Voice Services
The SUNCOM voice network began operation in 1973. Previously, state agencies had purchased telecommunications services at commercial rates from one of 24 local telephone companies operating in Florida. This all changed when a group of engineers from Cape Canaveral offered to help the State by developing contracts for voice services. Through this concept, they were able to leverage the buying power of the State and reduce costs for telecommunications services through volume purchasing.
In these early years the State’s engineers analyzed providing telecommunications service for state agencies from a long-range perspective and made this important decision to outsource through the competitive bid process. They determined that ownership of telecommunications facilities and equipment was not the most cost-effective way to develop an Enterprise network for state government in an ever changing technological environment.
The Department of Management Services Communications and Information Technology Services (CITS) continues to provide quality and cost effective voice services. Customer locations are served local dial tone using either a central office (CO) service, such as Centrex, or an on-site platform, such as a PABX or Electronic Key system. Under the Centrex service, the customer is responsible for providing the instruments, key systems, and other equipment on their premises. Through the MyFlorida SUNCOM long distance network, customers may place voice, fax and dial-up data calls within the Continental United States, Canada, and portions of Puerto Rico at low rates. MyFloridaSUNCOM transports 20+ million minutes of long distance calls per month.