In the coming months, Zoom Phone, a new service offering from Aggie Phone, will be available at UC Davis. A comprehensive communications platform, known for its videoconferencing capabilities, Zoom provides a superior user experience and the flexibility needed in the post-pandemic workplace. 

The technology ecosystem at UC Davis reflects the diverse communication and collaboration needs of our community. It includes Cisco, and soon, Zoom Phone. Emergency services (e.g., police, fire, panic buttons, blue light phones, elevator phones, common area phones, lab phones) will continue to use landline phones. Other vendors may be selected in the future to respond to the needs of the UC Davis campus. 

What is Zoom Phone service?

Zoom Phone is a type of phone service that utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. Zoom Phone operates on the same application used for Zoom meetings. It is flexible and versatile. It can seamlessly transfer calls across devices and to different mediums, easily switching from voice to video and back again. Using the Zoom application to make phone calls will allow UC Davis to greatly reduce the need for physical phones on campus.

When will the campus switch to Zoom Phone?

UC Davis will move users to Zoom in phases to minimize the impact on campus communications. The first pilot is set to run in the fall of 2023. If your department currently uses campus phone services, the Aggie Phone Migration Team will coordinate with your departmental leaders to determine specific telephony needs, including number assignments and programming. Once confirmed, users will be notified via email of the date their Zoom Phone will be enabled, along with training resources.  

Will I be able to keep my existing UC Davis Phone number with Zoom Phone?

Yes, you will be able to keep your current UC Davis phone number once you switch to Zoom Phone. Those who do not currently have a UC Davis phone number will receive one if their manager or supervisor has identified them as needing a Zoom Phone.

What if I don't have a campus directory phone number?

Contact your Authorized Telecommunications Representative (ATR) to put in a request for new phone service. You can find your ATR at: https://servicehub.ucdavis.edu/servicehub?id=atr_search.

If I have an existing UC Davis Cisco desk phone and/or Cisco Jabber softphone, will it still work after I get my Zoom Phone?

No. Once your Zoom Phone is enabled, any Cisco hard phone devices that you have will no longer work and existing voicemail messages will be deleted. 

Please leave your Cisco hard phone where it is currently located (e.g. on your desk) and plugged in. The Aggie Phone Migration team will be picking up hard phones at a later date.

Can I keep my assigned desk phone? 

As part of the Zoom Phone project, desk phones are not being automatically replaced. Users are strongly encouraged to evaluate the Zoom phone desktop and mobile applications for their phone needs. Any headset or headphones currently being used for Zoom video conferencing will work for Zoom Phone. No changes are necessary.

Can I request a headset to use with Zoom Phone?

Please speak to your unit administrator about purchasing a compatible headset. Note: any headset that is currently being used for Zoom video conferencing will work for Zoom Phone. No changes are needed. 

How can I prepare to switch to Zoom Phone?

You do not need to take any action until you receive instructions and guidelines from your department and the Aggie Phone Migration Team. Once your department has a "go live" date, you will receive instructions, invitations to virtual training sessions, and training materials. 

Does Zoom Phone have a mobile application?

Once enabled, you will be able to access Zoom Phone through the mobile phone Zoom app you may already be using to join video conferencing meetings. If you do not have the app and would like additional support, information on how to download and use the app will be covered in live, virtual training sessions, training recordings, and training materials.

Will there be training for Zoom Phone?

User training will be scheduled roughly one week prior to your department's "go live" date. All training recordings and materials will also be made available for those who are unable to attend the live, virtual training sessions. Zoom Phone training will show you how to use Zoom Phone on your computer and mobile device. It will also cover configurations and active call management.