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Connectivity Billing FAQ

FAQ

Connectivity Billing FAQ

Why is Connectivity Billing changing?

The new model better aligns with the campus RCM Budget Model Governance.  It also provides many benefits to the campus as a whole:

  • The network is a utility and Telecom is now part of the network.  We do not charge campus for other utilities like electricity and water.
  • Immediate cost savings to the campus.
  • This is a more efficient way of providing Telecom and network services to the campus without individually charging each unit.
  • All employees can have a phone number with no additional charges for long distance calls.
  • True cost-based accounting places the expense where the employee resides.
     
How will my department be billed for Telecom expenses?

The process depends on whether your department is under General Fund speedtypes or Non-General Fund speedtypes (Auxiliary, Gift Funds, Development) and is explained below:

Billing for General Fund Speedtypes: Base Budget Reallocation

  • The current telecom cost structure will be rolled into OIT Base Budget and reallocation of base budget from the entire campus to cover this expense.
  • Any fiscal year increases or decreases will be determined by campus budget policy/RCM Budget Model Governance. 
  • There will be no monthly Telecom bills.  

Billing for Non-general Fund Speedtypes (Auxiliary, Gift Fund, Development): Per FTE

  • The “Connectivity” fee remains at $30 and will be billed monthly based on total FTE count per non-general fund speedtype. (Ex: Department A has 10 staff; $30x10= $300/mo)
  • There will be no additional charges for Toll or long-distance.
  • Every Fiscal Year on 1 July, OIT will pull a total headcount for non-general fund speedtypes and update the monthly standard billing amount to be charged out on a monthly basis.  (If a departments FTE count goes up or down throughout the year, it will get reconciled the next fiscal year).

How do I change the speedtype charged for my department’s monthly bill?

Submit a Cherwell ticket.

What if I want a physical phone to use?

While OIT strongly encourages the use of softphones over installation of a physical phone, a physical phone can be requested by using the self-service portal (OIT self-service portal).

What is the charge for a physical phone?

Current cost for a physical phone is ($347.00).

  • During FY23 only, OIT will provide a physical phone when requested, at no additional charge as a 1:1 swap for those who previously had a Cisco IP desk phone.  However, beginning 1 July 2023, each department will be responsible for purchasing physical phones as needed.
Are headsets included in the Connectivity fee?

No.  During FY23 only, OIT will provide a headset when requested, at no additional charge.  However, beginning 1 July 2023, each department will be responsible for purchasing headsets as needed.

For all other softphone questions, please submit a request through the self-service portal or visit Microsoft Teams Softphone FAQ.