Phones overview

Introduction

Within Nikhef, mobile telephones are used for communication. A desk phone is only used in exceptional cases. Desk phones are also used as emergency telephones within Nikhef. These are intended for internal calls and, of course, in the event of calamities.

If you think that you need a desk phone, please contact the Helpdesk (helpdesk-at-nikhef.nl). Indicate in your request why you think you need a desk phone.

Nikhef mobile phone

Employees in one of the positions below are entitled to a Nikhef mobile phone. See also Regeling mobiele elektronische werkvoorzieningen.

• Employees in the technical and support departments of Nikhef with an indefinite contract at NWO-I;
• Employees in the technical and support departments of Nikhef with a fixed-term employment contract with NWO-I that has been entered into for a period of at least one year;
• Employees with a managerial position at Nikhef;
• Nikhef academic staff with a permanent contract at NWO-I or one of the Nikhef partner universities;
• Nikhef academic staff with tenure track employment at NWO-I or one of the Nikhef partner universities.

Types of phones

For users of a mobile phone within Nikhef, there is a choice between a phone model with iOS and a phone model with Android. Ask the CT-Helpdesk which exact phones we have in stock now.

Contract and usage

From March 5, 2026, Nikhef has a contract with KPN for mobile telephony. Below you will find some information about the content of the contract that may apply.

A monthly limit has been set on the usage costs for all users. When this limit is reached, further use (outside the subscription) is blocked.

In the Netherlands

• Unlimited calls to fixed and mobile numbers within the EU.
• Unlimited SMS within the EU.
• You’ll receive an SMS when you’ve used 80% and 100% of the data-bundle.
• 5G network available.

Calling abroad from the Netherlands

Nikhef has a shared monthly allowance of 400 minutes/SMS with the corporate bundle Voordeellanden Bellen.

When you call countries that fall under the Rest of the World category, additional charges will be applied to Nikhef.

The following countries are part of the Rest of the World bundle:

Within the EEA (European Economic Area)

• Unlimited calling and texting within the countries in Europe.
• You’ll receive an SMS when you’ve used 80% and 100% of the data-bundle.

In the rest of the world

If you are located in one of the countries listed below, the World Bundle per 7.5 GB will be activated:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the Nikhef Mobile regulations scheme?

See the Electronic Work Facilities Regulations on the CT wiki.

When will my mobile phone be replaced?

There is no fixed replacement cycle. Mobile phones are replaced after the end of their defined service life, in accordance with Nikhef’s Mobile Electronic Equipment Policy.

Depending on the chosen option (Full Service or Device-of-choice), Nikhef determines when a device has reached the end of its service life and whether it will be replaced.

I am leaving my employment and would like to take over my device. Is that possible?

Yes, this may be possible. Upon replacement of the device or upon leaving Nikhef, you may take over the device for its residual value.

The residual value is determined by the ICT department and is calculated using straight-line depreciation in accordance with Nikhef’s Mobile Electronic Equipment Policy.

For your device of choice, depreciation is deducted from the budget provided by Nikhef.

I have been employed for X months, can I also use this?

• If your employment ends within 6 months, you cannot participate.
• If your employment ends within 12 months, you can only choose from the fully supported devices.

Can I call/text/use the internet privately?

Yes, as long as it's done in moderation.

Will Nikhef also support/roll out chat service X?

No. Primarily, we only support calling and texting as a minimum service on mobile phones.

Do I have to be available 24/7?

You must be available during the agreed working hours.

Can I bring my private mobile number to Nikhef?

Yes, that's possible. Please inform the helpdesk if you want this.

Can I take my mobile number with me when I leave employment?

This is only possible if you previously brought your own private mobile number to Nikhef. There are some conditions attached to it:

• You will be converted by Nikhef to a private subscription from the provider Nikhef currently has (which is currently KPN). This contract has the same lead time as the Nikhef contract itself and you can choose from the subscriptions that the provider offers. Once this contract term has expired, you are free to switch to another provider.
• If you use a mobile number supplied by Nikhef, you cannot take it with you when you leave your employment.

When will my 06 number be ported?

If your 06 number is contract-free with the current provider, it usually takes +/- 30 working days. However, the helpdesk will always inform you at which date your 06 number will be ported.

Can I install applications myself on the mobile supplied by Nikhef?

Yes, that is allowed if the device is suitable for it. You manage the device yourself and therefore also have the freedom to install applications from the supplied application store.

Can I jailbreak/root the mobile device?

No.

Can I use the 2nd SIM card slot/e-SIM for another (temporary/private) subscription?

Yes, that is allowed. But Nikhef does not offer support if you experience any problems with this.

My fully supported mobile device is broken. What now?

Visit the CT Helpdesk and you will immediately receive a replacement copy. Your current device will be repaired and will go into stock at the Helpdesk.

Repairs via other channels will only be reimbursed by Nikhef after prior permission from the head of CT.

My device of choice is broken. What now?

Have it repaired at your own expense. For extreme emergencies, you can borrow a Nokia from the Helpdesk to be available during the repair period.

Is there a limit to how often you can have a fully supported mobile device repaired?

If it happens more often that your mobile device breaks down, the costs of the repair will be recovered from you.

Exceptions to this can only be made by the management.

Can Nikhef also supply e-sims?

Yes.

When I have only opted for the SIM card in the past, but later still want a Nikhef device. What are the possibilities?

See the Electronic Work Facilities Regulations.

Can I order my device of choice from another store?

No. We have a contract with Coolblue and will first check with them whether they can supply the device of your choice.

What costs should I consider for my device of choice?

Due to large price fluctuations in the market, it is advisable to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended Dutch consumer price or the price listed on the Coolblue website.

Coolblue does their best to offer us the best possible price, but due to the current state of the hardware market, we cannot guarantee this in advance.

Can I choose a refurbished or second-hand device as my device of choice?

We only purchase new devices through our supplier Coolblue.

I recently bought a mobile phone and can Nikhef reimburse it?

No.

Can I receive the device-of-choice allowance as cash?

No. The device-of-choice compensation can only be used to purchase new appliances and related accessories through Nikhef. Cash payment is not possible.

I choose a device-of-choice mobile phone that costs less than the reimbursement. What can / will happen with the remainder of the amount?

You can use this remainder to order accessories that fit the chosen device, or to have any repairs (partially) paid for later.

However, any remainder of the budget will not be paid out.

Can I pay the amount I have to pay for my device-of-choice device in installments?

No. Investigate in advance whether you can pay the remaining amount before you pass on your choice. Devices once ordered must be purchased.

I want to configure my Nikhef e-mail/calendar/address book on my phone.

See the Mail, Calendar, Contact overview.

My phone is broken, what do I do?

Always contact the Nikhef Helpdesk (helpdesk-at-nikhef.nl / phone ext. 2200 / Room: H122).

The Helpdesk will assess whether and how the telephone needs to be repaired, and whether a warranty claim can be made. In any case, do not have the phone repaired or replaced yourself.