How to make a Call 

011+Country Code + City Code + Local Number
for calls you make yourself

01 + Country Code + City Code + Local Number
for calls made person-to-person
for calls using a phone card
for calls with third-party billing
for collect calls

Overseas Locations

For a list of frequently-called overseas locations, consult your search engine or the country website.

It may take up to 45 seconds for an overseas telephone to ring.

Overseas ringing and busy signals are often different from those in Canada.

NOTE: Overseas calls are billed at Canadian long distance rates, according to the rates the University of Ottawa has negotiated with its long distance service provider. Note that students in residence are excluded from this contract.

Units vary significantly in the areas that they can cover. "Satellite" units, for example, give you the freedom to walk while you talk within a 150 foot (50 metre range of the base unit). It transmits at a frequency in the 900mz range, similar to top-of-the-line portable phones. Units operating in this frequency range tend to allow for greater coverage area.

One product that has been implemented at the University has specifications which claim potential for operation in an office area as large as 50,000 square feet (8000 metres). The method in which this is accomplished is using "radio waves" to transmit. Features, such as multi-channel scan, automatically select the best of 40 available channels.

The typical battery life on the cordless units being used at the University is six hours of continuous talk time on a single charge. We recommend that users of these devices obtain a second optional battery for their units. Doing so will increase the availability of the unit to 12 hours of continuous talk time.

Some of the cordless headsets currently on the market use infra-red as a method of communicating between the base unit and the headset. These systems allow for hands-free operation. These units are short-range systems that provide privacy and high transmission quality.

Infra-red is a technology similar to the one used in television, remote-control units. Cordless headsets using infra-red technology are designed to be used in enclosed, walled work spaces up to 12' x 12'. To ensure quality of service between the base unit and the headset, obstructions should be removed.

If you move out of range while using an infra-red cordless headset, the system automatically puts your call on hold until you are back within range. This can be really annoying to callers.

Cordless units using infra-red typically require line of site to operate effectively. The signals that are produced using infra-red do not penetrate walls, go through doorways or down hallways.

Care should be taken when requesting headsets. Coverage areas vary substantially between various models and manufacturers. Cordless means freedom from cord not freedom to wander without restrictions.

There is no sound in the speaker's headset

• Check that all cords and jacks are connected as shown in the User Guide
• Make sure that the Quick Disconnect is fully inserted into the belt-pack, that the AC adapter (power cord) is plugged in and has power.
• Check that the ON/OFF switch is in the ON position and the ON LED is lit.
• Ensure that the battery is properly installed in the belt-pack and that it has been recharged.

Your headset isn't loud enough; you can't hear the person at the other end.

• Adjust the volume control on the belt-pack until you reach a comfortable level.
• If your telephone set is equipped with volume control, you may have to increase the volume on the set.
• If you are operating in a noisy environment, placing foam cushions over the speaker portion of the unit will reduce room noise
• If room noise persists, there may be a need to use a binaural (dual-speaker) headset model. (Consult the Service Desk)

The person at the other end can't hear me

• Check that the headset is properly connected to the remote unit
• ensure that the MUTE button on the belt-pack is in the OFF position and that the MUTE light is not lit up.
• Ensure that your battery has sufficiently charged.
• If the previous checks do not remedy the problem, contact the Service Desk at extension 6555 or online.

The person at the other end can barely hear me

• Try adjusting the transmit level using the transmit (TX) volume wheel on the back of the base unit.
• Ensure that the Mute button on the belt-pack is in the OFF position and that the MUTE light is not lit up.
• Check the position of your headset microphone and ensure that it is near the corner of your mouth.

Your headset produces a buzzing sound

• This could result from the base unit being too close to your telephone and, therefore, causing interference. Try moving the base away from the phone.
• If problem persists, contact us at extension 2433 or electronically.

My headset produces a howling sound

• Either your transmit level is too high for your phone or your phone's volume control is set too high.
• Try adjusting one or both controls to an adequate level.

