The U.S. House of Representatives is seeking a single unified communications system to replace its separate voice and data communications systems.

The new system may eventually include support for voice and video-conferencing and instant messaging on an integrated IP network.

According to a request for information released earlier this month, the new network must support offices and meeting rooms in the U.S. Capitol as well as at 850 congressional district offices in all 50 states and territories.

The first phase of the migration plan would involve replacing the voice communications system with a VoIP. The House said it plans to use responses to the RFI, due Aug. 31, to gather information about currently available VoIP systems and to assess whether migration from its current system is warranted at this time.