UBC IT's WiTel Service, previously known as Wireless VoIP (WiFi), allows faculty and staff to use wireless handsets on the UBC Point Grey and Robson Square wireless networks. Available wherever UBC Wireless is present, offering mobility and unlimited talk time, use of WiTel provides departments with an alternative to cellular phones and potentially decreases the number of daytime minutes charged against cellular phone plans.

Currently, WiTel supports Cisco 7925G handsets on the service. Handsets are purchased by the subscribers or their respective departments. Therefore, responsibility for the handset itself (such as hardware issues, repairs, upgrades, licensing, etc.) remains with the owner of the handset. In addition to initial configuration of the handsets, UBC IT will provide assistance in determining whether WiTel service issues are related to the handset or to the network service. However, the onus is on the owner to resolve any handset-related issues.

Benefits

Faculty and staff may benefit from using WiTel Service as follows:

• 5-digit dialing to other UBC phones from your handset
• Convenience and mobility: make and receive calls while away from your desk
• Wireless voice service in areas with poor cellular coverage
• Reduced cellular charges

How does it work?

The WiTel Service is intended to act as an extension of your desk phone service and provide the convenience of receiving calls while away from your desk. Faculty and staff with a VoIP desk phone may twin their WiTel handset with their desk phone. The handset and desk phone share the same phone number. Calls will ring concurrently on the desk phone and on the WiTel handset allowing you to be reachable via a single phone number. With TDM desk phones, i.e., traditional phones, the service operates differently and the phones are not twinned. TDM phone subscribers take advantage of this service by call forwarding their desk phone to the WiTel handset. Instructions on how to call forward your desk phone can be found under the corresponding desk phone documentation found under Online Phone Instructions.

Service coverage is determined by the wireless footprint at UBC Point Grey Campus and Robson Square. Calls may be dropped when roaming, especially in outdoor areas where the coverage is minimal.

Who can use this service?

Eligibility is limited to non-residential UBC Vancouver telephony subscribers with a desk phone and DID, i.e., direct phone line, provisioned and supplied by UBC IT on the UBC voice network.

Ordering the Service

To subscribe for the WiTel service, you must already have a WiTel-accessible handset in your possession. Currently, only Cisco 7925G handsets are supported on WiTel. Handsets may be purchased at a discount through Telus:

Sanjit.Kavlekar@telus.com
604-268-2795

Delivery times are typically 4 to 6 weeks. Once you receive the handset, your Departmental Voice Administrator (DVA) may register you for the WiTel service by following the instructions under Place Phone Request.

Important Notes on Ordering

The subscriber to the service, i.e., the individual who will be using the handset, NOT the DVA, must sign the WiTel Handset Form . By signing the form, the subscriber acknowledges that they have read and agree to both the Acceptable Use Policy and the 911 Terms of Service agreement for the UBC WiTel Service.

Please refer to Ordering WiTel Service for more information on ordering.

Costs

WiTel handset ordering details and accessories are shown below. You must purchase the handset and a battery (standard or extended). For additional accessories, please refer to the Cisco Unified Wireless IP Phone7925G Accessory Guide.

Prices shown reflect a 50% discount to UBC from the vendor, are exclusive of taxes and are current to July 2009. Please verify the price with the vendor when ordering.

* A USB cable can be used instead to charge the phone (5-7 hours charging time)

There is a one-time set up charge to cover the manufacturer's licensing fee to enable the WiTel handset for use on the UBC network. A monthly recurring charge applies to support the service. Please refer to the Description and Pricing link on the Faculty & Staff Phones webpage for service pricing details.

Service Support

For further information on reporting telephone problems and other related questions, please refer to the Support section on the Faculty & Staff Phones webpage.

Future Direction

The future direction of voice services is currently being defined. There is a possibility that this service offering may evolve and different technology may be used to provide mobile service.