Telecommunication Services

The primary responsibility of Telecommunication Services is to provide the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAHuntsville) Community with reliable and economical voice services.

• Carry out uniform procedures for efficient, expeditious completion of service order
• Perform effective cost allocation and billing procedures
• Standardize all UAH telecommunication equipment 

Telecommunication Services is located within the Business Services Building on John Wright Drive.

All requests for telecommunications services must be ordered through the UAH Telecommunications Department.

Services

Wireless Communication Devices
University policy has been changed to allow reimbursement for the use of wireless communication devices to conduct University business effective January 1, 2008. The attached Wireless Communication Devices Policy is provided for your information and reference. The policy provides a wireless communication supplement to eligible employees. Employees may use the service provider of their choice. However, they must agree to make the number available to the University and also pay the amount due to the service provider.

 This policy provides a taxable supplement for expenses incurred while conducting University business, giving the employee flexibility to choose a communication device and service provider that best meets their needs. The University does not have a recommended vendor; however, the University’s contract with Verizon, Inc. does provide employees with a discounted plan. The Verizon representative is Kevin Hill and you may contact him at (256) 541-6060 or e-mail kevin.hill1@verizonwireless.com.

We surveyed many institutions to determine the best practices for wireless communication devices, and also carefully reviewed IRS regulations. About 2/3 of the institutions surveyed have a policy similar to the one we have developed, while others are considering switching to this type of plan. The other option considered was direct payment by the University for devices and phone bills. This option is not practical, because IRS regulations would require each department and employee to keep detailed logs of all calls and reimburse the University for personal calls. All calls, whether personal or business, would be subject to open records law. The supplement method that we selected eliminates the need to keep such records.

 No additional funds will be added to your department’s budget to cover this service.  If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Bob Blood at (256) 824-6129 or e-mail bloodb@uah.edu.
Wireless Communication Devices Policy   
Wireless Communication Device Supplement Request 

Pagers
All departments requesting pager service must contact Telecommunication Services.  The service is provide by USA Mobility.  Maintenance for defective units is included in the above monthly fee.
Visit www.USAMobility.com website for additional features or contact Mary Jane Blackwell at 6815.
Statewide Service     $8.95 per month               Regional Service                         $12.95 per month
Nationwide Service  $15.95 per month               Nationwide Two-way Messaging   $18.90 per month
Replacement for stolen/lost pager   $50.00

Telephone Repair
Every effort has been made to insure, trouble-free communication with the phone system.  When you have a problem, please check that the telephone is plugged in and that the  handset is in the cradle.  For service, you can call extension 6815 or fax a work order form to 6333.  Each department has a telephone coordinator, all service calls should be handled by the coordinator.  Include the phone number experiencing problems, contact number for the coordinator, and a brief description of the problem (no dial tone, no display, etc.). Residence hall occupants should contact their RA if they have a telephone problem.

Any concerns about your telephone should be addressed to the Telecommunications Department.  If in doubt "Call Us First".  Contact Mary Jane Blackwell at extension 6815 or by email at blackwem@email.uah.edu with any trouble tickets, moves, additions or changes, problems, general questions, and billing inquiries or concerns contact.
Telephone Information

Dialing Instructions
Local calls:                       Dial 9 + 7-digit number
ATTNET:                          Dial 8 + area code + 7-digit number
Long Distance:                 Dial 9 + area code + 7-digit number
International calls:            Dial 9 + 011 + country code + city code + telephone number

Note:  ATTNET, long distance and International calls are only available on phones programmed for these services.