Information for Faculty, Staff & Departments Information for Students

Using Modems or FAX Machines

Because the Swarthmore telephone system uses digital technology, devices like FAX machines or modems will not work on the system without additional equipment. The College does not currently provide this equipment to students. It is available for purchase by College departments, but it is fairly expensive (about $700). The digital technology is also incompatible with phones that you may buy or bring with you from home. Conversely, the telephone in your room or office will not work anywhere else but on the Swarthmore system.

Please do not attach fax machines, modems, answering machines, portable telephones, other telephones, or any other devices to the jack in the wall. Attaching other pieces of equipment to the Swarthmore telephone system may seriously damage both the equipment and the system. Swarthmore College is not responsible for any damage to any non-compatible equipment that you might attach to either the telephone or the jack.

If you have special telephone needs (amplification, TDD) please contact the Help Desk (ext. 4357).

Do not disconnect the Swarthmore telephone from its cord or its jack for any reason.