sundance-communications.com/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems Nortel Telephones & Systems Extremely low volume on Conference Calls and "Forwarded" Calls

I have a Nortel ICS system in my office. I have my system setup with an auto attendant that allows callers to press "2" and be forwarded to my cell phone 24/7. Unfortunately, when this occurs, I have a VERY difficult time hearing the caller. I put my cell phone on speakerphone, put it right up to my ear, and sometimes it is still difficult to hear. As a clarification (perhaps unnecessary), when one presses 2, the system selects the lowest available line (typically 3) and calls out and essentially makes a conference call through the system. Of course, this problem exists when I do a traditional conference call in the office. I have 3 copper lines with Verizon that are in use with the phone system. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Anytime that someones uss conferencing the volume decreases, and even more so, the more people connected.

By pressing 2, AA is directing the call to use a "Line Pool", & in your case the last line in that pool is line 3. Normal setup. If you had it set to take a particular line and it was busy at the time, the call could not be completed.

I suggest having your friendly neighbourhood tech check the CO line settings on your CICS.

Some guys suggest has CO lines to be ordered as a 3 way calling. Said it helped. I never tried but you have nothing to loose except couple extra dollars for line price.

When Norstar does a conf, all it does is connects two lines together - you will get a db loss. Using 3-way calling through telco will help because they do an actual conf call and correct the db levels.

You can try changing the programming in Norstar.
The one setting to try ( it may or may not help ) is under EACH line:
LossPkg:MediumCO change that to LongCO
I have heard that should boost the level a bit.
Let us know if it helps.

I cannot for the life of me find this setting...

It's found within "Installer" programming. If you don't have access, or this system is still on warranty or on a maintenance plan, call your vendor.

Failing that NTLayoff's suggestion is better anyway.

If your phone lines have 3 way calling & blind transfer, if programming through the phone, change the transfer number to #542+your cell number. It will attempt to use the same line to transfer the call and release the line so that volume will be excellent. If it drops the call or rings back into your voicemail, you don't have the feature and should call your phone company to have it added. Then you will never have this problem.