Network And Communication Services

Network and Communication Services - San Diego Unified School District Conference Center Photo

Network and Communication Services Team

The Network & Communication Services Department team delivers comprehensive support to ensure fast, reliable, and secure communication across the San Diego Unified School District.

Our responsibilities include:

  • Design, install, and support the district's local and wide area network (LAN/WAN) infrastructure
  • Maintain and upgrade the district's wireless network to ensure strong and consistent connectivity
  • Manage and maintain all network hardware and systems
  • Install, upgrade, and maintain structured cabling and fiber optic infrastructure
  • Oversee telecommunication systems, including VoIP, traditional phone services and voicemail
  • Support emergency radio systems and manage cellular devices across the district
  • Ensure all SDUSD students have access to internet connectivity at home through hotspot distribution and broadband support
  • Administer the district's Emergency Communication System to ensure timely and effective responses during critical situations

Wireless Instructions

Below are the Wireless Guides to aide in getting online

Connecting to SDUSDGuest Wireless Network

Follow these steps to connect to the district's guest wireless network:

Step 1: Access Network Settings

desktop_ssid

Click on the network icon in the system tray

Step 2: Select Network

Select "SDUSDGuest" from the available networks

Step 3: Connect

connection_prompt

Once selected, click the connect button

Step 4: Accept Terms

policy

Once you click connect, you will be directed to a terms of use page. Click "Accept" to agree to the terms of use policy.

Step 5: Confirmation

connected

You will receive a "Connection Successful" message. You can now access the internet.

Need Help?

For further assistance, please contact the Help Desk at (619) 209-4357

AT&T Cell Phone Options

Current pricing and options for AT&T cellular devices and services available through the district.

Device Pricing

MODEL New Activation/Approved Upgrade Pricing (incl. Tax)
Apple iPhone
iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Black $314.31
iPhone 16 128GB Black $57.56
iPhone 17 256GB Black $414.31
Charging Block/Wall Adapter $22.61
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy S24 Onyx Black 128GB $5.64
Samsung Galaxy S25 Silver Shadow 128GB $119.74
Charging Block/Wall Adapter for Samsung $22.61
AT&T Flip IV Ask For Quote

Rate Plans

Smartphone Rate Plan (iPhone & Samsung)

  • Unlimited Talk/Text/Data: $48/mo (With Taxes and Fees)
  • Unlimited Talk/Text/Data/Hotspot Tethering: $58/mo (With Taxes and Fees)

Standard Cell Phone Rate Plans (Flip Phone)

  • Flat Rate: $5/mo; $0.06/min
  • Individual 450: $29.99
  • Individual 900: $44.99
  • Individual Unlimited: $49.99

Optional Plan Add-Ons (Flip Phone)

  • Text 200: FREE
  • Text 1500: $5.00
  • Text Unlimited: $8.00

Cell Phone Ordering Instructions

Step-by-step guide for ordering cellular devices through the district procurement system.

Ordering Process

  • Create an EPRO for device (Vendor number 0000000226)
  • To keep an existing district cell phone number, please note this request on the EPRO.
  • Specify the desired type/model of cell phone being ordered.
  • Specify a contact person for questions regarding the order
  • Specify who the order is for: Name, Employee ID, Job Title.
  • The phone will be delivered to the Telecommunications office, and you will be notified when it is ready for pick up.
  • Monthly bills are mailed to the user's site/department for approval. Once reviewed and approved, forward full invoice to A/P, Ed Ctr 3141.

District-Paid Service Positions

Job titles that will have their monthly service paid by the District:

  • Superintendent
  • Area Superintendent
  • Chief
  • Executive Director
  • Director
  • Principal
  • Instructional Support Officer
  • General Counsel

Site-Paid Service

For a new account, if the User's title doesn't qualify for district paid service, then an EPRO will need to be done for a Term P.O. for the remaining of the fiscal year.

Cell Phone - Staff and Administrator Reassignment

Process for managing cellular devices when staff members change positions or sites within the district.

Reassignment Policy

  • The cell phone and associated number belong to the specific site and are funded by the site's department.
  • When changing sites, the employee's new site/department will need to purchase them a new phone if needed.
  • Existing cell phone numbers remain tied to their original site and are not transferable.
  • This ensures continuity of communication and efficient resource use across all our sites.

Important Notes

  • Cell phones are site assets, not personal devices
  • Phone numbers stay with the originating site/department
  • Budget responsibility transfers with site changes
  • Contact telecommunications for assistance with transfers

Radio Ordering

Information about ordering radio equipment and accessories for district operations.

