Campus Technology Services

Telephone Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I pay my bill over the phone/web?
2. What is a PBN (authorization code)?
3. How do I get a PBN (Authorization code)?
4. How do I cancel my PBN (Authorization code)?
5. If I can't remember my PBN (Authorization code) how do I find out what it is?
6. What is Dual Billing?
7. How can I get a campus directory?
8. I don't get a dial tone when I pick up the handset.
9. I can't place a call off-campus.
10. My voice mail doesn’t pick up. {Employees Only}
11. I live off-campus. What telephone service providers are available to me?
12. How do I find out how much Print Quota I have?
13. How do I purchase more Print Quota?

1. Can I pay my bill over the phone/web?
If paying by credit card, you can call the automated credit card line at (315) 312-CARD (2273) to pay your bill over the phone. Web payment is currently not available.

2. What is a PBN (authorization code)?
PBN (Personal Billing Number) is what is needed to be able to make any calls off-campus, including calls made to Oswego. Your PBN is how you are billed for your phone calls. Do not share your PBN with anyone. Any phone calls made with your PBN are billed to you!

3. How do I get a PBN (Authorization code)?
To get a PBN, stop in to the Telecommunications Office, at 102 Culkin Hall, and fill out a telecommunications service contract. It only takes about 5 minutes to fill out the form and you will receive a PBN that will be active within an hour or less.

4. How do I cancel my PBN (Authorization code)?
To cancel your PBN just stop in our office and fill out a cancellation form. You may also send an email to phone-list@ls.oswego.edu and request that your PBN be deactivated.

5. If I can't remember my PBN (Authorization code) how do I find out what it is?
Unfortunately, due to confidentiality, we cannot give your PBN out over the phone or by email. You would have to stop in to the Telecommunications office with a picture ID to be issued your PBN.

6. What is Dual Billing?
Dual billing allows a second copy of your telecommunications bill to be mailed to your home address. This is useful when parents pay the bill.

7. How can I get a campus directory?
The campus directory is no longer printed, but rather online. You can utilize our PeopleSearch utility to search for people and/or department contact information.

8. I don't get a dial tone when I pick up the handset.
Possible Solution #1:Your phone is plugged into the wrong outlet.
Your phone should be plugged securely into the white phone jack on the wall. If it is not, this could cause a big problem.

Possible Solution #2:Your handset or line is malfunctioning.
Borrow a phone AND line from a neighbor, and plug it into your phone jack. If it works, the problem is with your handset and/or cord, and you will need to find a replacement.

If the problem still persists, even after swapping phone equipment, call the Technology Support Center at x3456 or email at help@oswego.edu.

9. I can't place a call off-campus.
Please note that you must have a Personal Billing Number (PBN) in order to make an off-campus call.

Possible Solution #1: You are placing the call incorrectly.

• To dial off-campus, dial 9, the number (including 1 if outside the 315 area code), and then your access code.
• Keep in mind you will no longer hear an audible feedback, except for a "stuttering" dial tone. That sound is a prompt for you to enter your access code.

Possible Solution #2: Your authorization code isn't working properly.
If you're getting a "fast busy" signal after entering your code, please report the problem to Telecommunications, phone-list@ls.oswego.edu.

10. My voice mail doesn’t pick up.

Possible Solution #1: Your voice mailbox hasn't been created yet.
Voice mailboxes are created 24 hours after you've signed up for voice mail.

Possible Solution #2: Your voice mailbox hasn't been initialized.
Pick up your handset and dial x3383 and follow the recorded instructions.

If the problem still persists, call the Technology Support Center at x3456 or email at help@oswego.edu.

11. I live off-campus. What telephone service providers are available to me?
Below is a list of local providers through which you can arrange service:

• AATelco.com – 1-800-983-7822 (local residential service)
• Northland Communications 1-800-765-8421
• Talk.com – 1-877-796-5000
• Verizon – 890-7100 (residential service)
• Ztel – 1-800-246-5450 (residential service)

12. How do I find out how much Print Quota I have?
You can check your available print Quota online. Go to the Account Tools site, login with your Laker NetID, and click on "Check Print Quota." This will tell you how much print quota you have, how many pages you have purchased and how many pages you have used.

13. How do I purchase more Print Quota?
You can purchase more Print Quota in $5.00 increments at the Telecommunications Office, located in 102 Culkin Hall. The Print Quota can take up to 24 hours to be added to your account.