I can hear my voice in the speaker

• This is a normal occurrence. If you believe that the tone is too loud, adjust the signal by adjusting the transmit (TX) control wheel at the rear of the base to a lower level.
• Turn down the volume on your telephone if it is equipped with a volume control. On the MITEL sets, volume controls are indicated by up and down arrows on the sets. For Superset 420s, the keys are labelled with arrows and labelled "Volume Tone Contrast".

• At the University, we program a button on your telephone set for headset use. When you wish to use your telephone without having to use the headset, you can disable the headset using the key that has been programmed on your set.

• In call centre environments, the system can be programmed to allow additional functionality such as automatically picking up the next call without having to physically press any buttons. Care should be taken when implementing this feature. When in use, this feature results in a short tone being broadcast to the headset followed by the incoming caller being on the line. If you are not careful and conscious of the tone, you could have a caller on the line without realizing it .

• At the University, we tend to use headsets in areas that have a high number of calls.

• In a call centre environment, we use a combination of headsets and PBX features to compliment call handling.

Non-cordless headset combinations consist of two primary components including an amplifier, and a headset. To supplement these components, an adapter, that connects at the back of the (amplifier) unit and plugs into the wall, is required.

The units installed at the University consist of a base (amplifier) unit with one rotary dial for volume control and two buttons: one which controls availability of the headset and a Mute button which can be used as a method to interrupt conversation.

Many of the Troubleshooting tips and techniques outlined under "Troubleshooting Cordless Headsets" apply to non-cordless models. As a matter of reference, please review the preceding section of this document.

If you disconnect the Quick Connect plug on the headset cord will it disconnect the call?

• If you need to walk away from the telephone during a conversation, you can disconnect the Quick Connect plug without being disconnected from your call. It is, however, recommended that you use the Hold Key to place the caller on Hold. To re-establish the call, press the Hold Key again to get the caller back on the line.

Can using a headset affect my hearing?

• Some manufacturers claim that their headsets have features such as "Automatic Gain Control" with a Quick Cut feature that protects hearing from sudden unexpected blasts of volume (like those caused when accidentally dialling a fax machine or modem).

How Can I Obtain a Headset?

• Computing and Communications Services has evaluated and implemented both cordless and corded headsets at a number of locations on campus. Should you wish to obtain technical specifications, demonstration of the product or pricing please ask your administrative officer or administrative assistant to the contact us.

1. FIRST USE and TUTORIAL 

LOG-IN PROCEDURE (from your own telephone)

• • Lift the handset.
  • Dial 7000, wait for the system to answer then dial your temporary passcode 9-1-2-3-4.
  • Follow all instructions during the tutorial. 

• During this tutorial, the automated voice will help you set up your personal mailbox by helping you record your greeting, set your personal passcode, and record your name. Please go through the entire tutorial, otherwise you will not be able to listen to any of your messages.

2. USER OPTIONS

Once your voice mailbox has accepted your passcode, press 8 to access the user-options menu and its features.

• Press 4 to change your greeting. 
• Press 5 to create or modify a distribution list.
• Press 6 to record your name.
• Press 7 to change your passcode.
• Press 9 to exit to the main menu or exit from voice mail.

3. PLAYING MESSAGES

When you access your voice mailbox to retrieve messages, the system will tell you how many messages there are.

• • Press 7 to listen to a new message.
  • Press 7 to listen again to a new message.
  • Press 4 to forward a message to another voice mailbox.
  • Press 5 to keep a message.
  • Press 2 to answer after listening to a message (within the voice mail system only). 
  • Press 3 to erase a message. (If necessary, press * immediately to retrieve it.)

You may use the following keys at any time while listening to a message:

• 1 to pause for 30 seconds
• * to back up 5 seconds 
• # to move forward 5 seconds
• 8 to move to the next message
• 8* to return to the previous message.

