Central Controls

Other Considerations

When a company initially makes the decision to move to a pooled wireless plan, it may encounter some resistance from employees who have a grudge against a certain wireless operator or who will no longer be eligible for family plans. But such concerns may be offset by other benefits—such as no longer having to submit cell phone expense reports. Employees also may be able to get discounts on personal cell phones for friends and family members as part of their employers’ deal with the wireless operator. By promoting such special offerings to employees, a company can boost the overall volume of business it directs to a wireless operator—and that can strengthen the company’s position when it comes time to negotiate its next contract with the operator.

Is there ever a reason for a company not to use a corporate liable approach to cell phones and wireless devices? “The downside would be the financial risk,” Alexander says. If an employee were to leave the company without turning in his or her cell phone—and if the company failed to call the service provider to have the service de-activated—the company could be responsible for a lot of extra usage charges. “You’re taking on a financial liability you may not want,” Alexander explains.

With the correct procedures in place, however, a company can minimize the risks involved—and even small companies are likely to find that the benefits outweigh the risks.