Published on May 15, 2002

Telecommunications and Networking Services (TNS) has been evaluating various options for gradually replacing the "Centrex"-based telephone system currently serving the University. A new technology, known as Voice-over-IP (VoIP), is now available at limited locations within the University Park campus. VoIP is an emerging set of technologies that enables voice, data and video collaboration over any network that uses IP (the Internet Protocol), such as Penn State's Integrated Backbone. This technology will offer greater efficiency and opportunities for reducing costs, such as voice and broadcast video, while at the same time broadening the capabilities of telecommunications and computing within the University to include videoconferencing and real-time document collaboration. Penn State is reportedly among the first Research 1 universities to be taking this step. Initial deployment locations, to be activated this summer, will be restricted due to infrastructure limitations, however, it is planned that the majority of current phone sets at University Park will be replaced within 3 years. Initial VoIP dial tone rates at University Park are $11/mo ($7/mo less than the standard dial tone rates for "Centrex-based" service). Purchase of a VoIP phone is also required for the service. The cost of a VoIP phone set with basic features is $77. Phone sets with additional features are available at an extra cost. Plans are now also being defined to enable the use of VoIP technology by other Penn State campuses in upcoming years. For additional information on Penn State's VoIP initiative, contact your TNS Communications Analyst at http://www.otc.psu.edu/staff/analysts.html.

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