Wing migrates, modernizes phone system

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaimi L. Upthegrove
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  After 19 years, the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, will migrate the telephone system to a Voice Over Internet Protocol system starting Oct. 8.

With the cost-efficient VOIP system, the phone lines will connect using the base's internet instead of a traditional physical network of cables.

The migration is estimated to take one year to accomplish.

"The mass installation will begin in October, and should take about a year to get everyone on base," said Maj. Michael Wells, 482nd Communication Squadron Commander here. "The new phones offer a lot more options than what we currently have."

There will be three different handset models installed to work with the VOIP system.

According to Bridgette Hallman, 482nd Force Support Squadron human resources assistant here, the phones are easy to figure out and user friendly. Hallman had her phone installed during the trial phase in September.

The modernization of the phone systems may bring some slight delays.

"Basically if the network is down, the phones are down," said Wells. "However, we have been preparing our network to handle this for a very long time and feel that we are prepared to handle a VOIP system."

There is also a potential for lag, or a slight delay, in the network when the base is receiving high call volumes, said Wells.

Yet, the benefits outweigh the potential for network delay with features like caller ID, speakerphone, conference capabilities, redial, and transfer capabilities.

Hallman said she liked being able to see who was calling and was able to see her recent call history on the phones display screen.

Among the benefits brought from the migration are financial savings.

"Since we don't have to pay a third party contract for telephone services, we're going to see the financial gains very quickly," said Wells. "I couldn't put a dollar amount on it, but it will be a substantial figure."

The modernization of the telephone network for the wing enhances member capabilities and saves money for the base.