4. FORWARD A MESSAGE TO ANOTHER VOICE MAILBOX

• After listening to the message, press 4 to forward the message to another user.
• Dial the recipient's voice mailbox number.
• You may add the number of other voice mailboxes.
• Press the # key once the list of recipients is completed.
• Record your message after the tone.
• Press 9 when you are done recording in order to send your message and exit this option.

5. MAKE A MESSAGE

Once your voice mailbox has accepted your passcode: 

• • Press 6 to make a message.
  • Dial the recipient's voice mailbox number (you may have more than one recipient).
  • Press #.
  • Record your message.

Once the message is recorded:

• Press 7 to listen to the message. 
• Press 3 to delete the message and re-record.
• Press 2 to append.
• Press 9 to send and quit.
• Press 6 to access message-addressing options, such as:
  • Press 2 for confidential
  • Press 3 for future delivery
  • Press 7 for receipt
  • Press 8 for urgent
  • Press 9 to quit.

6. DISTRIBUTION LISTS

A distribution list allows you to record a message and to forward it simultaneously to a number of people.

• To create, press 5 from the "user-options" menu and follow the system's directions.
• To modify an existing distribution list, press 5 from the "user-options" menu.
• In the "distribution-lists" menu, you may choose:
  • 2 to add a member
  • 3 to drop a member
  • 6 to record a list name
  • 7 to play list members
  • 9 to exit to the main menu.

If you anticipate being absent for a day or more, you may modify your greeting message. Your bilingual greeting during your absence could be something like :

In French :

Your name and surname. Faculty, department or service
Je ne serai pas disponible du jour/mois au jour/mois inclusivement.
Je pourrai vous répondre à mon retour le jour/mois.

(S'il y a un poste en suppléance pendant la période)
Pendant mon absence, vous pouvez communiquer avec 
name and surname au 562-5800, poste xxxx.

In English :

Your name and surname. Faculty, department or service
I will be away from day/month to day/month inclusively.
I will respond to your message when I return day/month.

(If there is a temporary replacement for the period)
While I am away, you may communicate with
name and surname at 562-5800, extension xxxx.AA

Click here for a printable quick reference chart of the Voice Messaging System

• Hello, you have reached the voice mailbox of (your name). I can't take your call at the present time, so please leave me a detailed message and I'll call you back as soon as possible.
• Hello, you have reached the voice mailbox of (your name) and today is (date). I can't take your call at the present time, but please leave me a detailed message and I'll call you back as soon as possible.
• Hello, you have reached the voice mailbox of (your name). I will be away from the office on (course, holidays, etc.) until (date). Should you need assistance during my absence, please contact (name) at extension XXXX. You may choose to leave me a message and I will return your call upon my return.

Customers with MITEL Superset 401+, 4001 and NT8009 telephones can program their telephones to access the voice messaging system. Please see the instructions below to program these devices. To find out which telephone model you have check on the cover of your telephone set.

Superset 4001

1. Press PROGRAM.
2. Press the desired Speed Call key.
3. Dial the number to be stored; for voice mail enter 7000.
4. Press PROGRAM.

Superset 401+

1. Expose the Speed Call programming button by removing the set faceplate and designation card
2. Without lifting the handset, press the Speed Call programming button (the round grey button located under the faceplate).
3. Press the desired Speed Call key
4. Enter the number to be saved; for voice mail, enter 7000.
5. Press the Speed Call programming button again.

NT8009

1. Lift the handset.
2. Wait for the dial tone.
3. Press SAVE.
4. Press the desired Speed Call key.
5. Enter the number to be saved; for voice mail enter 7000.
6. Press SAVE.

Anyone using a display phone should take note that the voice messaging systems does not accurately record the number of messages waiting. Under normal conditions the system may indicate 1 Message Waiting or if a Callback is in place a message will appear indicating that there are 2 Messages Waiting. In reality the actual number of messages waiting can only be determined by logging into your mailbox. 

The displayed message is caused by an interaction between the telephone and voice messaging systems. The telephone system cannot detect the number of messages only a coded sequence from the voice messaging system that there is a message waiting.