Equipment Description Equipment Details Price
Motorola R2 UHF Two Way Radio 16 Channel 4W UHF Model (403-470 MHz).
AAH11YDC9JA2AN/QA09091 MOT R2 400-527 4W NKP ANA/DIG
- Standard Battery (2300 mAh Li-ion, IP 55 Battery)
- Standard Charger (120V 90 Minute Rapid Rate Drop In Charger)
- Antenna
- 3" Spring Action Belt Clip 		Create I.T. Help Desk ticket for quote
Replacement Battery Standard Battery (2300 mAh Li-ion, IP 55 Battery)
- Slim Battery: Li-Ion, 2100mAh, IP55, Slim Battery 		Create I.T. Help Desk ticket for quote
Replacement Chargers Standard Charger (120V 90 Minute Rapid Rate Drop In Charger)
- 6 Battery or Radio inserts (120 V) 		Create I.T. Help Desk ticket for quote

Ordering Information for Requisition

Vendor Information

Vendor: Bearcomm
Vendor #: 0000003807

Important: Include which color sticker to program the radio for:

  • Green: Admin
  • Blue: General Staff
  • Red: PrimeTime

Shipping Address

SDUSD Warehouse
2351 Cardinal Lane
San Diego, CA 92123

Radio Troubleshooting

Common radio issues and step-by-step troubleshooting procedures for district radio equipment.

Radio Channel Programming Guide

  • Channel 1: All radios; general communications for radio site traffic (GREEN, BLUE, RED)
  • Channel 2: ONLY Admin Radios can communicate on this channel (GREEN)
  • Channel 3: All radios; may be used as a spare channel for site (BLUE, RED)
  • Channel 5: All radios; but reserved for the Site's PRIME TIME Program (RED)

Radio Sticker Colors

  • GREEN - Admin Radio
  • BLUE - General Site Radios
  • RED - Prime Time Radios

Troubleshooting

1. Radio is not sending/receiving transmissions (cannot be heard)

  1. Verify radio is on the correct channel.
  2. Call another radio (that has the same color sticker)
  3. Check battery - Press upper round button on left side of radio. LED light on top will be:
    • Solid Green - Good Battery. Should be able to call out
    • Solid Yellow/Orange - Fair Battery. Should be able to call out
    • Flashing Red - Low Battery. Insert battery into charging station immediately

2. Radio Transmission gets cut off or is not heard

  1. Verify radio is on the correct channel
  2. Verify battery has sufficient charge
  3. Verify user is FULLY pushing transmission button
  4. If not resolved, call I.T. Help Desk and open a trouble ticket.

3. Radio will not power on/stay on

  1. Remove battery and replace with a known working battery - test
    • If radio powers on and works, order new battery.
    • If not resolved, call I.T. Help Desk and open a trouble ticket.

4. Radio powers off and on throughout the day

  1. Check to make sure battery is LOCKED in place. If this does not resolve, call I.T. Help Desk and open a trouble ticket.

5. Red/Orange Light Blinking

  1. Radio is in "scan" mode
  2. Clear "scan" mode by pressing the round button w/bump on it - located on left side of radio.
  3. If issue is not resolved, call I.T. Help Desk and open a trouble ticket.

6. Physical Damage to device

  1. Including Knobs, antenna, radio housing, call I.T Help Desk and open a trouble ticket.

Emergency Communication System (ECS)

InformaCast Emergency Communication System implementation and support information for all district sites.

InformaCast is a mass notification system that allows sites to broadcast critical alerts during emergencies.

Login here to access the platform:

InformaCast - Login

Key Features of the System

  • Zone-based paging: interior, exterior, or both.
  • Classroom paging with two-way communication through VoIP phones and classroom IP clocks/speakers.
  • Customizable bell schedules and ring lists.
  • Ability to setup SMS/Email notifications utilizing Campaigns (site specific).

Platform Resources

ECS Support Contacts

ITSS Help Desk

Phone: 619-209-4357
Online: FreshService Ticketing System

  • Grant or modify site bell permissions.
  • Assign VoIP Phone as ECS Speaker.
  • Troubleshoot busy signals on ECS speakers.
  • Assigning Speed Dial to Access ECS platform Mass Notifications.
  • Adjust Clock Time.
  • Change Pin for Authorized Users.
  • VoIP Platform and Singlewire Cloud Configurations.
  • On-Prem InformaCast Fusion Appliance.
  • Distribution List and Campaign Adjustments (DHH).

