Most companies are not adequately managing mobile users or wireless services, resulting in overspending, research firm Gartner Inc. said today.
Artwork: Chip TaylorThe analyst firm said about 80% of large companies are expected to overspend on wireless services costs by an average of 15% through 2014.
Gartner analyst Phil Redman urged large companies to examine how wireless is used by different work groups to make sure that their needs are matched with the correct services from carriers.
Contracts signed with carriers need to be examined to be sure that pooling of minutes, flat-rate plans and other offers are used properly, Redman said. In general, Gartner recommends companies move to "corporate liability plans" to lower costs, instead of relying on individual liability plans where a worker pays the bill, arranges service and is reimbursed by the company. Corporate liability plans, where a company pays the bills upfront, allow for corporate discounting, Redman said.
Redman also said companies need to remind workers who travel abroad about high fees for roaming calls in other countries. Carriers can work with companies to offer recommendations on roaming, but Gartner recommends that companies prohibit all ad hoc use of international wireless data and rely on smartphones that offer e-mail. Gartner said a small proportion of international travelers can eat up a large portion of travel costs due to high roaming fees.
Gartner also recommends that companies consider using the consulting services of a telecom expense management company to lower expenses. Finally, companies can integrate workers' cell phones into their corporate telecom system, which gives the workers access to unified communications functions and can reduce the need to rely on a desktop phone.
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