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Keeping on Top of Cell Phone
Expenses Can Help Firms Save Money

Jay Milgrom

Every parent of a cell phone toting adolescent has a story about the month young Johnny went over his plan by 2,000 minutes or the time little Janie sent 1,100 texts over the prepaid limit … Actually, many of us adults have probably had a similar experience.

The good news is we recognized it, made adjustments and avoided future episodes.

Unfortunately, this is not the case for many businesses.

Sources vary, but most suggest that businesses overpay on wireless expenses by as much as 40%. This can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in overages, depending on the size of an organization. That’s a lot of lunch money.

Why We Overpay

Why do organizations overpay so drastically for wireless services?

• Plans are complicated and bills are difficult to analyze, especially with a large number of end users. Using multiple plans can increase the confusion.
• Off-plan users might be expensing their services through the company.
• One size doesn’t fit all. Organizations often over-allocate for some users and under-allocate for other users, resulting in significant overages.
• The company has a lack of knowledge about and access to special rates and discounts.
• Misconceptions about addressing overbilling can lead to inaction. It isn’t necessary to change carriers, contractual status or equipment. It also is not necessary to buy expensive software or redirect the carrier bill.
• Lack of awareness. Carriers aren’t in a hurry to advise you that you’re overpaying. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

You Can Cut Costs

In these lean times, cutting costs is top priority for IT and financial executives in organizations of all sizes. Overspending on wireless expenses is easy to address with outside wireless expense management, available on a contingency basis.

There is simply no reason not to do it.

Jay Milgrom is the CEO of OpDecision LLC, a wireless expense management service provider located in Newtown, Pa. For more information, contact him at jay.milgrom@opdecision.com or 800-910-8517.