    • PPO Work Order Desk

    Phone: 619-278-6740
    Online: PPO Work Order

  • Daily Bell Schedules.
  • Device Groups / Zones.
  • Bell Tones. (custom options not supported)
  • Speaker Volume Adjustments.
  • Device repairs due to physical damage or vandalism.

    • Internet4All Program Info & Support

    Ensuring all SDUSD students have access to reliable internet connectivity at home through comprehensive support and resources.

    Program Overview

    The Internet4All program is designed to bridge the digital divide by providing internet access solutions for students and families who need connectivity support for remote learning and educational activities.

    Hotspot Support:

    Voicemail Guides

    With the recent change to our new Cisco Unity voicemail system, you may find the links provided useful.

    Below are descriptions of each of the guides. Please click on the guides to open the PDF documents.

    Cisco VoIP

    Checking Voicemail Remotely

    Need to access voicemail when you're away from your desk? This guide walks you through checking messages from a remote location.

    Wallet Card

    Have questions about the features of the new voicemail system? The Wallet Card provides a quick overview of how to listen to voicemail and use the new features available in Cisco Unity.

    Mitel

    ED CENTER Mitel UNITY VOICEMAIL GUIDE

    This quick reference guide includes step-by-step instructions for setting up voicemail, accessing messages, and using essential shortcuts.

    Team Shout Outs!

    Below are the kind words our valued team has received

    STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

    "I just wanted to give a shout-out to Jason Nguyen and Manny Villarreal, both Data Techs for SDUSD. They swapped out some faulty phones for us and they had fantastic customer service. Kudos to some great hires!"

    - John Aguilar, Principal of Normal Heights Elementary

    "I wanted to take a moment to tell you about the wonderful effort that Armando Marin gave today trying to fix our new copier fax issue...He went above and beyond and I really appreciate it."

    - Becky Cisneros, Due Process Hearings and Mediation

    "I want to express my sincere gratitude for the support that we received from Manny Villarreal yesterday!! What an impressive person! He was able to help us with the multiple issues that we were experiencing, and he did it with such a positive attitude. Everyone in the front office at Valencia Park says a huge THANK YOU!!."

    - Lori Moore, Principal of Valencia Park Elementary School

    "I just wanted to reach out to let you know how amazingly helpful Jason Nguyen has been with a tech issue I have been having. He has really gone above and beyond to help solve my issue. You are so lucky to have someone like him on your team! He's awesome!"

    - Dana Dale, English Teacher - Hoover High School

    "I wanted to give some kudos to Armando Marin, the tech who came to our site for Ticket 401129. He was able to quickly identify the problem, he clearly communicated the issue with the site tech. Kudos to Armando for his competency, communication and customer service."

    - Steve Durham, Site Tech - Clairemont High School

    "I was reaching out to you because I wanted to mention that one of your employees, Manuel Villarreal, he has been a great help to the Signal Shop. While Andrew Nguyen was off work, he stepped up greatly. We ran into an issue a couple weeks back with one of our comm servers for access control and he was able to help me get all of the access control panels associated with the comm server back online within a few days."

    - Anthony Marquez, Signal Tech

    "I had a recent issue with the wifi /connectivity in my classroom starting yesterday and I figured it might work itself out by this morning. Well, it was still down when I tried to log in this morning. I immediately called the IT number and spoke to one of your customer representatives. A few hours later I had Mr. Nguyen walk into my room and he fixed the issue within a few minutes. Mr. Nguyen was polite and very professional."

    - Michael Dominguez, Education Specialist

    Ongoing Network Projects & Upgrades

    Stay informed about current network infrastructure improvements and upgrade projects across the district.

    Current Projects Status

    View real-time updates on network infrastructure projects, equipment upgrades, and system improvements happening across all district locations.

    Contact Information

    Sandra Arellano, CCTO
    Manager - Network Service and Telecommunication
    Phone: (619) 260-5499
    Email: [email protected]

    Support

    IT Help Desk
    Phone: 619-209-HELP (4357)
    Hours: 7:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday

    Freshservice IT Self-Service Portal

    San Diego Unified School District Address

    4100 Normal Street
    San Diego, CA 92103

    Main Office: (619) 725-8000

    © 2025 San Diego Unified School District. All rights reserved. | DEDICATED to Keeping SDUSD Connected