ITS is transitioning campus to PING, a new version of softphone software. PING replaces existing softphone services Premium Communicator and UC-One Connect. Softphone services enable University customers to use their desktop or mobile devices to make and receive phone calls with their UNC phone number. Softphones are particularly useful for Tar Heels who work hybrid or remote schedules or for those without a physical office phone.
The previous UNC softphone offerings, Communicator, a desktop software, and UC-One Connect, a mobile app, are no longer supported by the vendor and must be replaced.

ITS Telecommunications, formerly known as ITS Voice Services, introduced Communicator and UC-One Connect in 2022 as part of the migration of all 17,000 campus phones from Verizon to AT&T.
These services added functionality that campus users have appreciated and relied on in the years since. Approximately 6,000 Tar Heels use the Premium Communicator software.
PING streamlines softphone service
The new software, PING, replaces the functions of the current Premium Communicator and UC-One Connect. PING, powered by Clearspan Communications, supports Single Sign-On and provides a more secure, efficient and cost-effective service.
The new PING software streamlines the softphone experience at Carolina. With the outgoing services, ITS Telecommunications supported two levels of the Communicator software, basic and premium, as well as the UC Communicator mobile service. PING consolidates the experience, both for users and ITS Telecommunications, to one software across all platforms and eliminates the Basic Communicator service.
Tar Heels can use PING on various operating systems, which offers convenience for people who make and receive calls on multiple devices. PING offers a desktop client for Mac and Windows, apps for Android and Apple devices or users can choose to work in the browser. ITS Telecommunications does not recommend using both the desktop client and browser versions on the same device, as it may cause conflicts.
If you need to call 911, use your cell phone or landline. When you use your cell or landline, your phone number and location information is automatically sent to emergency services. This ensures your call is routed to your local emergency services and responders are dispatched to you quickly.
Transitioning to PING
ITS began transitioning users to PING in August 2024, beginning with new requests for service. Basic Communicator licenses were removed in November 2024 and were not replaced with PING. Users who previously had Basic Communicator licenses can add PING for a one-time cost. For Premium Communicator customers, there is no cost to upgrade to PING.
ITS Telecommunications will batch migrate all users from Premium Communicator to PING over the coming months. ITS will contact affected users before their migration date and will hold office hours during each migration window for anyone needing assistance. Premium Communicator and UC-One will continue to function during the transition, but they are no longer supported or maintained by the vendor.
While ITS will be migrating users in batches, Premium Communicator and UC-One clients can request a free upgrade to PING at any time by submitting a Telephone Service Request.