CHANGE IN CELL PHONE RESPONSIBILITY

 

 

Below find the MSU written procedure, the Cellular Phone Stipend Application, information from AT&T to assist you in transferring the current MSU cellular service to a personal account, and an FAQ to help employees understand this change.

 

-MSU Cell Phone Procedures

-Application for Cell Phone Stipend

-AT&T Transfer of Service

 

FAQ

 

Why the change and why now?

For some time MSU has been concerned about the possibility of violating “listed property” requirements of the IRS by supplying cellular phones and plans to employees.  Concern was allayed for a time when legislation was introduced in Congress to remove cell phones from this category, but after the legislation stalled, the decision was made to proceed with a switchover from “Corporate Responsible Users” (CRUs) to “Individual Responsible Users” (IRUs).  There has also been considerable feedback from employees wishing to use their own personal device rather than carrying one for personal and one for business use.

 

How will I be reimbursed for the switch?

Employees will be reimbursed according to the type of plan they have; either voice or voice and data through a taxable stipend added to their normal payroll check.

 

Do I have to switch?

Employees will either have to switch or turn in the device assigned them to Procurement Services and have the account cancelled by the University.

 

How do I switch? 

1.                  Read the MSU Cell Phone Procedures.

2.                  Complete the Application for Cellular Phone Stipend form, gain the necessary signatures, and turn it to Accounting and Financial Services.  Accounting and Financial Services will have a listing of employees assigned current voice and voice and data accounts.

3.                  Follow the instructions in the AT&T Transfer of Service.

 

How long do I have to switch?

You should have the switch completed by July 7th, 2008.

 

Do I get to keep the device currently assigned me if I switch?

Yes, as long as you transfer the account to your individual responsibility, the device stays with you.

 

The University device I currently have is old, can I get an upgrade? 

No.

 

What if I have a personal account and number I would rather use and receive a stipend for, than switch?

1.                  Read the MSU Cell Phone Procedures.

2.                  Complete the Application for Cellular Phone Stipend form, gain the necessary signatures, and turn it to Accounting and Financial Services.  Also turn in a copy of your cell phone contract with whichever personal carrier you use.  You do not have to use AT&T.

3.                  Turn in your AT&T device to Procurement Services.

 

When does the stipend start?

If you get the approved form and any other required information on your personal contract to Accounting and Financial Services by July 7th, 2008, the stipend will start with your check at the end of July.  You will receive a stipend for July and August with this check, so the stipend will be paid in advance after July.

 

How much is the stipend?        

See the Application for Cellular Phone Stipend Form.

 

Will I qualify for a contract discount if I switch?

Yes, see the AT&T Transfer of Device.

 

Do I have to use AT&T to qualify for the stipend?

No, just have the proper form and contract copies from your carrier turned into Accounting and Financial Services.

 

Who doesn’t have to switch?

If your cellular phone service is provided as a result of a marketing agreement with the University, or if the cell phone is shared between users on campus, NEVER leaves campus, and is NEVER used for personal calls, it MAY be qualified as a needed University provided cellular service.  In either event, the Application for Cellular Phone Stipend Form must be completed, necessary signatures obtained, and filed with Procurement Services (RATHER THAN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES) by July 7th, to avoid cancellation of the University account.

 

 

Procurement Services

6/23/08