Faculty Handbook

Cell phone policy

MSU and the Office of Study Abroad require that every study abroad program provide at least one cell phone number to prior to departure. There are many ways to obtain international cell service - from renting a phone to adjusting your personal cell phone's service package. See "options" below.

If you choose to rent a phone, please order it at least two weeks prior to your intended departure. Indicate your home or department address for shipping (do not ship to OSA). Please remember or record where you plan to have the phone delivered. Phones will arrive within one to three days prior to the departure date indicated on your order form. If this is too last minute for you, indicate an earlier departure date on your order form.

Exceptions to this policy require prior approval – contact Julie Friend or Amy Fekete.

Options for International Cell Phones

If you are unsure who can serve your locations abroad, OSA has recommended a cell phone provider for each program.

Platform 3000

1. Provides phones with a European-based phone number.
2. Provides for free-incoming calls from the United States in most locations.
3. Rates for in-country calls are reasonable.
4. Roaming charges can be high for traveling programs.
5. You can change SIM chips when you cross borders, but your phone number will change with the new SIM chip.
6. MSU will be direct billed for the cost of rental and service.
7. Orders should be placed via the web at this the Platform 3000/Piccell website.
8. For questions about this service contact 1(877) 235-5742 or 1(201) 253-1843.

Cell Hire

1. Provides "global" phones with a US based phone number and free incoming calls to the UK from the US.
2. In-country calls are more expensive.
3. Good program for those who expect to receive many calls from the US.
4. Ideal for programs that travel to multiple countries and want to keep the same number.
5. MSU will be direct billed for the cost of rental and service.
6. Orders can be placed by emailing the order form to Amy Fekete.
7. or questions about this service contact: Ahmad Hassaballa (877) 537-7368 ext 705.

Go with another provider if you find something that works better for your program or add international service to your personal cell phone for the times and locations that you are abroad.