Information for departments transitioning to softphones

In each department, the Chief Information Officer determines employees’ user profiles. These profiles play a key role in ensuring the responsible and effective transition to softphones. Each user profile defines the appropriate telephony service based on operational need. Mobile devices will only be issued to employees whose roles require one for their job functions.

In cases where a mobile device is no longer operationally necessary, employees will be asked to return their mobile phones. SSC will assess these devices to:

• refurbish or reuse them to reduce resource waste
• recycle them responsibly to minimize environmental impact
• redirect them to community initiatives, contributing to positive social and environmental outcomes

Softphone deployment

In September 2025, SSC advised departments that it will deploy softphones as the default service for all Government of Canada employees. By December 31, 2025, using an automated process, SSC will assign a softphone phone number to every GC worker with an active email address.