Conference Calling FAQs

How do I make a conference call?

There are two types of conference calls (not to be confused with three-way calling): a station dial conference where the caller initiates the conference call and conference calls through MCI .

STATION DIAL CONFERENCE CALL - Suggested for on-campus conference calling

A conference call can have up to six parties--five conferees plus the originator. If more than 6, contact the campus operator. Any or all of the five conferees can be outside of the University system.

There are 2 ways to place a station dial conference call: with a code or with a programmed button.

For a Code Call:

Dial the number of the first conferee.
Press the switchhook* once momentarily and listen for a "special" dial tone.
Dial the conference call access code, 802. (A fast busy signal means the circuit is busy.) You and the conferee are now in a conference call.
Press the switchhook* once and listen for the "special" dial tone.
Dial the number of the next conferee.
After the conferee answers**, press the switchhook* once and listen for the "special" dial tone.
Dial the conference call access code, 802. All conferees are in the conference call.
The conference call disconnects when the last person on a University extension hangs up.
Additional conferees can be added by repeating steps 4 through 7.

* On electronic key sets, press the "Flash" or "Transfer" key.

** If the conferee answers and does not want to be added to the conference call, or if the number is busy, do the following: Press the switchhook once, dial the conference call release code, 803, then dial the conference call access code, 802, to re-enter the conference call.

For a Programmed Button call:

If you have a Meridian Business phone set, setting up a six-way conference call is the same process as setting up a three-way conference call. NetCom can program the option on your phone and label the key for you. Call 1-4000 option 2 if you want this option.

The conference initiator establishes a two-port call on a DN key.
The conference originator then presses the CONF key, placing the called party on the conference.
The DN lamp where the conference is active changes from on to flashing, indicating that it is on hold. The CONF key lamp goes on, indicating that the originator is now in the consult (dialing) state.
To add additional parties, the originating Meridian Business Set user receives a distinctive dial tone, then dials the next potential conferee.
When the additional party answers, the originating party can transfer this consult call to the conference by pressing the CONF key.
The CONF key lamp goes off, and the DN key lamp changes from flashing to on, indicating that the originating party is again active in the conference.

MCI Audio Conferencing Options:

Instant Meeting – A personal conferencing number for your audio meeting needs.
Reserved Service Levels – Choose from 3 different levels of service for more sophisticated reservations.

If we have a several person Station Dial conference call, do we have to
individually patch each person in?

Yes, see instructions on dialing with a code or from a Meridian phone with a key programmed for this feature.

What is the per minute cost for out of area or a long distance
conference call participants?

The total cost per participant, regardless if they are local or long distance, is the same at $0.1313/participant/ minute.

We rarely have conference calls with more than 3 - 4 people; which
type of conference call should I use?

If all the participants are local, the Station Dial Conference call option is the least expensive.

How do I make an MCI instant meeting conference call?

With Instant Meeting from MCI, conference calls can be made in a moment’s notice. You are assigned a leader toll-free 800 dial in number, a leader pass code and a participant pass code that can be used at any time from anywhere as often as you want. The leader distributes the toll free number to call along with the participant pass code and the date and time of the call to all participants. Each participant can call the toll free number from wherever they are and enter the pass code to join the conference call.

To initially set up this conference calling option, please fill out and submit a TEO.

For More

Product and Service Information

Help Desk