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International

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

INTERNATIONAL DATA USAGE ALERT

All plans have restrictions on the amount of data that can be used internationally. Exceeding that amount will incur higher cost.  Applications like streaming video, Skype and Twitter are data hogs.  Customers have unknowingly accrued thousands of dollars in usage fees without realizing the impact.  Vendors will not forgive these fees.  End users and their departments will be responsible for the charges.  

Ask your carrier about:

• International roaming arrangementswith the service providers in the country you are visiting and whether your mobile phone will work there.
• Mobile telephone networks differ from country to country, and your phone may be incompatible with the networks in the country you are visiting.
• Your phone might work for voice calls, but other functions – such as text messaging or sending and receiving data – might not. Check with your mobile service provider to confirm before you depart.
• Roaming rates for the countries you plan to visit.If you are willing to pay the charges, verify with your carrier that international roaming is activated before you travel.
• For most U.S. customers, domestic service plans do not cover usage abroad.
• Rates may be much higher because of additional roaming fees on foreign mobile networks and may vary from country to country and network to network.
• Higher rates may apply to all of your phone's functions, including voice calls, voice mail, text messages, and internet access.
• Ask your service provider about all the available options.
• How you can track your usageso that you stay within your plan and do not incur additional charges while abroad. Due to delays in processing international roaming, charges may not appear on your bill for an additional billing cycle after your return.

IMPORTANT NOTE 

Not all cell phones/BlackBerries/PDA's are capable of being used internationally.  Check with VCU Telecommunications in advance of any planned travel for availability and access costs. Adding international use to your plan requires a 10 business day interval.  While a shorter interval can be requested it cannot be guaranteed and will trigger a $210.00 expedite fee/feature and request.

This article was updated: 08/12/2021