Colorado State University has announced a new partnership with telecommunications company T-Mobile, bringing significant benefits and cost savings for the campus community.
The multi-year agreement positions T-Mobile as CSU’s primary wireless provider and extends beyond cellular coverage, with the company committing to supporting several strategic initiatives at the university.
“We are thrilled to enter this strategic partnership with T-Mobile,” said Greg Lewis, executive director of corporate engagement. “They are a company that truly understands the value of supporting the many facets of higher education.”
Details on the transition
Key takeaways
• The Division of IT is working with cell phone administrators to facilitate the transition to the T-Mobile network for those with a university cell phone.
• Several factors will determine a user’s transition plan, such as their department and the make and model of their phone. More information will be communicated through department administrators.
• Most users will transition to T-Mobile by June 30, 2024. Any remaining lines after June 30 will be moved over on a schedule to be determined.
• This change does not affect employees who use a personal device and receive a monthly stipend from the university for cell phone use.
After a comprehensive evaluation process, CSU has made the decision to transition its primary cellular service provider from Verizon to T-Mobile.
The Division of IT is working with T-Mobile and cell phone administrators across campus to schedule user transitions. The first phase includes users in the Division of Information Technology, Housing and Dining Services, Facilities Management and Athletics.
For other departments, cell phone administrators will be contacted directly to determine a preferred date to transition their users. The goal is to transfer most users to T-Mobile by June 30, 2024.
For any remaining Verizon users after the June 30 deadline, the Division of IT will work closely with department administrators to determine transition plans on a case-by-case basis.
Depending on the user’s situation, switching to T-Mobile may include getting a new physical or electronic SIM card, upgrading their device or other changes. Users can keep their phone numbers when moving to the new network.
The Division of IT is working with cell phone administrators to identify the best transition plan for their users. As plans are finalized, administrators will share details with their users, including when each person will switch to the T-Mobile network, and what steps they will need to take.
The RamTech store, located in the Lory Student Center, will manage the new T-Mobile cell phone program.
Those seeking additional information or support can contact cellphones@colostate.edu.
Benefits of the switch
Brandon Bernier, vice president of information technology and chief information officer, underscored the significance of this transition.
“T-Mobile’s strategic partnership with CSU will not only pair our institution with one of the top cellular providers in the world,” Bernier said, “but also bring in a tremendous amount of benefit for our students and our university.”
After making the switch, users will have what T-Mobile says is America’s largest and fastest 5G network. See T-Mobile’s coverage map for details.
The Division of IT is aware of long-standing signal issues in certain areas like South Campus and Foothills Campus. Users in those areas will need extra planning and support to switch to T-Mobile.
The partnership also represents significant cost savings for the university at a time when budgetary concerns are a top priority. Monthly plans on the T-Mobile network are, on average, 15%-20% cheaper compared to the university’s current plans. Additionally, devices that are part of a standard package qualify for an initial 20-month, no-cost promotion.
Detailed information on plan pricing and device options will be made available in the coming weeks.
T-Mobile to back key initiatives
T-Mobile’s commitment to education, embodied in its T-Mobile for Education initiative, aligns with CSU’s mission to advance student success and enrich the campus experience.
“This relationship will provide leading wireless products and services to our university community,” said Brett Anderson, special advisor to the president. “It will also provide a substantial number of value-add services such as scholarships, sponsorships and support for many other university initiatives.”
The partnership includes the establishment of 10 T-Mobile scholarships, one for each of the eight colleges, one for the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, and one for the CSU Spur campus in Denver.
T-Mobile’s support will also be applied to a Land Grant Extension program focused on rural engagement, an annual CSU Showcase event and the Green and Gold Guard NIL Collective for student-athletes.
Bernier noted that CSU has “been impressed by the T-Mobile team’s dedication to a great customer experience, their wireless infrastructure and their strategic plan to support rural Colorado and our Extension mission.”
Details on the strategic initiatives, scholarships and other programs supported by T-Mobile will be shared in the coming weeks.
Transforming the campus experience
The strategic partnership between Colorado State University and T-Mobile represents a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing pursuit of excellence. By leveraging T-Mobile for Education’s expertise and resources, CSU has the potential to transform the campus experience for its students, faculty and staff.
Lewis highlighted the significance of the partnership in fostering connections with CSU graduates, and the reciprocating value of university-alumni relationships.
“It’s also a testament to how we work with our alumni in corporate leadership roles like Mike Katz, T-Mobile’s president of marketing and 2023 College of Business commencement speaker, to develop mutually beneficial partnerships,” Lewis said.
As the partnership unfolds, the university community can anticipate new opportunities to advance student success and enhanced connectivity to unlock the ability to collaborate, teach and learn virtually anywhere.
