Businesses have shown that they are more successful when they keep the lines of communication open and clear. As co-workers and departments intermingle, the potential for costly miscommunications increases. A business needs to do anything that it can in order to provide their employees with the very best in communication abilities. One way to do that is the provide company phones to employees.
It may seem like an expense to be avoided. After All, employees are going to own their own phones. Many of them will choose to use them for work purposes anyway. That’s a dangerous precedent to set. These phones can be lost or replaced with potentially crucial data stored on them. They can also be susceptible to viruses or other data theft dangers.
Businesses who provide phones for their employees can keep them regulated. They are safe, secure and capable of performing all of the tasks required by the business.
Popular Business Phone Plans
Full Coverage and Devices
These plans are offered by many of the telecommunications behemoths. The idea behind it is simple. Devices will be purchased and a mobile phone plan for all will be covered by the business. This kind of overarching plan works best for big companies. Despite that, there are many small businesses who will also choose these plans. Small businesses with employees on the move would be foolish not to.
Advantages:
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Comprehensive - These plans are convenient and large. Anyone who needs a business phone will receive one.
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Productive - If every employee has a phone, then productivity is going to increase. The increase in communication and available work hours makes a difference.
Disadvantages:
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Expensive - These plans can be expensive for a company. It’s can seem like they are paying for their employees private phones if the employees are not using the phones enough.
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Large Amount of Hardware - Many of these plans will have expensive hardware replacement clauses. Any business that chooses this option will have to assign the management of the devices and plans to an employee.
Emergency Device Plans
These phone plans can be found by most providers and they offer up a situation for companies who use business phones rarely. An example would be a veterinary clinic. Their after hours on call vet would receive the mobile phone, and the plan would work for them. These plans integrate with landline phone plans to often redirect the calls to a phone number during certain hours.
Advantages:
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Does What’s Necessary - Plans for one or two special business mobile phones are done with a purpose. While not extravagant, they fulfill their duty.
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Inexpensive - These plans are typically small and don’t cost too much to a business.
Disadvantages:
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Limited - A business looking to do more with their mobile phone is going to need to look elsewhere. These are small plans with limited ability.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
The above companies offer great business phone plans. However, one plan that’s quite popular is leaving it to the employees to provide their own devices. Approximately 20% of businesses choose this model when they are
Advantages:
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Easy - It’s easy on the business to allow the employees to take care of the legwork. Companies will merely reimburse for submitted phone bills as long as they are business expenses. Often a little extra stipend is added for personal as well.
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Well Received - Many employees like this method. It gives them some freedom and choice. They merely need to submit their phone bills.
Disadvantages:
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Unpredictable - When it’s a company plan with a telecommunications company, you can see exactly what is happening with the phone. When it’s people’s own devices, sometimes there can be discrepancies. For a small business, unexpected costs are never welcome.
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Less Security - Often, a business can decide that only specific smartphones will be allowed. This will allow them to control things from a security aspect. However, other policies that apply to all smart phones are not as picky and safe.
Important Facts for a Business Owner
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Productivity Increases - When an employee has a business cell phone, they will continue to work during their off hours. Even if it’s something as simple as reading a few emails, that means that more time during work hours can be dedicated to other tasks.
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Great for Travel - For businesses where people are travelling, mobile phones allow them to consistently stay in touch with the office.
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On Call - Many businesses function with specific people “on call” in case of urgent situations. Having a company cell phone ensures that they will have it with them and allow the employee to respond and arrive at work quickly.
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Structure a Cell Policy - Many employees will wish to get in on a “company” cell phone plan. Not all employees are going to require a company phone. They merely wish a personally inexpensive phone. Establish a company cell phone policy to determine recipients of these devices.
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Competition is Fierce - Telecommunications companies want mobile business. The consistent move from land to mobile devices means that the market is in flux. It’s a good time to play one provider off another and get a deal beyond listed prices.
