Gartner points the way to mobile cost cutting

Over three-quarters of companies will fail to manage mobile users or services adequately

Eighty per cent of firms will overspend on wireless services in the next five years, according to a new report by Gartner released today.

The analyst firm's Best Practices for Managing Mobile Voice and Data Costs predicts that firms will overspend by an average of 15 per cent because they are not managing their mobile users or services effectively.

Phil Redman, research vice president at Gartner, said that companies need to look at four key areas to help manage costs in the wireless space, including the reappraisal of contracts to ensure that they offer maximum value across the organisation.

Gartner urged companies to move from individual to corporate liability plans, as these encourage cost optimisation through means such as corporate discounting.

The analyst firm also advised businesses to clamp down on the ad hoc use of international wireless data, and to promote the use of smartphones for email or ask carriers for bundles for remote workers.

"Our research shows that the majority of companies are not adequately managing their mobile users or services," said Redman. "They need to look more closely at their key user segments and requirements in order to match those needs with the right services and optimise their spending."

Gartner also suggested that an acceleration of fixed-mobile convergence initiatives could generate further savings by eliminating desktop phone charges.