Learn How to Manage Your VIU Mobile Phone Outside Canada

Mobile phone roaming overage charges are one of the largest waste expenses Vancouver Island University incurs. In 2018, VIU paid $54,940.83 to Rogers Wireless in roaming overages.

Roaming overage charges occur when people take their VIU phones outside of Canada having not purchased an international data/text/calls package and neglect to put their phone on airplane mode or turn it off.

Each department is responsible for the charges of its employees, which means the charges draw money from departmental improvements or initiatives.

It is easy to accidentally wrack up a large roaming charge without even being aware you are so VIU is implementing some new measures that will make this harder to do.

Starting on Friday, September 20, if an international package is not purchased before the user takes the phone outside of Canada, the phone will not work. To ensure seamless use of your phone, you must contact the IThelp Desk at IThelp@viu.ca or calling 250.740.6300 no less than one week prior to your travel date. You will need your cost centre, approval to purchase the package, the duration of your trip and the location. 

 Each department has the discretion to handle this portion of their resources how they see fit, so make sure you know what the rules are in your area.   

It is still possible to incur overage charges because once the package is purchased, the phone works. Rogers will not send notifications if you are approaching your limit, or going over it, so you can either check the app or simply use it sparingly when you are not connected to wifi.

Learn how to manage your data so you do not receive charges you are not expecting.

Data is the biggest culprit for eating up your package, so be sure to connect to wifi for those Facetime calls to loved ones and follow the list of tips and tricks below.

Tips and Tricks For Travelling with your Smartphone:

• Disable auto-play of videos on social media apps by changing the app settings.
• Connect to Wi-Fi for activities that use a lot of data, such as streaming videos, downloading apps or checking maps.
• Consider downloading a VPN app if you’re concerned about public Wi-Fi security.
• Limit use of location services. Some apps use your current location to help make them more convenient, but turning off location services will save you data.
• Fully close your apps when you're not using them and turn off app push notifications.
• Turn off push email notifications so your device is not constantly looking for emails to download.
• To prevent roaming charges completely when travelling, put your phone on Airplane or Flight mode. If you still want your device available for calls or texts, turn off data roaming.
• Monitor and manage your wireless data usage by using the MyRogers app on your smartphone.
• Make sure you have a screen lock in place in case your phone is stolen. You can also install apps that will track your phone if it is stolen or lost.
• Turn off Auto Synch, which checks for app updates.
• Use a solid case for your phone. You’ll be on the move a lot and should protect your device.
• Back up your data before you leave on your trip in case your device gets damaged or stolen.
• If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t know the language, download a good translation app before you leave. You can also download apps that calculate currency conversions.
• Download useful travel apps that can help you sightsee or find and book local restaurants.

Call 250.740.6300 or email ITHelp@viu.ca for more information.