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Mobile Phone FAQ

What happens to a mobile device under the University corporate plan when an employee leaves the University?

If an employee with a corporate mobile device leaves the University, the department may:

  • Keep the device with the assigned mobile number and reassign the device to another eligible employee
  • Terminate the account, eliminating further use of the mobile number and the device
  • Allow the employee to transfer the mobile number from the corporate account to a personal account

If the employee transfers the number to a personal account, does he/she get to keep the device?

  • The disposition of the mobile device is at the discretion of the department. If the device is new and still has useful life, the department will probably want to transfer ownership to another eligible employee. If the device is old and at the end of its useful life, the department may decide to let the employee take it. 

Should departments buy insurance for mobile devices?

  • This decision is at the discretion of the department. Insurance is about $5 dollars per month and covers the device for two years.  Most users do not have insurance on their devices. A one year warranty comes with the device to protect the customer from defective equipment. Insurance is purchased to provide additional protections. 

What does insurance cover? Does it cover loss AND damage?

  • Insurance covers theft, damaged or lost devices and typically carries a $50 dollar deductible per claim.

What if my department does not have insurance – and I damage my device? Who pays for a replacement?

  • Payment to replace a device is at the discretion of the department. 

What if my two year contract is not up and I want to upgrade my phone?

  • You can upgrade but you will have to pay full retail price for a new device. 

If I want to change carriers, is there a termination fee owed to the current carrier?

  • If you are still under contract with the carrier you are leaving you will have to pay a termination fee. This fee changes depending on your contract start date. Contact 258-CELL or mobile@princeton.edu to find out exactly how much your termination fee will be.

Who do I contact regarding a billing error on my account?

  • Please do not contact the carrier for billing discrepancies. e-mail an explanation and details to mobile@princeton.edu and a Telephone Services staff member will contact you directly.

What if my device is not working properly?

  • You must first troubleshoot the device by calling the carrier. They will walk you through the standard procedures. If your device is deemed defective and is under a year old they will send out a replacement free of charge. 
    • Verizon: 800-922-0204
    • T-Mobile: 888-573-6664
    • AT&T: 800-331-0500 (need account number)
    • Sprint: 888-211-4727

How do I add international service to my device for my business trip?

  • End users are encouraged to call customer service directly to add and delete this feature. (The end user is the person who is tied to the phone number)
    • Verizon: 800-922-0204 (need password "tigers")
    • T-Mobile: 888-573-6664
    • AT&T: 800-331-0500 (need account number and password "tigers")
    • Sprint: 888-211-4727
  • This form has also been provided and should be used ONLY if the end user has experienced problems trying to add the feature over the phone or if someone other than the end user is authorizing adding/deleting the feature. International Plan Request

If I have department approval to change my personal line into a corporate line and keep my same number, can I do this?

Can we have our Wireless account billed to our departmental project grant? 

  • No. Your wireless bill will be sent directly to your departmental billing address that you provide. You will have to pay carrier directly. However, Telephone Services is here to assist you with any billing problems, ordering and any other questions you may have. Call 8-CELL or e-mail mobile@princeton.edu

 What are the benefits of being part of the University’s corporate account program?

  • Saves the University money - no sales tax, no activation/deactivation fees, no late fees, takes advantage of voice minute pooling, purchase and service plan discounts
  • Streamlined process - eliminates the need to get reimbursed through “white invoices”; provides online account management, bill paying and reporting, ability to consolidate multiple lines into a single account and a single invoice
  • Flexibility – although devices remain the property of the University, phone numbers and service plans associated with the devices can be transferred in/out of the programs as employees come/go at the University.
  • Quarterly plan analysis performed by OIT to identify additional cost savings for departments.
  • In-house customer service provided by OIT – 258-CELL and mobile@princeton.edu for assistance (e.g. for department managers, international travelers).      

 What if I only have an occasional need for a business device?

  • OIT offers a loaner program as a low-cost way to help faculty and staff stay connected to the University while occasionally away from campus.  iPhones, Motorola Razrs, Broadband Data Cards and BlackBerries are available.  Supplies are limited so advanced notice is recommended. http://www.princeton.edu/telecom/mobile-technology/loaner-program/ 

 What are acceptable examples of a "valid business need"?