Broadcast - Message Dispatch (Zenitel Connect)

This article describes the operation and behavior of the Message Dispatch Broadcast mode. Configuration is covered in Features > Broadcast.

Message Dispatch is used to distribute a predefined audio message to all members of a Broadcast group. The user simply dials the Broadcast directory number, and the configured message is automatically played to all recipients.

This feature is well suited for routine announcements, safety messages, evacuation instructions, shift-change notifications, and other situations where a consistent, pre-recorded message should be delivered to multiple recipients.

Operation

When a user dials the Broadcast directory number, Zenitel Connect immediately establishes the Broadcast and plays the configured audio message to all members of the Broadcast group. No additional user interaction is required.

Once the Broadcast has been initiated, the originating device returns to the idle state. The initiator is not included in the Broadcast and will therefore not hear the audio message being played to the recipients.

If multiple repetitions have been configured, the message is played the specified number of times. If continuous playback has been configured, the message repeats until it is cancelled.

Canceling a Dispatched Message

A dispatched message can be cancelled using the Cancel Dispatched Call feature:

Dial *9#
Dial directory number 7092

This will terminate any active or queued Message Dispatch Broadcast associated with the caller.

Configuration

The Message Dispatch feature is configured from the Features > Broadcast page in the Zenitel Connect web interface.

Busy Handling

If the Broadcast cannot be established because one or more member devices are occupied by calls with the same or higher priority, the Broadcast is queued.

The Broadcast remains queued until either:

The conflicting call ends and the Broadcast can be established.
The Answer Timeout expires, causing the Broadcast request to be discarded.

The queue timeout is controlled by the Answer Timeout setting under Devices and Connections > Global Parameters.

Alternative Methods for Dispatching Pre-recorded Messages

Before the introduction of the Broadcast Message Dispatch feature, pre-recorded messages could be distributed using the Audio Messages feature. This method remains supported and can be used to distribute audio messages to individual devices or Broadcast groups.

Using Directory Service

Start message dispatch: 7090 + {message} + M-key + {destination} + M-key

Where:

{message} is the directory number of the audio message.
{destination} is the destination directory number, which may be an individual device or a Broadcast group.

Example: 7090 + 8191 + M + 841 + M

Dispatches audio message 8191 to Broadcast group 841.

Stop message dispatch: 7092

Using Service Codes

Start message dispatch: *9*{message}*{destination}#
Stop message dispatch: *9#

For additional information, see Audio Messages