Smart Phone FAQs

1. What types of smart phone support services are available to Stern faculty and staff?
   

   For faculty and staff, Stern IT offers full support for all models of BlackBerry, iPhone and Treo devices , and limited support for all other cell phone models to Stern faculty and staff.

   Full support includes extensive and in-depth assistance with synchronizing the Stern messaging system, contacts and calendaring on the BlackBerry and Treo or messaging only on the iPhone device. Please be aware that some smart phone issues may require the client to get in touch with the manufacturer or service provider.

   Limited support includes our best efforts for the initial setup assistance.

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2. What types of smart phone support services are available to Stern students?

   For students, Stern IT offers limited support for all smart phone models. This includes our best efforts for the initial setup assistance to connect the mobile devices to the Stern messaging system. Connections to the calendaring and contact systems are not available at this time.

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3. (For faculty, administrator and staff) –Why do I have to purchase my phone out-of-pocket and submit the bill later for reimbursement?
   

   Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers company-issued cell phones as listed property. This can raise special tax concerns because employees may use them for business as well as personal use. For more information, please visit the IRS website on employee cell phones.

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4. (For faculty only) – Can I pay for my smart phone from my STARS account?
   

   Yes. Beginning Sept. 1, 2007 you may request reimbursement from your STARS account for business-related expenses associated with wireless and mobile communication devices and wireless Internet access.  To comply with IRS regulations, please submit itemized bills of your phone calls when requesting reimbursement. If you do not provide the proper documentation to show that your phone calls are business-related, reimbursement would be treated as taxable income and incur tax liability.

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5. Which service will work well overseas?
   

   If you travel internationally and need to use your phone from out of the country, NYU and Stern recommend using AT&T (Cingular) services.

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6. Can I have my smart phone set up to sync with my Stern email and calendar?
   

   Yes. Please visit the Stern IT helpdesk. One of the team members will set this up for you.

   For students, calendar and contact syncing are not available for BlackBerry at this time.

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7. What will Stern IT provide support for if I purchase a smart phone that is not on the approved list?
   If you elect to use a smart phone that is not a BlackBerry, Treo or iPhone, Stern IT will offer assistance with the initial setup to synchronize your phone to your Stern email. Stern IT will not assist you with any issues that are operating system related (Palm OS, Windows Mobile, etc.). 
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8. Will my syncing of the smart phone to Stern messaging system be “over the air” or do I have to connect it to my desktop?
   Your Blackberry, Treo or iPhone will be able to synchronize to the Stern messaging system wirelessly. You do not need to connect your phone to your desktop.

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