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Nationwide wireless plans are higher priced but do allow for in-network calls without roaming charges. An employee who never travels more than 50 miles from
home office may never use this feature. Always check to determine that plans chosen for each employee are an exact fit for usage needed.
3. Paying for wireless insurance coverage, pager protection or roadside assistance coverage.
On accounts with several wireless devices, paying for insurance protection is not cost-effective. On single accounts, insurance coverage may be a good choice, especially if equipment is top-of-the-line and coverage premium is reasonable and insurance comprehensive.
Roadside assistance is one of those "peace of mind" features that can add $40 - $50 per year to each account. Let common sense be guide here. If user never travels for any length by car, eliminate it entirely.
4. Paying for wireless phones that have been lost, stolen or unused.
If a medium to large-size organization fails to properly track wireless inventories, duplication of billing for lost, stolen or even unused wireless phones may result.
Example: an employee is transferred to a new office and brings their wireless phone along. The new office provides them with a new wireless phone. The retired phone is kept inside a desk drawer only to collect dust - and in meantime bill is still being paid each and every month by previous office manager!
Establishing procedures for ordering and maintaining accurate wireless inventories should be routine for organizations that want to keep costs down.
Be sure you keep and maintain a complete inventory of handsets along with their respective bills and accounts. Paying for wireless services that are no longer being used can be huge source of unneccessary spending.
Karen Thatcher is President and CEO of TelCon Associates, a 32 year old telecom cost-reduction and bill management firm. To receive a free CD ROM, Telecom Tips and Strategies for Businesses, visit www.telconassociates.com
