Whiteman announces voice over internet protocol

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
A new communication tool is coming to Whiteman in early April 2010.

Voice over Internet protocol, an upgraded telephone system, will ensure Whiteman remains on the cutting edge of technology.

VoIP equipment allows voice communication to travel over the Internet to its destination instead of a regular telephone landline, according to Staff Sergeant Matthew Ruggiero, 509th Communication Squadron communication project manager.

VoIP phones have many of the same features as landline phones, but have been enhanced according to Sergeant Ruggiero.

"VoIP improves communication between all base users," he said. "On a landline phone, only two persons can speak at a time. With VoIP, users can set-up a conference call, communicating in real time, with the added capability of video conferencing."

Additionally, the sergeant said VoIP phones can access the Global Address List by allowing users to find the most up-to-date telephone numbers on their phone.

The migration will take place over a period of time as the 509th CS staff works to transition each user to the new system. Personnel will receive the upgraded telephones at their work stations. According to Sergeant Ruggiero, the initial roll-out in April and May will be used to ensure proper function tests, systems software loading, and proper equipment programming.

"We ask that our base customers be patient during the installation process," Sergeant Ruggiero said. "Base personnel will be contacted by their telephone control officer as additional VoIP phones are procured and programmed."

Whiteman will also benefit financially.

"Currently, Whiteman has separate voice and data networks," the sergeant said. "Once we get everything installed, there will be less internal wiring, which will greatly reduce new infrastructure costs and will be less maintenance overall. Landline phones are normally billed by the minute, but VoIP calls are billed per megabyte."

Additional benefits include flexibility and added features on the actual VoIP phone according to Sergeant Ruggiero.

"Your telephone number is associated with your specific VoIP phone, not a location," he said. "Now, when users change offices, they will simply take their VoIP phone with them and plug it into another network jack.

"We are looking forward to the VoIP migration and the advantages it will bring to the Whiteman communication network," Sergeant Ruggiero said.

For more information about VoIP contact the 509th CS plans work center at (660) 687-3475.