PB 22164 - September 29, 2005 - USPS.com® - About

POSTAL BULLETIN 22164 (9-29-05)
Information Technology
HANDBOOK AS-873 REVISION
Telecommunications Services
Effective immediately, Handbook AS-873, Telecommunications
Services, is revised to update the policies and
requirements related to personal digital assistant (PDA) devices
used in the Postal Service.
We will incorporate these revisions into the next online
update of Handbook AS-873 accessible on the Postal Service
PolicyNet Web site:
Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
Under “Essential Links” in the left-hand column, click
on References.
Under “References” in the right-hand column, under
“Policies,” click on PolicyNet.
Then click on HBKs.
(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web
site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)
Handbook AS-873, Telecommunications
Services
* * * * *
9 Wireless Communications
* * * * *
[Revise title and text to read as follows:]
9-4 Wireless Data Communications
9-4.1 Policy
The Blackberry is the Postal Service standard, and the only
personal digital assistant (PDA) device supported by Information
Technology (IT). Future technology enhancements
may change this standard; however, the policies and
procedures provided in this instruction will apply to all
replacements and any additional PDA devices that become
part of the Postal Service infrastructure.
9-4.2 Applicability
The policy and procedures for provisioning and supporting
all personal digital assistant devices apply to all levels of
the Postal Service, regardless of the source of funding.
9-4.3 Service Options
Data Services
a. Data services consist of e-mail and PIN-to-PIN
(Blackberry to Blackberry) communications and are
required for all Blackberry hardware purchases.
b. Responsibility for funding the recurring monthly costs
associated with these services is outlined below.
91
c. Approving PCES managers should carefully consider
the responsibilities described below when approving
the initial Blackberry device purchase.
Voice Services
a. Voice services will not be activated without the PCES
manager’s approval.
b. Voice will not be activated unless a calling plan has
been selected.
c. All voice services are funded locally.
d. To have this voice service activated, you must turn in
your Postal Service−distributed mobile phone and
pager (if one was in use) prior to Blackberry
activation.
Service Changes
Contact the service provider directly for all subsequent
changes in service.
User Information Changes
Update user information changes in the eAccess system.
9-4.4 Funding
General
All managers are expected to exercise fiscal responsibility
in approving new Blackberry devices (and all other nonstandard
PDAs for authorized Blackberry users), replacing
cellular phones, and implementing the above guidelines in
their entirety.
For Officers and PCES Managers
a. Information Technology (IT) will fund the initial purchase
of PDAs for officers and PCES managers. This
funding includes a one-time setup charge and recurring
monthly charges for data services. IT will also
fund and manage all corporate-wide upgrades.
b. Area and district offices will fund locally initiated upgrades,
replacement of damaged devices, and voiceservice
costs.
For Field IT Staff (District & BMC IS and Area ITPC)
IT will fund devices for the field IT staff and the recurring
voice-service costs, as well as all upgrades and replacement
costs.
For EAS Positions
PCES managers will fund PDAs for their respective EAS
employees.