We have a few client sites that have essentially the same use case : to have several phones where they want to restrict outbound calling, but pipe calls to a main control center. Residential drug treatment (phones in the dorms), conference center (phones in conference and classrooms), restricted access entrance (phone in the front entrance), etc.
One of the sites is a conference center with 6 conference buildings on campus. And as well a few temporary residential rooms for visiting medical staff. We would like to have phones in the rooms that if they pick it up, they can dial 911, or they can dial the main office front desk to report issues or request services. Maybe a ring group that rings several extensions (front desk, maintenance, etc) Or it hits an IVR that gives them options to press 1 for. 2 for, 3 for. but that’s it - no external calls can be made, unless the “feature” is unlocked (passcode per user)
AS I was now typing this I had a few ideas of how it could be done, Maybe using Dial Patters to restrict anything other than a single ZERO or 911, and anything else gets a message played (press zero for operator) or any other attempt connects to the operator IVR.
OK !!!
Maybe success ? After thinking though it while typing that up, It gave me an Idea. In the outbound routes I set up an outbound route with NO TRUNK, but “Optional Destination on Congestion” set to an announcement. Then, in Dial Patterns, I set callerID to my test extension. and the Match to anything.”.” . And then dialing 5555 it played the announcement.
Can you elaborate on what you mean by this please? So, it doesn’t automatically starting ringing the control centre, as you want them to dial 911 if they want.
Extension Routing is the appropriate commercial module for this, and probably the right thing to do for the use case rather than messing with dial plans. Having said that, if you want to be creative to get it done then go for it, sometimes that’s what FreePBX is for.
Control center / front desk / security room, or even an IVR, etc.
Several of the agencies we work with are multi floor homeless shelters where hundreds of people live. Another org is a drug treatment center with 3 locations and another facility is a convention center with 6 different buildings that host events.
Correct, with the method I set up (I got it fully working already) the extension can still dial 911, but any other dial pattern results in sending the call to an IVR with options for things like submitting a maintenance issue, announcing upcoming class and training schedules, getting connected to a person at the front desk or security office, or announcing the facilities WiFi SSID and password. I have a list of use cases already.
Having public extensions that can call for help but are otherwise locked down and redirected to put you in touch with staff are very useful. The homeless shelters go into lock down from 10pm -5am and guards start making rounds. We can now put a call box outside at the front door so when someone comes home from work, they can call in and the guards on duty can get the call even if they are walking rounds, and we dont have to worry about that extension getting abused with off site calls.