Every business needs to keep communication lines open. And to make this happen, getting the best business mobile deals is essential.
Here’s how you can choose the best mobile plan for your business without ruining your budget.
1. Determine your usage
Look at your business operations and assess how you use mobile phones to address the communication needs of the company. If you and your employees are out of the office all the time, you need a mobile plan that will keep you connected to your customers or clients even without Wi-Fi.
Review your past phone bills to gain accurate information on your usage and patterns. It’s also important to consider asking yourself the following questions:
- Do you receive mostly local business calls or do they also come from across the country?
- Will you need low-cost or free international calls added to your mobile plan?
- Are data and SMS useful to you?
Once you determine the answers to the questions above, you’ll get a clearer picture of what mobile plan will suit your business best.
2. Compare offers from different service providers
Pick at least three service providers and compare their network coverage, range of services, and contract plans. By doing so, you have better chances of obtaining a cost-effective mobile plan that comes with the best business mobile solutions.
Take the following into account when comparing offers from service providers:
- Local or National – If your business is located in a local or regional area, a small local service provider may be a better choice. Local providers normally charge lower rates on data and voice packages, and have more personalized services.
- Security – If you’re using a smartphone to access any sensitive data, security is a vital consideration. While basic safety measures begin with your handset, ensure that your service provider allows you full control over your mobile device. In case your device gets lost or stolen, you should be able to protect your company data.
- Coverage – Check not only your local area but also the coverage in every area you intend to do business in. If your chosen service provider has a strong presence in your region and other cities, you are more likely to get a good service. Make sure your company don’t get shocked by roaming charges which can push your mobile plan budget out of line.
- Grid – Begin with the datasheet given by service providers. This will give you a visual of the services they offer. Highlight those that fit your business needs and remember that a low-cost plan may not be essential if you’ll get huge overage fees.
- Data Trap – You should calculate and anticipate how much your data usage will be to avoid getting trapped in an unsuitable plan. If you are getting confused, talk to an IT professional to determine how much data you need. Do not entirely rely on what information service providers give you because it may be a disadvantage to you in the long run.
- Data Sharing – Business mobile plans that offer shared minutes may give you lower costs. However, you have to make certain that your service provider can provide individual phone reports. This way, you can monitor where you’re using the minutes.
Don’t be afraid to haggle. Although pricing may be laid out in black in white, there may still be room for negotiations on some aspect of your mobile plan. Determine what discounts or privileges are most important to you and don’t think twice to ask for such.
Keep an eye on your usage from time to time
Over time, if you’ve noticed that you’re using fewer minutes or more data, contact your service provider to adjust your plan and get a better deal. Keep in mind that a mobile plan is simply a contract and not a lifelong commitment. So pay attention to costs and the services offered to ensure you get the best of your business mobile plan.
A dropped call or a missed text can potentially cost your company thousands. Service providers may try to entice you with eye-catching advertisements and new handsets. Make sure to keep your decision-making focused on what mobile plan can best make a huge, positive difference in your business operations.
AUTHOR BIO
Al-moottil P Antony is a C-Suite Executive Support Professional for Zain, a leading mobile and data services operator with a commercial footprint in 8 Middle Eastern and African countries.
