Overview
As of October 15, 2025, the university's legacy (Centrex) telephony provider has initiated an end-of-service process for its traditional analog telephone services. At UIC, these analog services are mostly used on for fax machines, alarms, and other special cases where Internet-based services have not yet been implemented.
- This means that Technology Solutions is no longer able to add new, or make changes to existing, analog phone lines. We will instead work with departments to provide options to meet your needs with modern alternatives.
- If you currently have an analog line that needs repair, we will review available options with you to address your needs with minimal disruption.
In addition to the above, our vendor has also initiated a substantial and unplanned cost increase for the existing analog services. UIC Technology Solutions has initiated a review of all remaining analog phone lines with the goals of modernizing services, reducing unnecessary costs, and protecting business continuity across campus.
Why This Is Happening
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Our provider has significantly raised the monthly cost of Centrex lines.
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Some lines may be inactive, duplicative, or outdated.
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Others may not require the legacy system and could be better served by a standard Zoom Phone or Zoom Fax line immediately.
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Continuing to pay for all legacy lines at these new rates is not sustainable.
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We are acting now to avoid future cost impacts on departments.
What Units Can Expect
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Technology Solutions will work with each unit to inventory and categorize their Centrex lines.
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We are asking units to help identify whether each line should be:
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Maintained – still needed (e.g., fax, alarm, or critical use)
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Converted – migrated to a new number using Zoom Phone
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Disconnected – no longer needed - see below for instructions on how to request the removal
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No active or critical lines will be removed without departmental confirmation.
How to Request Removal of an Individual Centrex Line
To request the removal of a legacy line, please submit a ticket using the following form: Centrex Line Adjustment (submit one form for each line)
Timeline
Centrex legacy phone lines will transition to a self-supported chargeback model at the current rate of $65/month per line, effective July 1, 2026. We ask that units review and submit decisions for each of their Centrex lines by April 1, 2026.
Our Commitment
While this change was prompted by external cost increases, we are taking a proactive and transparent approach to protect UIC’s operations and budgets. We are committed to working closely with all units to make informed decisions that support long-term service stability and financial sustainability.