Analysts flag lack of control over wireless service charges

Businesses overspending on wireless voice and data

Businesses are not doing enough to control their wireless service costs and are likely to overspend by an average of 15% over the next five years, industry watchers have cautioned.

Gartner Inc today advised organisations to scrutinise international roaming rates and the fine details of any pooling plans, flat-rate and zero-minute terms in their wireless voice and data contracts to ensure their chosen service providers are providing the best value. 

“Our research shows companies are not adequately managing their mobile users or services,” explained Phil Redman of Gartner. “They need to look more closely at their key user segments and requirements in order to match those needs with the right services and optimise their spending.” 

Use of telecom expense management is an obvious first step. As well as manual auditing, there are many available software tools and service providers in the area, some of which operate on a shared gain basis, where the telecom expense management service provider offers a ‘no risk’ service in return for a cut of any savings.

Gartner advises companies move to corporate liability plans that allow for better control of costs through the optimisation of wireless services and corporate discounting. It also recommends that companies disallow all ad hoc use of international wireless data and instead promote the use of smartphones for e-mail or ask carriers for bundles for remote workers.

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