FWTS Frequently Asked Questions (July 1998)

The recent improvements in the Federal Wireless program offer both existing and future customers significant advantages in service options, rate plans, equipment availability and simplified ordering and billing. The following questions and answers are intended to describe the major improvements in the program.

1. What services are provided under the FWTS contract?

Currently the FWTS contract offers nationwide cellular voice and data, to include Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) where available, and nationwide one-way, two-way, and voice paging services. As the FWTS program matures, other wireless services and enhancements will be offered, including mobile satellite services, fixed satellite services, secure equipment, specialized mobile radio, wireless LAN, advanced messaging and other wireless enhancements.

 

2. Who are the FWTS team members?

The GTE FWTS team consists of GTE Government Systems as the prime contractor, with GTE Wireless (GTEW) and Bell Atlantic Mobile (BAM) providing cellular voice and data services, and SkyTel providing nationwide paging services.

 

3. How has the FWTS program been improved?

There have been significant improvements in cellular telephone service and equipment options available to FWTS customers. FWTS now features both consolidated accounts, managed by Bell Atlantic Mobile and GTE Wireless, and local accounts managed by service providers participating in the FWTS program. Any item of equipment offered by a participating service provider is now available, to include the latest digital technology. FWTS customers can take advantage of the bundled service/equipment packages and promotions offered by service providers at rates that are the most competitive in the industry. Ordering and billing have been greatly simplified, and FWTS customers will enjoy personalized service from a dedicated account manager and dedicated customer service support.

 

4. Can I order service from the Federal Wireless Program?

The Federal Wireless contract states that service can be ordered by all federal agencies; authorized federal contractors; agency-sponsored universities and laboratories; and, as authorized by law, state, local, and tribal governments. Unfortunately, at the present time Congress has not authorized use of the contract by state and local governments.

 

5. How do I find out which of the FWTS program offerings are best for my requirements?

Call the Federal Wireless Service Center at 1-888-333-9473. There a customer service representative will ask you some basic questions about your agency, your location, and your requirements for service. The customer service representative will then recommend to you a service package that will suit your needs. If you would like more specific information about a particular service, the customer service representative will have an account manager call you to discuss your requirements in more detail.

 

6. How do I place an order?

Call the Federal Wireless Service Center at 1-888-333-9473. The FWTS Customer Service Representative will provide you general service and product information and in addition can give you information on participating service providers in your locations. An account manager will contact you and assist you in composing and submitting your order.

 

7. Will I be required to produce a funding document?

Yes. At the time that the order is submitted, you will be asked for a Purchase Order or Delivery Order for the service you have ordered. The Remit To: address will be provided to you by the account manager.

 

8. Can I use the same funding document for both equipment and service?

At the present time, no. Equipment and service may be ordered at the same time, but they must be paid for separately. Payment means for both equipment and service include Purchase Order and IMPAC credit card.

 

9. How am I going to be billed?

You will be billed monthly, directly by the service provider with whom you placed the order, unless you have one of the previously established accounts that are billed through GSA. In that case, you will continue to be billed through GSA.

 

10. How do I make payment?

Payment will be made to the service provider with whom you placed the order. If you are being billed by GSA, you will continue to make payments to GSA.

 

11. If I am a current Federal Wireless cellular customer, what effect will the FWTS program changes have on me?

The management of your account has been assigned to either Bell Atlantic Mobile or GTE Wireless, depending on which Government agency you are a part of. You will receive an information packet describing the program changes, and you can expect a phone call from your new account manager to address any of your initial questions. Soon after that, the account manager will either visit you or call you to discuss with you in more detail the service options available with the improved FWTS program.

 

12. Will there be any interruption in my service?

No. Service will continue to be provided to you without interruption

 

13. Will I have to change my telephone number?

No. The improvements to the FWTS program and the transition of the management of your account to Bell Atlantic Mobile or GTE Wireless do not require any changes in telephone numbers.

 

14. What should I do if I have a problem with my service?