What Is It?
The university currently provide legacy Centrex (analog) phone line service that supports specialized use cases that haven’t yet moved to modern, Internet-based options, most commonly: fax machines, alarms, and other special/critical devices.
The university's external service provider for these legacy lines has initiated an end-of-service process and has also implemented a substantial, unplanned cost increase.
Because of this, Technology Solutions is reviewing remaining Centrex lines to modernize services, reduce unnecessary costs, and protect business continuity.
To assist in this process, we ask each university department with current Centrex lines to use the Submit Centrex Line Decision form linked on this page to choose one option for each line, by April 1, 2026:
- Maintain the service and accept the rates for self sustaining the service
- Disconnect the service the service if it’s no longer needed
- Convert to Zoom Phone/Fax (Migrate to a modern supported alternative)
Other Service Names
- Centrex
- Legacy phone line(s)
- Analog phone line(s)
- Traditional telephone line(s)
Features
Requirements
Important service constraint: Technology Solutions is no longer able to add new Centrex lines or make changes to existing analog lines due to the vendor end-of-service process.
Who Is Eligible To Use It?
UIC departments/units that currently have Centrex/analog lines in service for operational needs (fax, alarms, special devices, or other critical use cases).
How Do I Use It?
Select the Submit Centrex Line Decision button on this page and fill out the form once for each Centrex line in your area.
How Much Does It Cost?
Effective July 1, 2026, remaining Centrex lines will be charged back to units at a rate of $65 per line per month. This rate is expected to increase over time due to the vendor's pricing changes and end-of-service process.
Because these costs are rising and unplanned, units are strongly encouraged to cancel lines that are no longer needed or move to a modern solution (such as Zoom Phone or Zoom Fax) where feasible.
How Can I Get Support?
If you are experiencing a problem with this service, please report it. If you just have a question, feel free to ask us.
Service Levels
| Service Request Fulfillment Time |
Submissions via this page will be processed as promptly as possible.
|
| Incident Resolution Time |
Centrex (legacy/analog) lines are provided through a legacy carrier service. If there is a service outage, UIC has limited ability to troubleshoot or restore service, and resolution timelines may depend on the external carrier.
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| Service Notification Channel(s) |
Direct with clients |