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Overview
UIC Technology Solutions is reviewing all remaining Centrex (legacy) phone lines following a substantial and unplanned cost increase from our telecom provider.
A Centrex line is a traditional, carrier-managed landline phone service that predates Internet-based phones. Today, these are mostly used on campus for fax machines, alarms, and other special cases where Internet-based services have not yet been implemented.
Our goal is to modernize services, reduce unnecessary costs, and protect business continuity across campus.
Why This Is Happening
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Our provider will 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Some lines may be inactive, duplicative, or outdated.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 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 with 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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Maintain – still needed (e.g., fax, alarm, or critical use)
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Convert – migrated to a new number using Zoom Phone
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Disconnect – no longer needed
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No active or critical lines will be removed without departmental confirmation.
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We are also developing solutions for critical use cases such as alarms and fax lines.
Timeline
We are aiming to complete the initial line review by November 2025. This process will be conducted in full partnership with departments to ensure all service needs are addressed.
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.