The latest research from CCMI and commissioned by Truphone highlights the challenges that large enterprises have to face when communicating internationally via mobile voice, text, and data. More than half of enterprises are reportedly seeking to control increased long distance and roaming costs by limiting or even completely forbidding employee mobile device usage while abroad, which is in turn leading to less productivity because of difficulties communicating with employees and customers.
Mid-market companies, meanwhile, were found to be less likely to restrict international mobile roaming and view keeping connected to their international and traveling workforce as a critical cost of doing business, according to the commissioned report.
Limiting international mobile access has contributed to lost business in 20 percent of companies
The report is the third commissioned in the past three years by Truphone, the first of which we covered here while the second can be found here.
The report found that 55 percent of large enterprises, with corporate-wide cost cutting initiatives, are more likely to restrict international usage and have formal policies in place to reduce costs, an increase from 40 percent in 2012. The report also confirmed that limiting international mobile access has contributed to lost business in 20 percent of companies – regardless of size.
Over 90 percent of respondents said they would be willing to use an alternative wireless carrier in order to improve productivity, better the service experience, and reduce overall costs associated with international mobile services, particularly if the quality, reliability and user experience were comparable to or better than their current carrier.
“Organizations are beginning to assert more control over international roaming costs as compared to years past, but are finding this comes at an additional price in terms of accessibility and productivity,” Michael Yokay, president of CCMI, said. “The key take-away for both mid-market and enterprise organizations is that staying connected internationally will continue to be a critical challenge in their ability to conduct business on a global basis. Companies that can solve this problem will occupy a continually growing and valuable niche in this market.”
Additional findings from the study indicate that 40 percent of large companies have average monthly international mobile costs per user of $1,000, with 13 percent reporting monthly costs exceeding $3,500 per user. Similarly, 31 percent of mid-market companies reported monthly per user costs of more than $1,000, with 8 percent reporting monthly per user costs exceeding $3,500.
To curb costs, large businesses are implementing international mobile policies that are killing productivity
“The survey results show that as more business abroad is done over mobile phones and tablets, the pain points intensify causing companies to slam on the brakes,” said Pascal de Hesselle, vice president of Marketing USA at Truphone. “The trend shows a sharp year-over-year increase in the number of large businesses implementing international mobile policies that are killing productivity. That’s not how international communications should work.”
The CCMI study continues to highlight that traditional solutions are not working. Global roaming services such as Truphone would be a great alternative for the global businessperson, especially when working in conjunction with calling and messaging applications, both of which are sure to lower costs.