Playing the phone game!

Kathy Enslin

The AEA 267 Human Resources office continues to receive questions concerning cell phone use and reimbursement for staff members.   AEA 267 employees have several options when considering cell phone use involving agency business.  Options that employees may consider would include the following:

1. Purchase a Track Phone.  Most track phones cost $105 for 1000 minutes.  We have several employees who are utilizing this option and all seem to feel this is a good option for them.  Since the agency reimburses employees $10 per month for cell phones, this reimbursement should cover the cost of the phones.  This option gives the employee a working cell phone number that is agency specific and allows personal cell phone numbers to remain private.   Employees with questions on Track phones, may contact Dr. Jerry Schnabel for more details.
2. Google Voice.  Google Voice is a web-based communication platform for linking multiple phones to a single phone number.  Specific instructions for securing a Google Voice account can be secured from the Info Tech Department or for additional help, please visit the Google Voice Help Section.
3. Add another line to your existing phone plan.  Several cell phone providers offer family packages with cellular phone contracts.  Most cell phone companies contacted indicated an additional line would cost approximately $10 per month.  This additional line would have a cell phone number different from your personal cell number.  The advantage of this option would be that you could use the same phone for work and for personal use.  Again, the agency reimburses employees $10 per month for cell phone use.  This should cover the cost of the additional line.
4. NQ Call Blocker.  I am not very familiar with this cell phone option, but it was discussed during the Labor and Management meeting this month.  This is a free service application that can be downloaded to your smart phone from the Internet.

Please don’t forget that Verizon, U.S. Cellular and AT&T all offer “Educator Discounts” for cell phones.  These discounts vary from 18% to 20% savings on your monthly bill.  For more information on the “Educator Discount”, please contact your cell phone provider.  Some of the providers require an annual registration to maintain the discount.