Duke OIT - Wireless Phone FAQ

When does my wireless cancellation request take effect?

Alltel

Cancellations take effect on the last business day of the current billing month. Requests must be received no later than 2 business days prior to the last billing day of the month.

Verizon

Cancellations take effect within 3-5 business days of your request.


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Who is eligible for wireless service through Duke University?

All Duke undergraduate and graduate students can purchase wireless service through Duke University. Students will be personally billed through their student account. Students must provide a valid Duke Unique ID to request service.


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I am graduating before my contract expires. What do I do?

You will need to transfer liability from Duke's Corporate account to yourself. This will create a new contract with the vendor. To initiate this process, complete a disconnection request.


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What can I do with my old phone or wireless device?

Once your contract has expired, the device is yours to keep. If you no longer wish to keep your device, it is your responsibility to remove any sensitive information it may contain. Below are several options for your old device.

  • Recycle your device.
  • Donate your phone to Women's Shelter of Durham. To make a donation, drop off your unwanted device at the OIT Wireless Service Center next to the Medical Center Bookstore.
  • Depending on the age of the phone, you may transfer the phone to someone else and they may be able to activate service on it. Phones must support Enhanced-911 capability.

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How can I improve my phone's reception?

To add new towers to get better reception, dial *228. Alltel and Verizon regularly add new towers, so we recommend performing this update monthly.


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Can I exhange my new phone for a different one?

Alltel

If you change your mind within 15 days of receiving the phone, you can choose a different phone model. Just return the original phone to the OIT Wireless Service Center by the Medical Center BookStore and fill out another form indicating that you are "Changing Existing Service" by "Ordering Equipment."

If you change your mind more than 15 days after receiving your phone, you will need to pay the full retail price for a replacement phone. You can view the Return Policy here.

If you have had your device for over one year, you may request a new device at the discounted price.

Verizon

If you change your mind within 15 days of receiving the phone, you can choose a different phone model. Just return the original phone to the OIT Wireless Service Center by the Medical Center BookStore and fill out another form indicating that you are "Changing Existing Service" by "Ordering Equipment."

If you change your mind more than 15 days after receiving your phone, you will need to pay the full retail price for a replacement phone. You can view the Return Policy here.

If you have had your device for over one year, you may request a new device at the discounted price.

NOTE: IF YOU GET A NEW PHONE AFTER ONE YEAR, YOUR CONTRACT WILL BE EXTENDED BY 1 YEAR.


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I lost/broke my phone. How much does a replacement phone cost?

Alltel

If you have insurance for your device, contact OIT to request a replacement.

If you do not have insurance, you may request a replacement device. If you have had your phone for over one year, you can get the replacement device for the discounted price.

If you have had your phone for less than one year, you may cancel your contract and request a new phone, with a new number, the following billing month.

Verizon

Verizon's insurance plan covers lost, stolen or damaged units for a $50 deductible. If your device is lost or stolen, call 1-877-646-7874 to order a replacement. If it is stolen, you may need to provide a police report number.

If you do not have insurance, you may request a replacement device. If you have had your phone for over one year, you can get the replacement device for the discounted price. Otherwise, you will need to pay the full retail replacement price.


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Can I use a calling card with my wireless phone?

Calls placed using a calling card will still count against your minutes. Calling Card calls are not airtime free. For example, if you place a phone call during daytime hours using a calling card, your wireless account will be charged for the minutes you use as if it were a "normal" phone call.


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Can I transfer my cell phone to someone else's name?

No.


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Are toll free calls (800 numbers) free on my wireless phone?

No. Any calls placed on your wireless phone count against your minutes.  "Toll free" numbers are not airtime free.  However, you may not be charged long distances charges depending on your account restrictions.


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Am I responsible for taxes on my wireless services?

Yes, you will be assessed State, Local, and Federal taxes on every invoice that you are billed for service. 


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What is Verizon's Get It Now® (GIN)?

Get It Now is a technology and service that allows you to download and use applications on your Verizon Wireless Get It Now-enabled phone. For example, you can quickly and easily download ringtones, games, emails, directions, instant messages and more to your phone and use them right on your handset. It is a new enhancement to wireless technology.

Once the third party vendor received the short code; the subscriber must reply "Yes" in order to be billed the charge.  The "Yes" indicates they accept the fees associated with the third party's service.

To opt out of Get It Now:

Reply, “QUIT, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or STOP" to the Monthly Subscription Mobile Terminated SMS message.  Opt-out confirmation message is sent via SMS.
 
Or, send a TXT Message to short code with the keyword "STOP" or "STOP ALL" to end the monthly subscription.

Short Codes:
33257 for Katazo
40100 for QMobile
95763 for Holla Mobile
63232 for Dada Mobile
75556 for Mobile Messenger (pimpmycell)
22722 and 22922 for Mobizzo
22891 for Best Buy
76274 for Pepsi Smash
24455 for Mobilebites
22288 for ABC Wireless
48000 for Thumbplay


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How do free nights and weekends work?

If you place a call before 9:01 p.m. the entire length of that call will go against your package minutes.  You must place a call after 9:01 p.m. in order for the call to be considered a part of the free nights and weekends.


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On what day do my minutes reset?

Alltel

Your minutes end on the 1st of every month, and are reset on the 2nd of every month.

Verizon

Your minutes end on the 28th of every month, and are reset on the 29th of every month (except February, then they start on the 1st of March).
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