Please note: The following information is provided only as a reference.  Wireless phone service is purchased and maintained by the individual departments of State government in a business relationship with commercial wireless phone vendors and not through DII Telecommunications.  Please contact the vendor directly with service requests or questions.

• Verizon Wireless
• Unicel

For Your Information:

The evolution of the wireless phone industry has led to the widespread use of wireless phones by more and more people.  Recently, advanced hand-held devices or "smart phones" which allow wireless access to an e-mail account, and even the ability to surf the Web in addition to making phone calls, have become increasingly popular as valuable tools for maintaining communication outside the traditional office setting.

Small battery-powered wireless phones are limited to .6 watts of power to extend the battery life and for safe usage when holding the cellular phone next to the head while placing a call. The wireless phone battery life is typically over 14 hours of standby time (waiting to receive a call) and 150 minutes of talk time.

Wireless Phone Accessories:

A battery charger should be provided with the phone.  Optional accessories are available that the user might consider to make the use of a wireless phone more convenient and may be required for safe operation of a phone in a vehicle, such as hands-free devices like Bluetooth or wired earpiece/microphone combinations.

Hands-Free:

An important safety feature that's included with most of today's wireless phones. It permits drivers to minimize distraction while driving by using the phone without lifting or holding the handset to their ear. It is the policy of the State of Vermont that State employees will use only hands-free enabled phones in State fleet vehicles and privately-owned vehicles used in the performance of State business.

Wireless Phone Safety:

The following is the wireless phone safety policy as issued by the Secretary of Administration, effective November 1, 2000:

• PURPOSE: It is acknowledged that the use of wireless telephones while driving can significantly increase the risk of accidents. The purpose of this policy is to promote safety in the use of wireless phones in state vehicles and privately owned vehicles used in the performance of state business.
   
• GUIDELINES:
  1. Always give your full attention to your driving.
  2. The use of a wireless phone while operating a vehicle is prohibited unless the phone is properly equipped with an appropriate hands-free device.
  3. Always suspend conversation during hazardous driving conditions.
  4. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
  5. Dial calls sensibly when you are not moving or before you pull into traffic. Use speed-dial buttons whenever possible.
  6. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations while driving.

 DII Support Center: (802) 828-3544