Cell Phone Plans and Usage Policy
As part of the standard benefits package offered to salaried, full-time staff, The Austin Stone Community Church provides two options:
- Option 1: join the church's shared cell phone plan
- Option 2: receive a monthly stipend equal to the cost of the church’s plan
Option 1: join the church’s cell phone plan
The limits of the church's cell phone plan is decided upon by the Executive Team and is modified based on individual needs. The plan includes an adequate amount of talk, text, and data needed to fulfill one’s job duties. If a staff member consistently causes the church’s plan to go over it’s pre-determined limits with respect to talk, text, and/or data, and creates additional charges, that staff member will be removed from the church’s plan and given the monthly stipend.
Option 2: receive a monthly stipend
Currently, the monthly stipend is $64/month and will be received through your normal payroll ($32 per paycheck).
General Guidelines
General Expectations
Cell phone plans that are provided by The Austin Stone are for the primary purpose of aiding in the performance of job duties. Of course, since mobile service is being provided, it should be reasonable to expect that you are available and responsive when contacted. While your provided cell phone plan may be used for a reasonable amount of personal use, it is your responsibility to manage your usage wisely with respect to your plan and the others who share it. The Austin Stone will regularly re-evaluate our needs for mobile service and reserves the right to modify or cancel your current plan.
Phone replacement process
Unless otherwise specified, each staff member is responsible for the cost of replacing and/or upgrading their cell phone.
Staff members utilizing the church’s plan will need to work with the cell phone plan administrator (currently James Paquette) to order or upgrade a new phone. The cost will be determined by the retail price of the cell phone being purchased with the option of paying in full or spreading over 6-months through payroll deductions.
International coverage
When traveling internationally for church work related purposes (mission trips, conferences, etc.), The Austin Stone will cover the cost of adding international coverage through the corresponding budget responsible for the trip. Before requesting this coverage, the staff member should confirm that the costs are part of the budgeted costs for the trip. For example, for a staff leading a short-term mission trip to Barcelona, the staff member is responsible for working with the short-term mission trip coordinator and the cell phone plan administrator to ensure the cost for adding the international coverage is properly covered by the trip’s budget.
Cell phone use while driving
Staff members must not use a cell phone or any electronic handheld device while driving. If cell phone or electronic handheld device use is necessary, the employee should:
- Utilize hands-free functionality is available (unless prohibited by federal, state, or local law), or
- Pull off the road