Analog vs. ISDN Telephone Service

UIS offers three types of telephone arrangements: analog lines and sets, ISDN lines and sets, and Legend electronic key systems. Please contact your telephone analyst for an evaluation of the best arrangement for your department.

Analog lines can be used when basic telephony is required. Several set models are available for analog service. The most popular model is a feature set that provides a message waiting light, caller ID display, speakerphone, and speed dial buttons which can be programmed for button access to features. Other models from which to choose include a basic telephone equipped with only a message waiting light (for voicemail indication) and 2-line sets. Extensions can be provided for analog lines, both within and between buildings.

ISDN phones are ideal for areas with heavy telephone activity, for call coverage and screening, and for departments requiring intercom. The telephone may have multiple appearances of the primary line associated with the set, other ISDN telephone numbers, software numbers, and analog numbers. Features are integrated into the set as the user chooses. Intercom groups can include lines in any Harvard building. ISDN phones provide the simplest access to features, which may be particularly important for frequent conference calls and call forwarding changes.

Legend systems (analog) can be utilized by departments which need to share common telephone lines. The sets are multi-functional with features that are accessed by codes or programmed on buttons. Intercom is provided, but must be within the same Legend system. Users have an extension (intercom) number rather than a direct Harvard line. Typically, a staff assistant will answer incoming calls and transfer the caller to the desired extension. Sending calls to voicemail may require a menu, since there is not a one-to-one correspondence of line to mailbox user. It is possible to have a direct Harvard line, but the cost advantages of line sharing are not realized.

Analog:

• Basic features such as 3-way calling, Call Hold, Caller ID, Speed dial, Call Transfer
• Analog set pricing: $1-$2.75 / month + $21 / month for analog line
• Most features accessed by dialing a code (sets with speed-dial buttons can be programmed for feature access such as call forward variable)
• Transfer and 3-party conference features are accessed through the recall button or by using the switchhook, depending upon set type

ISDN:

• Multiple call appearances of ISDN & analog lines
• Ability to cover/answer calls for faculty/staff; red “hold” button
• Button access to features (e.g. call forwarding) rather than code dialing
• Programmable Call Forward Variable button
• Frequent conference calling; speakerphone
• Intercom Feature for 2-digit dialing to members of an intercom group
• ~$18.50 / month for set + $27 / month for ISDN line

Cost to Downgrade from ISDN to Analog:
$50/line change + $42 set change = $92 one-time charge