We are excited to announce that our campus phone system is moving to Zoom Phone — a modern phone service that works within the Zoom platform we already use for video meetings and collaboration. Over the coming months, the ITS team will begin onboarding departments to Zoom Phone. You’ll receive more details about your department’s migration timeline, training opportunities, and support resources as your migration nears.
To help make the transition as smooth as possible:
- Sign in to your ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Zoom account
Please log in at using your ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ credentials. This ensures your Zoom account is active and ready for Zoom Phone features. - Use full 10-digit dialing
During the transition period, you’ll need to dial the full 10-digit phone number (e.g., 315-228-XXXX) for all calls, including those to campus numbers. This will ensure your calls are routed correctly while we complete the migration to the new system.
To request a demo of the new phone system, email us at itshelp@colate.edu.
Revisit this blog post for updates on the transition progress.
Check out our FAQs below for more information.
FAQs
What is Zoom Phone?
Zoom Phone is a cloud-based phone system (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol) that allows you to make and receive phone calls over the internet. It's integrated directly into the Zoom application, offering a unified platform for video meetings, voice calls, and team chat.
How is Zoom Phone different from Zoom Meetings?
Zoom Meetings is primarily for video conferencing with features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and in-meeting chat. Zoom Phone is a telephony service that enables traditional phone calls (dialing by phone number) directly from your Zoom app or compatible desk phones, essentially replacing a traditional desk phone system. You can, however, seamlessly elevate a Zoom Phone call into a full Zoom Meeting.
What devices can I use with Zoom Phone?
You can use Zoom Phone on:
- The Zoom desktop client (Windows, macOS).
- The Zoom mobile app (iOS, Android).
- Compatible desk phones provided by ITS.
Do I need a physical desk phone to use Zoom Phone?
No, a physical desk phone is not required. Zoom Phone can function entirely as a "softphone" through your computer or mobile device using the Zoom app, utilizing your existing computer speakers/microphone or a headset. Physical desk phones are an option for those who prefer them.
Will my existing phone number change if my organization switches to Zoom Phone?
No. Your number will remain the same.
Can I make and receive calls on my personal cell phone without giving out my personal number?
Yes. When you use the Zoom Phone feature within the Zoom app on your personal cell phone, calls will originate from your assigned work number, maintaining your privacy.
Will I receive calls if the Zoom app is closed on my computer or phone?
If the app is closed (or running but you are logged out) you will not be made aware of any incoming calls and the caller will hang up or leave a voicemail. If the app is minimized and you are logged in, you will be made aware of calls by a pop-up notification and a ring audio alert, and you can then answer the the incoming call.
What calling features are included with Zoom Phone?
- Call transfer (supervised and blind)
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail to email
- Call blocking
- Call delegation
- Call hold
- 3-way ad-hoc conferencing
- Elevate to Meeting (turn a call into a full Zoom Meeting)
- Call park
- Presence (see if a contact is available)
- Shared lines and shared line groups
- Auto attendants (IVR)
- Call queues
- Call history and logs
- Do Not Disturb (DND) mode
- Emergency services (E911)
- Fax services
Does Zoom Phone support international calls?
Yes, Zoom Phone supports international calling.
Can I send and receive text messages (SMS/MMS) with Zoom Phone?
Yes, Zoom Phone supports domestic SMS and MMS messaging. Contact ITS if interested in using this feature.
How does voicemail work with Zoom Phone?
Voicemails are typically accessible within the Zoom app (desktop and mobile) in the "Phone" tab. You will also receive an email notification when you have a new voicemail. Your desk phone can also be used to check your voicemail with a 4-digit PIN.
Can I block unwanted calls?
Yes, you can manage personal call block lists to automatically block unwanted calls.
What happens if I'm on a Zoom Meeting and a Zoom Phone call comes in?
Zoom Phone is designed to manage this. You'll see a notification for the incoming call (unless you have turned this option off) and have options to:
- Hold your current meeting and accept the new call.
- Send the new call directly to voicemail.
- End your current meeting and accept the new call.
- Merge the incoming call into your current meeting (if applicable).
Is Zoom Phone secure?
Yes, Zoom Phone is built with security in mind, supporting secure voice calls using standards like SIP over TLS 1.2 and AES 256-bit GCM encryption.
What kind of network connection do I need for Zoom Phone?
As a VoIP service, Zoom Phone relies on your internet connection. A stable and strong internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) is crucial for good call quality. Poor network conditions can lead to dropped calls or poor audio quality.