This page provides an extensive Cellular Phone Resource Guide, which includes information about different cell phone service providers, as well as helpful tips on how to select your plan and even a glossary of commonly used terminology.

OISS partners with campusSIMS, and will have SIM cards available at no cost during your orientation/immigration check-in. To help with your transition to the United States, campusSIMS provides 1 free month of service from their exclusive mobile partner, Mint Mobile. At the end of the free month you can continue to pay for service through campusSIMS/Mint Mobile, or switch to another service provider depending on your personal preferences.

To learn more about campusSIMS, please see below and visit https://www.campussims.com.

CampusSIMS

OISS partners with campusSIMS and has SIM cards available at no cost during your orientation/immigration check-in. To help with your transition to the United States, campusSIMS provides 1 free month of service from their exclusive mobile partner, Mint Mobile. At the end of the free month, you can continue to pay for service through campusSIMS/Mint Mobile or switch to another service provider, depending on your personal preferences.

With campusSIMS, you can also activate your Mint Mobile phone number in minutes with eSIM, so you can set up your phone service before traveling to the United States. Please note that the free month is not included in the eSIM option, as it is a benefit only available with physical SIM cards!

To active a number with eSIM:
If you’re reading this on your phone, click the link below to download the Mint Mobile app and activate your number today. If you’re reading this on your computer, scan the QR code with your phone to begin activation.
App store link
QR Code:

Most Common Cell Phone Service Providers

Most common other cell phone service providers

Provider	Locations close to Rice
AT&T (www.att.com) Prepaid AT&T Phones (www.att.com/prepaid): No annual contract No credit check No deposit Caller ID International Calling	1) 6027 Kirby Houston, TX 77005 713-526-4716 (walking distance from Rice) 2) 7811 Main Street, Suite A Houston, TX 77030 713-669-1125 (walking distance from Target at Main)
Sprint (www.sprint.com)	1) 3315 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77005 713-661-9800 2) 3246 South Loop West Freeway Houston, TX 77025 713-662-3949
T-Mobile (www.t-mobile.com) Discounted or Free T-Mobile phones: www.wirefly.com/tmobile	1) 8200 S. Main Street, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77025 713-668-8492 (near Target shopping shuttle) 2) 3701 S. Shepherd Dr. Houston, TX 77098 713-527-8072
Verizon Wireless (www.verizonwireless.com) Discounted or Free Verizon phones: www.wirefly.com/verizon	1) 8505 S. Main St. #340 Houston, TX 77025 713-592-0210 (near Target shopping shuttle, need SSN & photo ID to sign a contract) 2) 2071 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77098 Shepherd Square Shopping Center 713-522-2810 3) 3817 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77027 713-621-1391

Other cellular options

• Consumer Cellular (www.consumercellular.com/savings)
• Cricket (www.mycricket.com)
• Wirefly (www.wirefly.com)

Make sure to take your Rice ID with you, in case that makes you eligible for a discount.

NOTE: http://www.cnet.com is also a good website for comparisons on any range of electronics.
Consumer Reports Cell Phone and Service Buying Guide: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cell-phones-services/buying-guide.htm

What to bring when purchasing cell phones

Most of the stores may ask for 2 forms of ID such as:

• Social Security Number (just number and not a hard copy), if you have one
• I-20 or DS-2019
• Passport
• Texas State ID or Driver License, if you have one
• Credit/Debit Card

Make sure to also take your Rice ID, in case that makes you eligible for a discount.

Stores with Discounted Cell Phones and Plans

• Walmart (www.walmart.com/wireless)
• Best Buy (www.bestbuy.com)
• Target (www.target.com/c/cell-phones-electronics/-/N-5xte8)

Make sure to take your Rice ID with you, in case that makes you eligible for a discount.

Helpful Tips

Be sure to ask how long the contract lasts

Most large cell phone providers require you to sign up for a 2 year contract, but with that contract you get phones at a discounted rate. However, you can also get phones without a contract and pay as you go.

Know your options

• Pre-Paid Plan: You can go with pre-paid phones where you pay for your minutes ahead of time and re-charge the phone when you run out of minutes. This is a no contract option.
• Contract Plan: Most large cell phone providers (ATT, Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile) require a two year contract in which you get phones at a discounted rate.
• Month to Month Plan (No Contract): certain cell phone companies like Cricket do not have a contract and you can pay month to month.

Do research on the phone as well as the various service plans

• Cell phone companies charge by the number of minutes you need as well as add-ons such as text messaging and data plans. Spend some time on the company’s website or talking to a sales person to understand each package and which is more cost-effective for you.
• Ask about the early termination fee: oftentimes if you cancel your plan before your contract is up, you will be charged an early termination fee that could cost around anywhere from $100-$350 to terminate your contract.

Know how to contact customer service

• Save the phone number in your phone’s memory or know where to locate it online.
• You can call or email the customer service reps.

Always pay your bills on time

• You can ensure your bills are paid on time by signing up for Auto debit where the money is taken directly from your bank account or charged to your credit card.
• If you do not pay your bills on time, your phone may be cut off or the phone company will have a collection agency contact you to collect the overdue payment.

Know where to take your phone to get it repaired of fixed

• iPhone users can take their phones to the Apple Store but you often must make an appointment beforehand.
• Usually, you can take your phone back to the place where you bought it to get assistance.