Voice Systems Refresh Progresses

AT&T is replacing antiquated voice systems with new technology in a four-phase process which is scheduled to be complete in 2014. Thirty-two agencies - with a total of 530 sites - are actively involved in the voice refresh program.

Among the many benefits of voice refresh are improved voice system performance and improved management capability. One of the biggest impacts has been the reduction of incident reports for voice services. Since March 2012, AT&T reports indicate approximately 200 fewer voice tickets each month compared to the same months in 2011.

The refresh/replacement of old, outdated voice systems will continue through June 30, 2014 and includes 2,100 Centrex sites, 500 key system sites, 27 PBX sites. Here is an update as of August 23:

• 19,200 Centrex phone sets completed out of 45,000 phone sets at 2,100 sites
• 276 key systems completed out of 500 systems scheduled
• 9 PBXs completed out of 27 PBXs scheduled

During voice refresh, agencies incur no upfront costs for the new consoles, handsets, system design or installation. Agencies may be responsible for costs related to additions required for uninterruptible power supplies, interior cabling, or environmentals.