• Section 1 - Purpose / Objectives
• Section 2 - Scope / Application
• Section 3 - Definitions
• Section 4 - Policy Statement
• Section 5 - Procedures
• Roles/Responsibilities
• Procedures
• Section 6 - Guidelines

Section 1 - Purpose / Objectives

(1) The purpose of the Mobile Phone Usage Reimbursement procedure is to support the IT Appropriate Use policy and define the process for the reimbursement of costs and charges as a result of excessive personal use of VU issued mobile phones and devices.

(2) VU mobile phones are issued primarily for official University business where a small amount of personal use is permitted. The University will cover the costs of all relevant University business related voice and data charges as well as charges related to limited personal use of VU mobile phones. Where personal voice and data charges incurred exceed the personal use limit, these costs are to be reimbursed by the staff member according to this procedure.

(3) Individual cost-centres may develop their own specific procedures for the responsibility and usage of mobile phones and for the reimbursement of personal voice and data charges. Where no specific procedure exists, the Mobile Phone Usage Reimbursement procedure applies.

Section 2 - Scope / Application

(4) This procedure applies to:

1. Members of VU issued with a VU mobile service contract.
2. Voice and data charges incurred on VU contracted mobile phones and/or hand held devices.

Section 3 - Definitions

(5) International Roaming: International Roaming is the ability to make and receive mobile phone calls and access the Internet (from an Australian mobile service) whilst overseas. It allows you to take your mobile phone and mobile device services overseas and use it via other mobile networks without changing service plans.

Section 4 - Policy Statement

(6) Nil

Section 5 - Procedures

Roles/Responsibilities

Procedures

Personal Use Limit

(7) Mobile phones are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax where they are primarily used in employment and where costs of personal calls are reimbursed to the University. Minor benefits valued at less than $100 (eg. Limited personal use of phones) are also exempt.

(8) VU recommends a mobile phone personal use limit of $8.33 per month ($100 per year).

(9) Individual cost-centres may develop their own specific procedures for the reimbursement of personal charges including determining a personal use limit.

Staff Personal Use Reimbursement Procedure

(10) Staff will receive a copy of their mobile phone account each month and are required to highlight all personal calls/charges on their mobile phone account.

(11) If the total personal charges exceed the personal use limit set by the cost-centre or the recommended limit of $8.33 per month, the staff member is required to complete a Deposit Slip from Finance Services and select the GST Taxable Status to Code "C".

(12) Forward the completed deposit slip, highlighted mobile phone account and payment to one of the University's Student Services Centres for processing. Payments can be made with cash, credit card or cheques.

(13) Receipts should be attached to monthly phone statements and filed in a secure and safe place for a period of 7 years for auditing purposes.

International Roaming Reimbursement Procedure

(14) Mobile phones on University contracts can be enabled for international roaming for voice and data services. International roaming costs are excluded from the standard plans. Any relevant VU business related international roaming costs incurred is paid by the University as well as all reasonable personal usage in accordance with the IT Appropriate Use policy.

(15) Any non VU business related (personal use) international roaming charges incurred whilst utilising any VU contracted mobile phone or device when travelling internationally must be reimbursed to VU by the staff member. The following process applies:

1. ITS receive exceptional international roaming report that summarises excessive usage costs from Optus/Telstra.
2. ITS identifies service owner cost centre and forwards invoice report to individual and the Dean.
3. Staff member and the Dean to reconcile usage report (identifying and separating business related activities from personal activities). The personal component of the international roaming costs incurred is to be reimbursed to VU by the staff member through an agreed payment plan.
4. Staff member to complete a deposit slip from Finance Services. Forward deposit slip and payment at one of the University's Student Services Centres. Receipt to be provided to cost centre manager as proof of payment.

Section 6 - Guidelines

(16) Nil