Smartphones already have the Option A Day Pass (for AT&T) and Option A Travel Pass (for Verizon) applied by default.  There is no cost to these plans, unless you travel abroad.  But, for extended travel, Option B may be the better choice.    If you’d rather use the Option B plan while traveling outside the United States, please notify Telephone Services within 2 business days of your travel start date and upon your return, so we can remove this plan and avoid additional charges.  

To choose Option B, submit a Service Request on the IT support portal and select the Cellular Travel tile from the Service Catalog.  If you wish to remain on Option A, you do not need to submit anything, as it is the default and part of your plan.

Options for International Travelers

AT&T and Verizon each offer two options for international travel with an optional plan for text messaging. Additionally, you may use the Avaya Workplace softphone app for greater cost control.  

AT&T

Option A (Default): Extend your current Domestic Plan Overseas with Day Pass

• • Cost: $7.00 per 24 hours Day Pass Plan (charged only on the days you use your phone)
  • Unlimited Data and Text Messaging (consider using Wi-Fi for large downloads, as this plan may slow the speed after excessive data use)
  • Bills your voice calls as if you were making calls from the USA
  • Best suited for voice calls and texting. Without Day Pass, a single ten-minute phone call would cost approximately $9.90 while just 12 text messages would be $6.00.  
  • Please inform Telephone Services of your travel destinations. Day Pass is not available in all countries (check here for a list). If available, Day Pass automatically activates when you travel abroad. You’ll continue to pay for your current unlimited domestic data and messaging plan. However, for extended stays, a monthly plan might be more cost-effective. 

Option B:  Add-On International Plan (Text Messaging optional)

• • Cost: $19.99 per month in addition to your domestic plan (prorated based on the number of days you use it)
  • Unlimited International/Domestic Data
  • International text messages are $0.50/each unless you add one of the plans below:
    • 50 messages for $10.00
    • 200 messages for $30.00
    • 600 messages for $60.00
  • Calls while in Western Europe are $0.99/minute.

Verizon

Option A (Default): Extend your current Domestic Plan Overseas with Travel Pass

• • Cost: $5.00 per 24 hours Travel Pass Plan (charged only on the days you use your phone)
  • Unlimited Data and Text Messaging (consider using Wi-Fi for large downloads, as this plan may slow the speed after excessive data use)
  • Bills your voice calls as if you were making calls from the USA
  • Best suited for voice calls and texting. Without Travel Pass, a single ten-minute phone call would cost approximately $9.90 while just 12 text messages would be $6.00.  
  • Please inform Telephone Services of your travel destinations. Travel Pass is not available in all countries (check here for a list). If available, Travel Pass automatically activates when you travel abroad. You’ll continue to pay for your current unlimited domestic data and messaging plan. However, for extended stays, a monthly plan might be more cost-effective. 

Option B:  Add-On International plan (Text Messaging optional)

• • Cost: Prorated based on the number of days you use it
  • Unlimited International/Domestic Data
  • Calls while in Western Europe are $0.99/minute
  • Texts are $0.50/message

Avaya Workplace – additional cost control

Lab phone numbers can be used on a smartphone or computer using a soft phone app called Avaya Workplace.  If you already have an existing Lab extension, there is no extra cost for this service.  

• Avoid cellular roaming charges when traveling abroad. Use the Avaya Workplace app to make US calls using your Lab phone number at no extra cost, even when overseas. Standard international call rates apply for calls to other countries. The app works over Wi-Fi or your data plan, bypassing costly carrier roaming fees.
• Your cell phone number remains private. Your Lab phone number is used for your incoming and outgoing calls on the Avaya Workplace app.
• Access the Lab Phonebook Directory. Search and dial employees using the Avaya Workplace app. 

For more information about the soft phone, visit the Avaya Workplace page. To request activation of the soft phone, please send an email to TSC@lbl.gov.

As a reminder, reimbursements to LBNL for personal use of an LBNL cell phone may be applicable. Please refer to the Cellular Phone Procedures.