Moving from 3 to 4 or 5 digit dialing

[tebbing]

We're getting ready to start implimentation of a new Avaya VoIP phone system that will be integrated with our Nortel Option 11c. Eventually we're going to replace the Nortel equipment all together.

One of the things they're pushing for is to keep us on a 3 digit dialing plan, but we're going to outgrow that pretty quick, thus we're pushing for 4-5 digit dialing.

Has anyone else ever made the change in dialing plans? What is involved? Did you have any "gotcha's"?

Thanks in advance.

Thomas Ebbing
Network Administrator
Decatur Memorial Hospital

 

[GHTROUT]

My advice is to stay within the tightest range possible for as long as possible. In other words, if you are three digit dialing today, just add one digit (the same digit) to the front of everything.

Before you make the digit choice(s), buy out as many sequential DID numbers from the CO as possible. DIDs are cheap...it's the trunks that cost the most money.

Then you may decide which digit to tack onto your current extensions based upon what DID ranges you have acquired. If you need 500 numbers, get 5000....think big today and look good tomorrow.

Over time, as you grow for whatever reason, you'll be glad you reserved as many leading dial digits as possible because they will become location codes or steering codes for other locations/facilities you may occupy.

Other notes: Don't give in to using up digits just because they spell cool words, avoid using numbers ending with '00' (save them for main numbers of new ventures your firm may go into) and avoid extensions that start with 1 because there will be all kinds of misdials when people forget to dial 9 to get out. Imagine the poor soul who got extension 1888 or 1212... think how many times a day they will get a call because someone forgot to dial 9.

Just some thoughts to ponder.

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