Can I get Caller-ID at work just by buying a new phone?

[tobefirst ⚽️]

So, at my desk at the hospital, I have a Nortel Meridian M2008 Basic phone, which looks like this.

However, I know that a couple of my colleagues have the caller-ID version of this phone. I would LOVE to be able to know who is calling me. If I bought the caller-ID version off the internet somewhere, would it just work? Or is there some setting that the Voice Services or IT department has which says which phone numbers get that feature? Anyone have any idea?

 

[jsw]

Those phone systems typically shut off (from the central switch) if you unplug them until IT resets the line, so trying to replace one might not be a good idea.

 

[Warbrain]

Those phone systems typically shut off (from the central switch) if you unplug them until IT resets the line, so trying to replace one might not be a good idea.

I thought that he would've just been able to unplug the phone, plug in the new one, and go on his way.

 

[jsw]

I thought that he would've just been able to unplug the phone, plug in the new one, and go on his way.

It depends how it's set up - the systems usually won't let you do that, especially with a different phone.

 

[Warbrain]

It depends how it's set up - the systems usually won't let you do that, especially with a different phone.

I'll have to remember that and ask if I ever need to change phones.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Those phone systems typically shut off (from the central switch) if you unplug them until IT resets the line, so trying to replace one might not be a good idea.

I just unplugged the phone line from the phone and then plugged it back in. It still works. Is this good news for me?

 

[jsw]

I'll have to remember that and ask if I ever need to change phones.

You might be fine - again, it can be configured to allow that - but just keep in mind that it might require IM effort to get it running again.

I just unplugged the phone line from the phone and then plugged it back in. It still works. Is this good news for me?

Yes... but try borrowing one of the other phones and seeing it it also works. If so, you're good to go. And by "work" I mean "with your phone number, not theirs".

 

[emw]

With the phone system at our company, it requires IT to set up certain features in the main phone system in order to allow caller ID features to reach the destination phone.

Kind of like buying a phone that supports caller ID for your house doesn't give you caller ID - you have to arrange for the service through your phone company.

 

[jsw]

So, in the end, you're best off by asking IT first, then buying later if (a) it's OK with them, and (b) they won't just give you a Caller ID phone.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

So, in the end, you're best off by asking IT first, then buying later if (a) it's OK with them, and (b) they won't just give you a Caller ID phone.

Aaaactually, IT doesn't like my department at all. I'll probably just have to continue to guess at who's calling, as no one near me has a caller-ID enabled phone I could borrow.

 

[MacNut]

Ya, why not just ask them for a caller id phone.

 

[emw]

Aaaactually, IT doesn't like my department at all.

Oh, that's right, you're a "MAC" user. Of course, it couldn't hurt to try...

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Oh, that's right, you're a "MAC" user. Of course, it couldn't hurt to try...

Hahaha. You got it. Somehow, they would tie it back to that. I emailed the Administrative Assistant over there, who likes me, so I'll just wait to hear what she has to say on the issue. I'd love nothing more than to be able to avoid a call or two.