Good news - thanks to the Network Support Team (CNS), the prices of university-sponsored phone plans with AT&T have been reduced dramatically and are some of the lowest that can be found anywhere. For example, the unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot rate is going from $106.39 to $44.99. Existing customers will have their rates automatically adjusted. The campus Verizon cellular/data plans are still excellent as well at $50.05 monthly for unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspots. There are also many additional benefits that go beyond preferred pricing. Both AT&T and Verizon plans include unlimited everything with no throttling and Travel Passes are automatically added to accounts when you travel internationally in covered areas.
As we clarified in September of last year, the university does not reimburse the procurement of cellular equipment and/or monthly service purchased outside of the university-sponsored plan. If your role requires the use of a business cell phone paid for by the university, Berkeley IT's Cellular (Wireless) Phone plans are now better than ever.
Please read this announcement from the UC Berkeley Communications and Network Support Team (CNS) regarding some exceptional new AT&T cellular/data plans for UC Berkeley employees
Other benefits include:
- These discounted rate plans (both AT&T and Verizon) include unlimited everything (talk, text and data) for UC Berkeley accounts, with no throttling ever.
- Travel Passes are automatically added to accounts when you travel internationally in covered areas, helping you minimize international travel costs.
- CNS will liaise with the vendor on your behalf to dispute erroneous charges and work to reverse them when necessary.
- Replace devices if lost or stolen at a discounted price.
- Calnet contract eliminates any contractual commitments like those that exist on consumer plans.
Visit UC Berkeley IT's Cellular (Wireless) Phones webpage for information on how to obtain a university-provided cellular phone with service.
And please note that the university will not reimburse cell phones or service that are purchased outside of the UC contract. As stated in UC Policy BFB G-46, Guidelines for the Purchase and Use of Cellular Phones and Other Portable Electronic Resources, the university only reimburses for the excess cost incurred using cellular or portable electronic resources when appropriate supporting documentation (i.e. invoices with supporting calculations provided) is included in the reimbursement request. But since virtually all plans are unlimited today, it would be extremely rare for there to be excess costs incurred as a result of business activity.