Helping SMEs to manage mobile costs

7 Feb 2014

The ability to work remotely via mobile communication is a necessary requirement for conducting business in South Africa, especially for SMEs. The challenge, therefore, for small business owners, is to ensure their employees' ability to be mobile, while managing the costs thereof.

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"Our mission at Telkom Business mobile solutions is to provide our customers with incomparable offers that will enhance their productivity and benefit their bottom line," said Megan Nicholas, managing executive of Telkom Business mobile solutions. "We have pinpointed areas that are cost drivers and have developed various product offerings to help counter the effects of those specific drivers."

The following points highlight how SMEs can save on mobile costs and manage their communication expenditure:

Typically, customers pay for each mobile call made, with the cost varying, based on a number of factors. This makes it difficult to budget. "We have packaged a host of smart voice offerings, so that when customers use the Telkom Mobile network, those mobile-to-mobile calls between each other are completely free," explained Nicholas.

Mobile network operators generally structure their packages with rates varying, based on what network they call. When customers call mobile-to-mobile during working hours, primarily in peak time, for example, the costs are higher. "We have devised a specific package that bills at flat rates for voice calls, data and SMSs, at any time of the day."

Most businesses allow their employees to connect to their Wi-Fi hot spot; however Wi-Fi connectivity outside of the office is limited. "We offer our mobile subscribers tangible benefit by giving them free Wi-Fi access at over 1500 hot spots in SA. A 10GB cap applies."

According to Nicholas: "Some operators offer an unlimited free voice-calling plan for a fixed fee. While messaging and data plays a large role in our communication, it is still a cost. Telkom Business launched a product that offers free, unlimited calls, data and SMSs for a nominal monthly flat rate. Let's face it, peace of mind is an important component of doing business profitably."

Nicholas concluded: "We give our customers connectivity anywhere and at any time, without expecting them to spend unreasonable amounts to do business."