Service Description

Local provider telephone service consists of a range of telephone circuits that are normally used to connect telecommunications equipment to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in small off-campus offices where campus dial tone is not feasibly extended. As part of the service, TR-Business Services will review monthly local provider billing statements to help ensure accuracy.

Local access lines are offered by providers such as CenturyTel, Grande, Time Warner and AT&T. 

Local access service can be provided as basic lines or with a combination of features including the following:

• Hunting or rollover
• Foreign Exchange (FX) Service
• Call forwarding
• Conference
• Direct Inward Dial (DID)
• CO based voice mail

Digital service lines include the following:

• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) based Basic Rate Interface (BRI)
• Primary Rate Interface (PRI)
• Fractional or multi-span T-1 circuits

Local provider telephone service typically provides an individual main directory listed number regardless of the number of actual circuits. The function of sending individual calls to a main number to each successive telephone access line is performed by the service provider and is usually called hunting. Hunting is normally required for two or more lines to be reached from a single published number.  Local access lines require on-site common control equipment such as a key system or PBX to route incoming calls to users and to allow individual users to place outgoing calls.  Local access lines also provide the primary access to local and long distance calling.

TR-Network Operations will support each prospective location in determining the site’s call traffic needs. Call traffic design is key to determining the actual number of local access lines required. TR-Infrastructure Services will also support the customers through the entire process of obtaining the service. This support will include assistance with ordering local access lines through TR Business Services. 

The purchase and maintenance of the actual desktop telephone system is the responsibility of the customer. More information about suitable phone systems for specific calling needs can be obtained by contacting TR-Infrastructure Services.

The following table provides a brief summary of the available local access line telephone services and features:

After an order is placed, the service provider selected will provide the service in accordance with a standard TR work order.  After the local access line(s) is installed, the service provider will provide all maintenance and repair.  Billing is handled by TR on a monthly basis.  Service outages or repair should be referred to the ITAC Service Desk at 512-245-ITAC (4822) or to the service department of the local provider

Customer Responsibilities

Before calling TR, the following information should be available:

• Service location (street address)
• The actual number of users and incoming phone lines required
• The system manufacturer and model number of existing phones, if available

How Do We Charge?

Billing rates are available here.

Service Level Objectives

Technology Resources strives to measure performance attained in the delivery of services to our customers through established Services Level Objectives. Service Level Objectives are intended to be as follows:

  ♦ Attainable  ♦ Measurable  ♦ Understandable  ♦ Meaningful  ♦ Controllable  ♦ Affordable  ♦ Mutually acceptable

See Technology Resources Service Level Objectives to view SLOs related to delivery of these services.

For Further Information or to Request Any Service

Contact the IT Assistance Center
Phone: 512-245-ITAC (4822)
Email: ITAC@txstate.edu
LIVE Chat: http://remotehelp.css.txstate.edu
Walk-In: Math/Computer Science Building (MCS), 2nd Floor