What is Zoom Phone Services?
Zoom Phone is a type of phone service that utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This allows users to make voice calls over an internet connection, rather than through a traditional, copper phone line.
Zoom Phone Services operates on the same application client used for Zoom meetings. It is flexible, as it can seamlessly transfer calls across devices, and even transition a voice call into a video conference call.
Training Resources
Zoom has many training resources for users to learn how to use Zoom Phone quickly. You can start by watching a brief video introduction to Zoom Phone Services.
For further training, visit the Zoom Learning Center. There, you will find video tutorials and read how-to articles to get the most out of Zoom Phone Services.
What Are the Benefits of Zoom Phone Services?
Zoom Phone is a step forward in how OIT delivers seamless campus technology experiences. This service benefits the campus by being:
- Familiar, integrating with our existing Zoom usage for web conferencing and remote learning.
- Versatile, allowing varied device options and communication methods like transferring SMS messages into Zoom calls to your phone, desktop, or conference room.
- Reliable, utilizing stronger networks to minimize connectivity issues and enhance call quality.
- Convenient, maintaining existing phone numbers and expanding support resources so you have less to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Zoom Phone?
As UC Merced makes adjustments and performs budget reduction practices one such area to reduce cost was our telephony services. As a benefit to our long standing relationship with Zoom, we are able to provide both a better telephony service on top of reducing campus costs for this core service. Zoom phone is a reliable and flexible telephony system, and is increasingly accessible for all of campus with OIT's support of Zoom for all bobcats.
When will UC Merced transition to Zoom Phone?
UC Merced will begin transitioning to Zoom Phone in September 2025 with the intent of migrating all phone users, including those on the current Clearspan VoIP service and those with ATT landlines, to Zoom Phone by the end of the 2025 calendar year.
If I have an desk phone currently, will it work after the zoom phone migration?
Unfortunately, the current desk phone hardware is not compatible with Zoom Phone. We strongly encourage those with desk phones to evaluate if the Zoom app on their computers or mobile devices will suffice. If a desk phone is needed, departments will be able to purchase one through our VoIP Services request.
Will I be able to keep my assigned desk phone?
As part of this project, desk phones are not automatically being replaced. Users are strongly encouraged to evaluate the Zoom Phone desktop and mobile applications for their phone needs. If a physical phone is required, departments will be able to purchase them through our VoIP Services request.
Will I be able to keep my current phone number with Zoom Phone?
Users with accurate and up-to-date UC Merced phone numbers will retain their existing number.
What steps do I need to take to prepare for the Zoom Phone Migration?
OIT will directly communicate with existing telphony users and their CAOs to prepare all for the migration. Until then, you can learn more about Zoom Phone on the Zoom Learning Center.
Does Zoom Phone have a mobile app?
Yes, the Zoom Workplace app for iOS and Android works for Zoom Phone as well as Zoom Conferencing and Zoom Chat.
What should I do if my phone service did not migrate over to Zoom Phone?
Please open up a ticket on the ServiceHub.
How do I request a new Zoom Phone line?
A Zoom Phone can be requested via the ServiceHub.
