Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provides telephone service over the UMass network instead of over traditional phone lines. VoIP telephone service is very similar to traditional telephone service, except instead of using a phone or handset, you will use software (called a “softphone”) on your desktop or laptop computer. This allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere on-campus where you have a wired Internet connection. Other new features include a Web interface for voicemail, voicemail sent to your UMail account and call forwarding/transfer to local numbers.

• Use VoIP to make and receive voice calls from anywhere on-campus where you have a wired Internet connection (e.g., your dorm room, the Learning Commons, the Campus Center).
• Individual phone numbers and voicemail boxes will stay with you for your entire UMass career. You don’t have to share them with roommates and they won’t change from year to year.
• Download messages to your computer in .wav format (an audio file similar to mp3s).
• Other new features, such as a Web interface for managing your voicemail and call forwarding to local numbers.
• FREE local calling during the pilot phase. Long distance calling and billing is handled through PAETEC.

• During the initial pilot phase in the spring of 2008, VoIP will only be available to residents of the North Residence halls.
• Participation in this pilot is optional.
• OIT chose this residence hall because there is no telephone service in individual bedrooms. In contrast to other residence halls on campus, North residence hall is configured in suites where a shared phone is located in a common area; using VoIP allows students to have telephone service in their rooms.
• The goals of the pilot are to gather feedback from users on the service, to test the “softphone” software and to test the reliability of the service on campus. OIT may be asking students to fill out surveys and/or attend focus groups.
• OIT will use the information gathered during this pilot to develop a long-term plan for rolling out the service to the UMass Amherst campus.

Do not use the UMass/OIT Voice over IP (VoIP) service to call 911. The UMass Police Department will not know where you are calling from. Please use traditional phone service or any of the yellow HELP phones located in residence halls and other strategic locations throughout campus. The University and its affiliates cannot be held responsible for problems that ensue from 911 calling using UMass/OIT VoIP.