List of ideas for fulfilling the requirement for an eRaider contact phone number


Introduction

Any links or information in this article are merely provided as a convenience or informational resource. They do not imply nor represent an endorsement by Texas Tech University or its affiliates. For additional assistance, please contact the manufacturer/provider of the product/service or your preferred third-party support provider.

Explanation

In order to maintain an eRaider account, it is necessary to have a contact number capable of receiving either SMS text messages or automated voice calls. There are no alternatives to this policy.

TIP: This policy does not mean that mobile service is required, or that the ability to receive text messages is required. You may choose to receive verification codes by way of automated voice call instead of text messaging. Also, there are ways to receive text messages without having service through a cellular carrier.

If you do not have a non-TTU phone number, you may wish to use alternatives such as the ones listed below. The TTU IT Division does not recommend a specific method over any other. The list is only for illustrative purposes to give examples of the many types of options available.

  • Google Voice gives you a free phone number through which you can send/receive calls and text messages online. You must use your Google Voice account periodically in order to keep it active; otherwise, you may risk losing the phone number due to account inactivity.
    • Google Voice requires that you have an existing phone number.
    • To fulfill the requirement of having an existing phone number, faculty and staff can use a TTU phone number (806-742-xxxx or 806-834-xxxx) as that existing number. You can forward the Google Voice number to your TTU number to get voice calls. This is an adequate solution for using legacy two-factor authentication. However, it will not work for situations in which your password is expired, as you will not be able to sign in to Skype for Business to receive phone calls if your password is expired.
  • Ask someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, to allow you to input their phone number into your account. They will need to provide you with codes sent to that phone number each time a code is required for authentication purposes.
  • Sign up for phone service through AT&T or a similar telecommunications company.
  • Get a prepaid cell phone at Walmart, BestBuy, or a similar electronics retailer.
  • Get a telephone number through the consumer version of Skype.
  • Sign up for magicJack or a similar service.
  • The ad-supported service TextNow gives you a free phone number through which you can send/receive calls and text messages online. You must use your TextNow account periodically in order to keep it active; otherwise, you may risk losing the phone number due to account inactivity.

For further help, please submit an eRaider assistance request.

NOTE: There is an approved list of countries for which eRaider can accept mobile numbers. You may view the most current and accurate list when you attempt to change your contact phone number.