Telecommunication Service Billing Changes for Core Services FAQ
1. Why are we changing the telecommunication services model?
The university’s telecommunication services model historically provided campus with a la carte services with charges billed monthly based on the services selected. As telecommunication services have evolved to become more pervasive, the university recognized a need to change its billing system to streamline the provisioning of core services.
The changes will:
Reduce the complexity of departmental billing and financial reviews
Provide employees with expedited and standard access to core services
Expedite provisioning of services for new employees
2. When will the change be implemented?
The implementation date is July 1, 2024, at the start of Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). The changes will be facilitated through the FY25 Authorized Budget Document.
3. What core services are included in the new central model?
The central billing process will include core services (Voice, Ethernet service up to 1G, Wireless, and VPN). A full list of services included in the model can be found here.
4. Will core services be provided to all Virginia Tech employees?
Yes: full and part time staff, faculty, wage, and graduate students on assistantship will have access to core services communications (Zoom Phone) and network (Wireless, Ethernet, VPN) services.
5. What services are excluded from the new centralized model?
A full list of services excluded from the model can be found here. At a high level, all cellular, cable television, data center, and life-safety services will continue to be billed to departments based on utilization.
6. How does this change impact the budgeting process?
Beginning FY25 (7/1/2024), expenditure budgets in E&G units will be reverted centrally and the corresponding charges for core services will be centralized. The budget reversions for impacted E&G units will be facilitated through the FY25 Authorized Budget Document. An overview of changes are below:
In 208 E&G PIBB funded colleges, the overall PIBB allocation will be lowered to facilitate the reversion of budgets based on FY23 invoiced amounts. Departments will no longer be charged for core services.
For other E&G areas, including Agency 229 E&G, the E&G senior management area budgets reverted will be based on FY23 invoiced amounts. Departments will no longer be charged for core services.
In self-supporting E&G areas (including colleges with partnership funding models) and auxiliary enterprises, units will be billed annually in July based on FY23 invoiced amounts.
7. How is the term ‘central billing’ defined in this context?
‘Central billing’ refers to the aggregation and management of core network and communication service charges centrally at the institutional level instead of at the department level.
8. How is the term ‘chargeback’ defined in this context?
‘Chargeback’ is the practice of billing departments for network and communication services based on demand or consumption.
9. Who can I contact for additional information?
Network Infrastructure and Services (NI&S) is leading this initiative with strong support from central finance and university leadership. For questions or to schedule a consultation, please email cssnis@vt.edu.