Cellular Service - Getting Started and Help

Ordering, Changing or Discontinuing a Cell Device or Plan 

1. Fill out the NDSU Cellular Service Request Form
   
2. Determine the type of plan required (Basic Phone or Smartphone) 
3. Decide the type of device and accessories that best meet your business needs. 
4. Decide on the carrier plan that meets your calling, texting, and data requirements. You can also contact NDSU Voice & Collaboration Services for suggestions. 
5. Contact your department's authorized cellular service approver. They will submit the above form through the campus email system (login required), funding information is required and all one-time and recurring charges associated with cellular services, are the responsibility of the ordering department. 
6. NDSU Voice & Collaboration Services staff will process your request and will contact you with an update. 

For more NDSU Outlook information or assistance with configuring your smart device to use it, please contact the NDSU IT Help Desk.

Getting Cellular Help and Service Availability 

Troubleshooting 

Cell Device Does Not Power On 

1. A new phone may be under warranty for the first year otherwise a new phone would need to be ordered.
2. Fill out the NDSU Cellular Service Request Form

Cannot Make or Receive Calls 

1. Power is on? 
2. Do a hard power shut down (typically holding the power button for five seconds or so). When device has completely turned off, wait 10 seconds. Turn back on 
3. Do a hard power shut down, per above, and then fully remove battery from device. Wait 30 seconds. Replace battery. Turn back on 
4. Does the phone have at least one or two bars indicating it is connected to the cellular network? Move to an area with better reception. If you are not able to get connection bars from a known-good location, please contact the NDSU IT Help Desk
5. For smart phones/devices does texting, web, or syncing issues, contact the NDSU IT Help Desk 

Web No Longer Functions 

1. Do a hard power shut down (typically holding the power button for five seconds or so). When device has completely turned off, wait 10 seconds. Turn back on 
2. Do a hard power shut down (per above) and then fully remove battery from device. Wait 30 seconds. Replace the battery. Turn device back on 
3. Able to sync with NDSU Outlook? Telephone able to make and receive calls? Does texting still function? If not, please connect with the NDSU IT Help Desk. 

Problems Syncing with NDSU Outlook (Email, Calendar, Contacts, etc.)  

Please connect with the NDSU IT Help Desk.

Availability 

Please complete the NDSU Cellular Service Request Form for device and plan orders.

How to Use Cellular Services from NDSU 

Synchronizing Email, Calendar, and Contacts with Smartphones/Tablets (NDSU Outlook) 

For further assistance with NDSU Outlook on your smart device contact the NDSU IT Help Desk  at 701-231-8685, option 1 

Common Cellular Voice Mail Commands

International Calling (from inside the United States) 

1. Have in mind the type of international calling service you need: how frequently will you make international calls, are international calls routine to your work or for a particular period of time only, what will the typical duration of a call be, will calls be made to many different countries or limited to a particular country, etc.? 
2. Determine the services you need: international calling, texting, and/or texting with pictures 
3. Get authorization from the budget manager responsible for your recurring cellular charges to add international services. Please note that it may take the carrier a couple of business days to get all services added to your plan 
4. Submit a cellular request form to add or change the plan for the region you are traveling to 

International Roaming (mobile device use outside of the United States) 

1. The sooner you start the process for international roaming the better. In some cases it may take a week or more to establish this service and it may require additional hardware 
2. Have in mind the type of international calling service you need: how frequently do you travel outside of the U.S. and make international calls, are international calls routine to your work or for a particular period of time only, what will the typical duration of a call be, will calls be made to many different countries or limited to a particular country, etc.? 
3. Will you need texting, picture texting, or data services outside of the U.S.? We recommend contacting us to determine the number of texts and bandwidth you are currently using to help estimate your international needs 
4. Get authorization from the budget manager responsible for your recurring cellular charges to add international services. Please note that it may take a week or more to get all services added to your plan and in some cases additional hardware for your mobile device will be required 
5. Submit a cellular request form to add or change the plan for the region you are traveling to 
6. International data overages can be extremely expensive and these costs are the responsibility of the department. Check out tips from the FCC Wireless World Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I synchronize my email, calendar, and contacts with my smartphone or tablet? 

Yes - see the How To section above for more information 

Are there employee discounts available for personal cell phones? 

Currently, AT&T and Verizon do offer employee discounts.  For the latest information, please see the North Dakota Council of State Employees.  These discounts and related processes are in no way associated with NDSU.  Contact the carrier of your choice for ordering details 

Can I port my personal cell phone number or one I had with a former employer to a new NDSU cellular device? 

No -  NDSU cellular equipment is for NDSU business only and is subject to State statutes on this matter 

Will NDSU pay a portion of my personal cell charges if I use it for NDSU business? 

There is no model currently in place for reimbursement of personal cell charges related to NDSU business. 

Will I be able to port my NDSU cellular phone number if I leave NDSU? 

In most cases, no.  Your number may be reused by your department and is considered an NDSU investment 

If I leave NDSU can I take my NDSU cellular device with me? 

No - NDSU-procured cellular devices (even at $0.00 promotional value from a carrier) are NDSU property and must be disposed of properly through the Purchasing Department