Softphone Calling

Phone calls can be made from your campus phone number through Webex. Download Webex.

Important: You will need VPN access before the steps below will work if you're working off campus. Being on campus does not require the VPN. Additionally, softphones require a microphone/speakers or a headset connected to your computer. Most laptops have a built in webcam/microphone/speakers that can be used but most desktops computers do not have a microphone so be sure that you have one connected before making/receiving calls through the softphone. 

Tip: If you're working remotely, install Webex on your home computer. Do not attempt to use the phone functionality from your computer in the office. Also, if possible, exit Webex on your remote computer.

Webex will need to be configured before it can be used as a phone. Follow the steps below to do so:

1) Open Webex.

2) On the top left corner, click your initials or image and click Settings.

3) Click the Phone Services tab.

Important: If you do not have a Phone Services tab, contact the Helpdesk to have the feature enabled on your account.

4) In the username and password fields add your NetID and password. Note: Your account information may already be filled in.

Important: If you do not see a username and password field but a Server address and Domain, enter bl-ucm-sub1.msubillings.edu and msubillings.edu and then click Save. The fields will change to the username and password section after entering and saving the server settings.

5) Click the Save button. 

On the bottom left corner of the Webex  window, there will be a Phone icon indicating connectivity and desktop phone control. From here, you can access the Call settings menu for adding phone numbers for line forwarding. After adding a number(s), you can select which number to forward your phone.

Making Phone Calls through Webex

To place a phone call from Webex:

1) Click the Calls button on the left hand menu to bring up the softphone.

2) Click in the desired phone number to dial. Important: Dialing follows the same rules as your desktop phone: 4 digit extensions for internal number, 9 + 7-digit number for 406 area code numbers, and 81 + Area Code + 7-digit number for all other long distance number.

The drop down menu below the dial pad can be used to select your computer for softphone dialing or if your phone model is available the call will go out your desktop phone when placed. If working remotely, you'll want this option set to My Computer.

Answering calls through Webex

From the main chat window in Webex, ensure that you are not connected to a device by checking the bottom of the chat window. If a blue phone name is listed, click it and then disconnect. If ‘Connect to a device’ is listed and the phone services icon is present, calls will be answered through Webex.

An incoming call notification window will appear in the bottom right corner of your screen when a call is received. Click the Answer button to answer the call.

 Our campus phone numbers will show up with their configured Caller IDs in the phone system and external numbers will display as the incoming number similarly to the desktop phones.