Using the Conference Call Feature on the Avaya 1608 IP Desk Phone

The Avaya 1608 IP desk phone is part of the high quality, low cost 1600 series of business telephones. Designed to meet all basic communications needs, 1600 series telephones offer a wide range of popular telephone features and are suitable for all types of business.

Similarly to other IP office phones, the Avaya 1608 enables users to hold conference calls with up to 64 parties taking part in a single call.

Here is a guide to using the conference call facility…

Starting a Conference Call

To start a conference call, you must be connected to a required party or have one or more calls on hold.

1. If you are not already connected, make a call to or answer a call from a required meeting member
2. Press the CONFERENCE key
3. The first call will automatically be put on hold while you add additional callers to your meeting
4. Dial the number of the next person you want to join the call
5. When connected and they agree to join the conference, press the CONFERENCE key again
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all meeting members are connected
7. If any of your callers do not want to join the conference call, press DROP and then the appearance key of the held call (indicated by a flashing green light)

Add Additional Calls to a Conference

Additional parties can be added to a conference call at any point as follows…

1. Press HOLD to put the conference call on hold (other parties can continue to talk to each other)
2. Press an available appearance key on which you can make an outgoing call
3. Dial the number of the person you want to add to your conference
4. If they answer and are happy to join your meeting, press the CONFERENCE key
5. If they are not available or do not wish to join the conference, press DROP and then the appearance key of the held call to continue your conference with your existing colleagues

Viewing Conference Details

To see a list of the parties participating in your conference call…

1. Use the up and down arrows to scroll to your conference call on your telephone display
2. Press the DETAILS soft key:
   1. Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the list of conference call members
   2. To drop a caller from the conference, press the DROP key
   3. Press EXIT to go back to the call display

Dropping Callers from a Conference Call

Callers can be dropped from a conference call at any time as follows…

1. Press DROP and the details of the conference call will be displayed
2. Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the list of callers
3. Press DROP to remove your chosen caller from the conference
4. Press EXIT to go back to the call display

Putting a Conference Call on Hold

A conference call can be put on hold at any time similarly to putting a normal telephone on hold.

1. Press the HOLD key to put the call on hold – the appearance key for the call will show a fast-flashing green light
2. Press the call appearance key to remove the conference call from hold

Transferring Calls Using Conference

You can effectively transfer calls and connect callers to each other via the conference feature.

1. If you have a call on hold and are connected to a second call, press the CONFERENCE to connect them
2. Press DROP to drop yourself from the call and the call between the 2 other parties will continue

 

Summary

The use of telephone conferencing has become a popular way for companies to hold meetings without the need for costly and time-consuming meetings.

If you are considering telephone conferencing equipment for your business, contact Direct Voice and Data for a discussion of your needs. Call 0800 84 999 84 or visit our website.