Multicultural Affairs
Student Affairs and Campus Inclusion
The information that is shared here is based on federal regulations and university policies as of July 2023. This
information is subject to change in the future.
Cell Phone/SIM Cards
A local SIM will not only give you the best rates, but also access to local discounts. This is undeniably
the best option if you do not want to consign yourself to enduring expensive phone calls,
scavenging free Wi-Fi in Milwaukee, or returning home to an exorbitant bill. Most likely you will
want a cell phone as well as a domestic cell phone number upon arrival in the U.S. Please find a few
options below that are available for MSOE international students.
Prepaid monthly plans allow you to pay one rate per month and do not require a contract. Prepaid
plans provide options for unlimited talk, text, and data, and generally run from $30 to $50 per
month, depending on your plan and carrier. These plans are ideal for international students and
their dependents.
If you are bringing an unlocked cell phone from your home country, you can also just purchase a
SIM card upon arriving in the U.S. to set up your plan. The advantages to a prepaid plan are that
there is no credit check, no deposit required, and no contract. Plans are affordable and often
unlimited, so you will not have any surprises on your bill. The disadvantages are that they are not
the most affordable if you need multiple lines (as a family plan) and you are ineligible for
discounted handsets.
Prepaid Plans:
Highly recommended for MSOE international students and their dependents.
Plans have a set monthly rate (>$30) for unlimited talking, texting, and data.
No contracts, no credit history required, and no deposits.
You have to buy a cell phone that is compatible with their company but it is yours to keep.
Refill your credit anytime with cash (in-person) or debit/credit card (online).
Purchase a SIM card and use your unlocked cell phone from home.
Signal is not as strong as with contract plans: In Milwaukee and other big cities (e.g.,
Chicago, Minneapolis, and Madison), it generally works just fine. 5G coverage in available
areas.
Make sure you always pay your bill on time. If the company does not receive your payment, they
will shut off your service the next day. If your bill is due on the 4th of every month and you do not
pay on time, then your service will be shut off on the 5th and you will immediately lose your cell
phone number. You will then have to go into the store, reactivate your service, and change your cell
phone number.
Contract plans are a good option for certain international students and their dependents (if you will
be in the U.S. longer than 2 years), since you have to sign a long-term mobile contract. With a
contract plan, you will most likely get a highly discounted or even free cell phone when you sign-up
with the company of your choice.
Keep in mind though that most contract plans require that you have an SSN. If you do not have an
SSN then your cell phone provider might let you open an account but will likely require a large
deposit (~$500) which they return at the end of your contract. They will also likely charge you an
Multicultural Affairs
Student Affairs and Campus Inclusion
The information that is shared here is based on federal regulations and university policies as of July 2023. This
information is subject to change in the future.
early cancellation fee (~$250) if you go back home before the end of your two-year contract and
need to cancel service.
Contract Plans:
Ability to use your unlocked device.
Large data package offerings.
Pay for either a certain amount of minutes/month, or unlimited, ranging from $40-$70.
Large variety of cell phones to select from with attractive sales, typically several free options
when you open an account (however, usually you still must pay tax).
Signals tend to be stronger and more stable.
Most plans require a 2-year agreement/contract with a comparatively high (>$200) early
cancellation fee.
Credit history required for a cell phone which means having a U.S. credit card for at least 6
months, otherwise credit deposit required (>$500).
Monthly charges do not include taxes or additional services charges please refer to your
plan details or speak with a wireless representative for additional information.
MSOE staff are not employed by any mobile telecommunication companies (e.g., T-Mobile) and
cannot answer any specific questions you may have.
Listed below are local phone carriers who provide services in Milwaukee.
AT&T: http://www.att.com | (800) 901-9878 | 632 East Ogden Avenue, Milwaukee, WI
53202
T-Mobile: http://www.t-mobile.com | (800) 937-8997 | 1438 East Brady Street, Milwaukee,
WI 53202
U.S. Cellular: https://www.uscellular.com | (888) 944-9400 | 544 East Ogden Avenue, Suite
700, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Verizon: https://www.verizon.com | (800) 837-4966 | 249 North Broadway,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
If you want to stop by a local store and get your SIM card in person, please bring your valid foreign
passport, Form I-20, MSOE Student ID Card, some cash, and your credit/debit card.
