If you need to inform the project about any emergency phones, or to make a physical Teams handset request, please get in touch with Teams.Voice@manchester.ac.uk.
- This switchover is being managed by the External Calling (Teams Voice) Project.
Will there be any training?
To support you with the upcoming changes, Teams Voice training is available to book.
Queries
- If you have any questions about how this project will impact you, please read our FAQs.
- If you cannot find an answer to your question, you can contact us at Teams.Voice@manchester.ac.uk.