University Accounts
These types of plans are provided for University business purposes and are funded by Penn State colleges and departments.
Information Technology Services (ITS) is responsible for establishing University contracts with cellular service providers. These contracts generally provide for discounts for both University and employee-owned voice and data services and equipment.
Requests for cellular services should be made by departments directly to cellular service providers and are not required to go through ITS. At non-University Park locations, arrangements for cellular service are normally made through the Business Office or Operations Office at that location. The requesting location (usually the Director of Business Services) makes direct contact with the potential cellular service providers.
Summary of Benefits and Features
| AT&T Wireless | Sprint Nextel | T-Mobile | Verizon Wireless | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before Ordering | Review factors to consider |
Review factors to consider | Review factors to consider | Review factors to consider |
| Discounts and Rates | 22% discount Check discount website |
25% discount Check discount website |
15% discount applied to every phone number on account Check discount website |
23% discount -- effective January 2012, discount increased from 22% to 23%.* Check discount website |
| Discounts on eligible equipment |
50% or best Premier promotion pricing with new activations, available online only. | Yes | $40 off lowest equipment pricing (not to exceed $40) | Yes |
| Discount on select accessories |
25% | 20% | 20% | 25% |
| Early termination fees | Waived |
Waived |
Waived | Waived for 100 University accounts per year |
| Equipment upgrades | Every 10 months for 1-year contracts, every 22 months for 2-year contracts | Every 12 months for 1-year contracts; every 20 months for 2-year contracts |
Every 10 months for 1-year contracts, every 22 months for 2-year contracts |
Every 10 months for 1-year contracts, every 22 months for 2-year contracts. |
| Equipment upgrade fees | Waived with online ordering | Waived with online ordering | Waived with online ordering | Waived with online ordering |
| Activation fees | Waived with online ordering | Waived with online ordering | Waived | Waived with online ordering |
| Free shipping | Yes, with online ordering | Yes |
Yes | Yes, with online ordering |
| Return policy | 30 days for services/equipment | 30 days for equipment |
30 days for services/equipment |
30 days for services/equipment |
| Support |
*Effective June 1, 2009, Verizon's Unlimited Allowance Mobile Broadband Data Usage is no longer available to Penn State. All data cards assigned the unlimited plan, prior to June 1, 2009, will remain on that plan unless a change is requested.
Factors to Consider
If an employee requires cellular service for business purposes, the department and employee should consider the following factors to determine the best options for the particular circumstances and situation of both the department and the employee:
- Two options are available for provision of cellular services to employees:
- University-owned cellular plans/devices
- Taxable allowance for business use of a personal plan/device
- Penn State’s policy governing cellular service is FN-21, Non-Office Telecommunications Services (Formerly BS19). An employee may have a need to conduct University business away from his/her usual University place of work. As such, there can be a need for telecommunications services that accommodate the individual's mobile work style. For the purposes of this policy, all means of telecommunications at locations away from an employee's work place shall be referred to as "non-office telecommunication." Policy FN21 defines the responsibility for the coordination and usage of non-office telecommunications services.
- Penn State has tested AT&T and Verizon Wireless mobile devices to verify functionality with various Penn State information systems. See results and reports on the Mobile Device Application Testing website.
- Wireless local number portability provides the ability to change service providers within the same local area and keep the same cellular phone number. When a number is to be ported, the order will be issued to the new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the current carrier. Orders must include the current billing account number and billing name and address assigned to the cellular service. Service should not be terminated with the existing carrier before initiating service with the prospective new carrier
- An early termination fee may apply if the current cellular service has a long-term contract.
- Wireless handsets are often incompatible among different wireless service providers. A new phone may need to be purchased, even when retaining the same cellular phone number.
Changing or Canceling Service
- To transfer a University account to a personal account, see Cellular Account Transfer Procedures.
- To cancel service, send email to ITSCSG@PSU.EDU and include cellular number, user name, and billing account number. No forms are required. A confirmation will be sent when the service has been canceled.
