Indiana University
⇒ Student & Scholar Advising ⇒ Living in the U.S. ⇒ Cellular Telephone Service
Cellular Telephone Service
Post paid wireless service in the United States require a credit application to obtain service. The individual applying for service will need to provide a photo ID (passport, military ID, state driver's license or state ID), birth date, local address and a social security number (actual social security card is not required, just the number) to submit the credit application. It is imperative that you file for your social security number immediately to get your wireless service quickly.
Occasionally when a credit application is submitted, the applicant may be required to submit a refundable (after 1 year) deposit to obtain wireless service. These can range from $200–$800. In many cases, the wireless company will allow the use of a parent or guardian’s credit information to receive wireless service. In this case, the student can be listed as the user on the account and the monthly invoices can be mailed to the user’s Bloomington address.
Wireless Technology in The United States
GSM technology is the predominant wireless technology in the world. That being the case, you may already own a GSM phone and be bringing this unlocked GSM phone from your country. You will want to work with a wireless company that operates on GSM.
Additionally, you will want to select a wireless company that can give you a SIM card to use in your unlocked phone. This will prevent the added expense of having to purchase a phone in the United States. If you travel back to your home country, you can simply remove the SIM card that is for your U.S. service and replace it with the SIM card that works in your country.
Currently, there are no GSM prepaid programs available in the United States.
Other Considerations
In addition to GSM considerations, you will want to choose a wireless service that provides competitive rates for calling your home country. Many students use their wireless phone as their main means of communication, and having low international rates will allow you to keep in touch with home without paying excessive fees.
If you are a married student or are moving to Bloomington with additional family members, choosing a company that offers additional lines at competitive fees can keep your monthly invoices lower. Also, look at the wireless providers offering free mobile-to-mobile minutes. This would allow you to call the other family members on your plan without using your anytime minutes.
When you arrive in Bloomington, you should consider working with a wireless company that is close to campus. This will make your interactions with this provider convenient and prevent you from having to make longer trips to get information and customer service.
Prepaid Domestic and International Long Distance
The Office of International Services has partnered with MobileSphere to provide highly-competitive prepaid domestic and international long distance. MobileSphere's Utalk service enables all members of the Indiana University international community to place low-cost calls from a residence, mobile phone, any off-campus phone throughout the continental United States and 16 other countries.
Wireless users will be able to place calls from an existing mobile phone, using a current US-domestic plan, for a fraction of the cost with no hidden charges or a PIN to remember. And since the service is prepaid you are not required to have a Social Security Number. Also you can use a U.S. or International Credit Card, U.S. Debit Card (card attached to you U.S. Bank Account), and Pay Pal Account as a form of payment.
To check calling rates to your country, learn more about the service or to sign up click here.
