Audio Conferencing Services

VCU offers an enhanced, interactive audio and data conferencing service. This service provides more reliable, flexible and easy-to-use functions. It supports voice and data conferencing that can include slides, web tours, application sharing and other features.

To request this service click the orange "SUBMIT A HELP REQUEST" button in the upper right corner of this page.

Audio Conferencing Features and Charges
A list of features, descriptions and approximate charges
Service Level	Description	Approximate Charges
Audio Conferencing Instant Meeting	The standard service that does not require reservations and can accommodate up to 50 participants *For 51-100 participants an additional monthly subscription fee is required	Approximately 2.2 cents per minute, per participant. Example: One host and three remote participants (each with their connection) hold an Instant Meeting. The charge is 2.2 cents times 4 participants = 8.8 cents per minute. (Instant Meeting is the service that likely will be used most often).
Standard or Premier Audio Conferencing	An enhanced operator guided service that permits reservations to be made 30 minutes or more before the event and can accommodate an unlimited number of participants. Authorization code required: 5747414	Approximately 10.9 cents per minute, per participant. Example: One host and three remote participants (each with their connection) hold a Standard or Premier Audio Conferencing call. The charge is 10.9 cents per minute times 4 participants = 43.6 cents per minute.
WebEx Enterprise Edition Conferencing	A web based conferencing platform that allows the presenter to share documents, presentations, applications, whiteboards, etc.	This service requires a monthly subscription of $149.95 per month. In addition to the monthly subscription fee, usage is approximately 13.4 cents per minute, per participant. Example: One host and three remote participants (each with their connection) hold a WebEx Conference call. The charge is 13.4 cents per minute times 4 participants = 53.6 cents per minute.

NOTE: All calls will incur an additional Federal Universal Service Fund (FUSF) fee which will be incorporated in the total charge of each call. This fee, imposed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) changes quarterly. Historically the FUSF fee has been as low as 15% and as high as 28%.

Audio Conferencing Instant Meeting

Instant Meeting conferencing gives you on-demand conferencing allowing you to initiate a conference 24 hours a day, seven days a week – without the need to make a reservation. Holding a conference is as simple as dialing a permanent number and entering a conference code. All U.S. participants dial a toll-free, 866 number to access a conference. Verizon’s Instant Meeting conferencing service offers a variety of features to customize your conference in addition to providing quick access to your call. Standard options can be viewed here: Instant Meeting Standard Features. It's easy to manage your account once established (Please note: when you click this link you will be directed to another website managed by Verizon).

Call Recording Fees:

Call Recording - Charged as an additional participant

Instant Playback - Usage is billed @ 17.6 cents per minute for each replay on recorded calls

Downloadable File: Flat rate of $27.50

*Call recording directions can be viewed here Web Moderator User Guide (.pdf)

There are two options for audio conferencing subscribers who need to host meetings with greater than 50 participants.

Option one: Make a reservation for a one-time audio conference

If existing Instant Meeting subscribers need to schedule a call, they may schedule a reserved meeting conference. Please see Standard or Premier Audio Conferencing below.

Option two: Purchase additional ports for the existing Instant Meeting

For a higher monthly fee (plus the standard per minute fee), users may opt for larger port capacities up to 100 attendees. Recommended option if frequent meetings are held exceeding 50 participants.

Instant Meeting for up to 50 attendees: $0.00/month

Instant Meeting 51-60 ports: $41.40/month

Instant Meeting 61-70 ports: $46.60/month

Instant Meeting 71-80 ports: $51.75/month

Instant Meeting 81-90 ports: $56.95/month

Instant Meeting 91-100 ports: $62.10/month

Standard or Premier Audio Conferencing

Verizon’s Standard or Premier Audio conferencing service combines a personal touch with our feature-rich conferencing service. With a wide range of features and enhancements, it’s easy to customize your conference. Our expert operators manage all the details so you can concentrate on delivering your message. Dozens of options are available to record, broadcast, schedule and administer your meetings. Choose one or many, depending on the demands of your call.

To Make a Reservation for a One-Time Audio Conference:

Dial the Reservations Center at 800-475-5000, opt. 1, then opt. 2
When asked to provide a reference number, provide the VCU Authorization Code: 5747414
Have the following information prepared to provide the reservationist:

Date and Start Time the meeting will take place
Approximate duration of the meeting (ex: 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc…)
Approximate # of attendees
NOTE: Reserved conferences may be subject to overbooking fees. Verizon allows a 50 port grace; anything in excess of 50 unused ports will be charged per reserved port (ex: meeting reserved for 200 people and only 100 attend: 100 + 50 port grace = 50 lines subject to overbooking fee).
Desired Conference Settings & Features (ex: mute on entry or open lines for attendees, Conference recording, Question and Answer Session)

Upon confirming all of the conference details, the reservationist with save the order and you will receive an email confirmation containing the dial-in numbers and passcodes for your meeting.
Distribute the dial-in number(s) and the participant passcodes to your attendees.

NOTE: Reserved Calls are subject to a late cancellation fee if not cancelled within 1 hour of the scheduled start time.

WebEx Enterprise Edition Conferencing

Verizon’s WebEx conferencing service provides you with all the advantages of face-to-face communication, while improving productivity and reducing the expense of travel: WebEx is a video conferencing tool that incorporates audio, high-definition (HD) video, and real-time content sharing. It helps organizers and participants streamline the entire meeting process and reduce email clutter with highly secure online spaces for storing, accessing, and updating activities and information related to each meeting. A tour of the application can be viewed here: WebEx Enterprise Edition Conferencing

This article was updated: 01/18/2021