The campuswide switchover to the Voice over Internet Phone (VoIP) system has presented a learning curve for those installing it and those receiving it.

The switchover, which will be complete by February, has run into some setbacks, including delayed installation in Wickes Hall.

Connie Schweitzer, director of business services, said that network closets in Wickes need to be upgraded for cooling purposes.

Cable in the building also needs to be upgraded to support the network and phones.

She added that the installation of the Internet phone system will only take place on the second and third floors of Wickes Hall.

Schweitzer said that despite some issues with the implementation, the process is going fairly smoothly.

“There were a few bumps in the road, but we’ve worked through it,” she said.

She said that she gives credit to Information Technology Services (ITS) during the switchover because “it’s new to them, too.”

Ken Schindler, director of ITS, was unavailable for comment about the VoIP implementation.

VoIP run as devices on an Internet network, which will allow the University to save money and allow easier maintenance of the system.

One of the first buildings to receive the Internet phones was Zahnow Library.

Linda Farynk, library director, said that receiving the new phones and learning to use them has been an interesting experience for those working in the library.

She said that the beginning of the installation was difficult and she would have liked to have more information about the installation to help it along.

“I think that better communication would have made for a smoother implementation,” she said.

Farynk said that installing the Internet phones in the library created a problem with the use of cordless phones. The circulation desk, located on the first floor, needed special permission to keep its analog cordless phones.

Greg LaLonde, the Student Technology Center coordinator on the second floor in Zahnow, said that the VoIP have helpful features.

“I like it,” he said. “It’s got a lot of potential.”

He said that he likes the call history feature because he works part time and it allows him to stay in touch with others.

However, he added that the feature is “not very accurate” and that he has had some problems returning phone calls.

The last buildings to receive the Internet phones will be the Doan and Student centers, the Ryder Center, Founder’s Hall, the Art Studio, South Campus Building C and the Greenhouse.

Schweitzer said that these buildings are the last to switch over because there are few phones in these areas.

The first floor of Wickes Hall will receive the phones after renovations are complete.

Schweitzer also said that there will be voicemail changes after the installation is complete, but faculty and staff shouldn’t notice these changes.