Conference Calls

Description

This section explains how to set up conference calls using the [ Conf ] button on a system phone or the switchhook on a standard phone. A conference call connects up to five parties (including the conference originator) in a single call. Users can connect both outside and inside parties in a conference call, but the call cannot include more than two outside parties.

Related Features

You can use Outside Conference Denial (#109) to disallow conference calls with multiple outside parties.

During the conference call, any inside party can exit the call at any time simply by hanging up. However, if an outside party hangs up during a conference call, the callers that remain in the conference may hear a dial tone. Use Conference Drop to remove the last-added outside party from a conference call.

Caller ID information does not display for extensions active on conference calls.

Considerations

Users can use System Speed Dial, Personal Speed Dial, or Auto Dial numbers to add parties to the conference.

Do not add a busy or ringing outside call to a conference; if you do, all callers hear the busy or ringing signal. If you hear a busy signal or the party does not answer, reconnect with the held party by pressing the line button.

Users cannot join a conference call; the originator must add each party to the conference.

If the conference originator puts the call on hold, other parties can continue to talk. Other inside parties cannot put their extensions on hold.

When the originator hangs up, the conference is disconnected.

Conference calls cannot be transferred.

If you are using the system behind a PBX or Centrex system, the PBX or Centrex system may include a conference calling feature that lets you connect multiple callers on a single PBX or Centrex line. The number of callers you can connect depends on your PBX or Centrex system. For more information on such features, see the documentation for your PBX or Centrex system. (When your Centrex or PBX documentation tells you to use a switchhook flash, use the Recall feature instead.)

Outside parties may be harder to hear on a conference call than on a two-party call, depending on the number of parties and the outside lines connected to the system.

5-36Conference Calls

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AT&T 518-455-317 manual Conference Calls