Middlesex Township supervisors approved a new voice over IP (VoIP) phone system Wednesday night in an effort to help with township operations.

The township building's current phone system isn't up-to-speed with day-to-day needs, according to township manager Adam Hartwig.

“If we're out of the office, we have no way of utilizing the phone system,” Hartwig said.

Hartwig provided supervisors with information from the privately held telecommunication services carrier Full Service Network of Pittsburgh. Converting to a VoIP system would cost the township about $159 a month, versus the $300 a month for the current phone system, he said.

Additionally, the township would receive phones for free under a VoIP setup. The $159 a month covers the service as well as customer support assistance.

Hartwig said the transformation would allow employees to receive calls not only on their desk phone, but also on their cellphones. The system update should allow the township tax collector to be reached through the township as well.

Hartwig said the VoIP system would also benefit township police via a corresponding app.

Currently, Hartwig said township officers who need to make a call while on the road either have to use their personal cellphone or return to the office to use the police department's number.

The app would allow officers to call from their cellphones, but keep their personal numbers hidden.

Hartwig said the system update usually takes about a month. However, he said he's hoping to get the company to install the system in less time.