ICTS is upgrading the Polycom handsets in various common areas across UCT, including reception areas, security stations, labs, boardrooms, and shared offices. The objective of this initiative is to enhance the overall academic and support experience of the university. The existing Polycom VVX310 phones will be replaced with the more advanced Polycom CCX400 phones from 26 October 2023. This transition is a proactive step towards improving communication and collaboration at UCT. 

Why the change? 

The VVX310 handsets have reached their end-of-life phase, making it essential to transition to a more modern and supported solution due to the lack of crucial updates, security patches, and technical support from Polycom. 

By switching to the Microsoft Teams Polycom CCX400 phones, we can ensure access to the best available tools. This strategic move allows ICTS to mitigate the potential impact of future changes to supported phone models, given that the new phones are not subject to End of Support Life.  

Phone features and their functionality 

The Microsoft Teams Polycom CCX400 phone has various features to enhance communication and collaboration.  

  • Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, simplifying virtual meetings, file sharing, and real-time project collaboration. 

  • Boasts high-definition audio and video capabilities, ensuring clear and effective communication in meetings or lectures. 

  • User-friendly interface simplifies phone operation, making it easy for faculty, staff, and students to communicate effortlessly. 

  • Integrates with calendars and meetings streamlining scheduling and attendance management. 

  • Efficiently access and manage contacts using built-in contact management features. 

How this upgrade will affect you 

The ICTS team will pre-configure the phones before the phone installation process. The phone service may be interrupted during the transition to the new phones, but the team will try to minimise disruption. 

Using the Polycom CCX400 phone 

Make a call 

  1. Pick up the handset.  

  1. Dial the desired number using the on-screen keypad.  

  1. Tap Call.  

Redial a recent number 

  1. From the Home screen, tap Recent Calls. 

  1. Tap a contact to make a call.  

Answer or decline a call 

When the phone rings: 

  1. Tap the Answer icon or pick up the receiver.  

  1. Tap the Decline icon to reject calls.  

Call management 

  1. Use on-screen options for mute, speaker, and hold during a call.  

  1. Tap the three dots for more call options.  

Add contacts  

  1. Tap More People, then Add Contact.  

  1. Enter the contact's name and number.  

  1. Save to your directory.  

Manage contacts  

  1. Tap the People icon then tap the plus sign.  

  1. On the plus sign menu, tap Create Contact or Create Group of Contacts. 

  1. Select the contact you want to remove under Contact at the right-hand top corner, tap the three-dotted icon, then tap Add or Remove. 

Join meetings  

  1. Tap Calendar to see scheduled meetings.  

  1. Select a meeting and tap join.  

Schedule meetings  

  1. Tap Calendar, then Schedule Meeting.  

  1. Fill in meeting details and invite attendees.  

Forward calls to voicemail 

  1. On the home screen, tap Settings. 

  1. In the settings menu, navigate to the Calling or Call Features option.  

  1. Look for the Call Forwarding or Forward Calls option and tap it.  

  1. Configure the call forwarding destination to Voicemail. The phone will automatically forward to your voicemail.  

  1. Save or confirm the settings. 

Forward calls to a contact number 

  1. Tap Forwarding.  

  1. Select the contact or enter the number you want calls to be forwarded to.  

  1. Save or confirm your settings.  

If you require help, please contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance by logging an online request via the Service Portal, or send an email to icts-helpdesk@uct.ac.za.