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Center switches to AT&T Local
By RON HOOD
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`As a bonus, we will upgrade
our connection to the local network so that we can send and receive
calling party information. This means staff with display phones
will see the originating phone number for most inbound calls.'
Ron Hood, Information Technology
Manager
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In coming weeks, the Center will change its telephone
service provider to AT&T Local Services from Qwest (formerly
US WEST).
Our primary motivation is cost. The Qwest contract is expiring.
The new contract will cost $40,000 more per year, but by moving
to AT&T, we can keep our costs at about the same level.
As a bonus, we will upgrade our connection to the local network
so that we can send and receive calling party information. This
means staff with display phones will see the originating phone
number for most inbound calls. Over time, we will selectively
pass originating number information for outbound calls as well.
We will switch the Center's telephone numbers from Qwest to
AT&T in batches. The first move consisted of a single number
and was completed with no problems several weeks ago. This week,
we move 400 numbers, and we will follow with the balance of the
Center's numbers, about 6,000 later this month.
The actual move results in a momentary inability to place
calls to the number in question, and calls in progress should
not be interrupted.
All of this work is being done outside of normal business
hours to minimize the impact to Center telephone users.
[Ron Hood, Information Technology manager, can be reached
at Ext. 5063.]
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