Innovative internet phones offered to incoming Dartmouth freshmen garnered national attention this week, but many Dartmouth students, including freshmen, remain unaware of the new technology that would allow them to use their computers as telephones free of charge.
These internet phones are made possible by converged data and phone lines and will enable Dartmouth students to make unlimited long-distance and local phone calls from their computers, though international calls are limited to Canada.
The system, which will function on both the wired and wireless networks on campus, is made possible by "voice over internet protocol," or VoIP. The main idea, said Associate Director for Telecommunications Bob Johnson, is to "enable you guys to move -- to make phone calls wherever you are at."
The original plan was to allow freshman to download the free software from the Dartmouth website. They would need to purchase a headset or handset with a speaker, which are currently sold in Carson for $39-60. Students would use their Blitzmail ID and password with the internet phone.
Technical difficulties, however, seem to be part of the reason many '07s have yet to dial into this new service. Johnson explained that problems arose as they attempted to tie this system in with the Blitzmail DND.
"That requires a software patch that will require us to create new user names," he said. Those who wish to use the service must now obtain a CD and special user name from computing services rather than simply download the program.
For now, only 200 Dartmouth students will be able to use internet phones. Telephone Service Technician Kathy Marlar said that students are going to be "told to e-mail me at a certain time, and the first responses will get the software in the mail." All other students will be put on a wait list. Johnson believes the system will be offered to the campus as a whole next year.
VoIP technology was made possible when "the entire data network was upgraded," Johnson said. The project, undertaken during the Winter and Spring terms, cost the college a little over $1 million.
The bandwidth capacity was increased tenfold, increasing the core's megabit capacity. Johnson compared this to a "small little pipe, and you increase the size of that pipe ten times."
Johnson also said that the system "will have no ongoing costs besides typical administrative costs." This is because the network lines on campus will be converged, meaning that both internet and telephone service will be accessible through a single line.
The transition to internet phones will probably occur over years, as Dartmouth's contract with the existing phone company on campus will last for three years.
Most Dartmouth students, however, know little about the new technology.
David Strange '07 said that he "had never heard" of the service, while Claudia Rueda '06 said she was aware of the project but was unsure of its current status on campus.
The outcome of Dartmouth's VoIP technology remains to be seen, but it has the potential to transform communication in the Dartmouth community. Could a free phone attached to Dartmouth computers eventually replace cell phones or blitz mail?
Many students said they were unsure that it would have a great impact on their lives at Dartmouth. Diana Bradford '06 said, "I don't plan on using the system this year ... I have a cell phone with many unused night and weekend minutes for long distance."
Liz Vaughan '05 agreed. "I may not use it really, partly because I have a cell phone and the only place I really go with my computer is the library."
