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May 6, 2009

Business Managers and Department Administrators:

University IT brought together a group of administrators and users to develop recommendations to help control IT costs given the current operating budget reduction proposals.  Several of the cost containment strategies are specific to mobile/cellular services. We have begun implementing a series of changes to our corporate program to reduce these costs.

First step (Completed): Effective April 2nd, downloading capabilities for music, ring tones and wallpaper on cellular devices were disabled.  If a user requires these capabilities in their role at the University, please contact the IT Center.

Second step (Completed): Effective April 2nd, new orders for cellular phones and PDAs will not include texting unless it is indicated on the service request (ITSR form).  Users requiring a text message plan must be approved by the Department Administrator or department head.

Third step (Completed): On April 3rd, University IT mailed a cellular audit to departments to report all mobile services by department (cell phones, PDAs, Blackberries, and broadband access cards) and the associated plan and cost.  The audit detail reflects the cellular costs in the University’s billing system as of March 31, 2009.  It was requested that departments review and approve individual text plans for users and return the audit to our department by April 15, 2009. 

Fourth step: Effective May 11th*, University IT will disable texting capabilities on all devices which have not been confirmed as requiring a text message plan.  Although some business processes utilize texting, texting will be disabled if a valid audit authorization form is not received by University IT.

It has been brought to our attention that some departments may require text messaging on a “pay per use” basis.  If users in your department require text messaging on this basis, please contact University IT via email at UnivITHelp@Rochester.edu and indicate which mobile numbers are in need of this option. 

Fifth step: Effective May 11th*, the number of departmentally-paid cellular device options to choose from will be limited based on cost.  Choices for voice-only devices will be limited to $99 or less and choices for voice/data devices will be limited to $149 or less.  Equipment purchases above $149 can be made as an exception with departmental approval.  We encourage users to keep their devices for a minimum of 24 months to avoid early upgrade fees. 

*These dates have been changed to accommodate delayed return of cell audits and to allow further communications to the University community of these cost savings strategies.

For more information on cellular cost containment at the University, please visit http://www.rochester.edu/IT/ncs/services/cellular/ControllingCellularCosts.html.  If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact University IT at 275-2000 or email UnivITHelp@Rochester.edu.  Thank you.

University of Rochester Cellular Equipment Pricing as of March 2009 (subject to vendor changes):

ATT:

VERIZON: