What is Zoom Phone?
Zoom Phone is a softphone service, meaning it is a software application that allows you to make and receive phone calls over the Internet using computers, laptops, and mobile devices. This means:
- You’ll be able to use your Colby phone number wherever you may be, without the requirement of a VPN connection, as long as you have an Internet connection.
- You’ll no longer need to, and should not use or share your personal cell phone number for work purposes.
- You can easily set working hours, custom greetings, and call forwarding options through an easy to use software interface or web browser.
- By reducing the number of desk phones used across our campus we reduce electronic waste and supporting Colby's sustainability goals.
What do I need to know?
ITS will be communicating with individuals and departments across campus during the 2025-26 academic year to coordinate a time to complete the migration of individual telephone extensions. We strongly recommend using Zoom Phone on a computer (speaker or headphones) or smartphone app to make and receive calls and voicemail. We will need to know in advance which locations will require a handset, as these devices will need to be replaced.
Familiarize Yourself With Zoom Phone
The Zoom Phone feature guide can be found in the ITS online knowledge base. Because Zoom Phone can be used from any location on- or off-campus, it is also important to understand how to configure and set your emergency location.
Early Adoption
If you're ready to try Zoom Phone now, you can request that your extension be migrated. Ensure the Zoom software is installed and you are signed in on your computer and, preferably, your mobile devices. If you wish to continue to use a desk phone set, you will need to request that, as it will need to be replaced.