Improve operational costs with the right business mobile phone deal

You know you need one, but the question is: which mobile plan will best suit your business? Get it right and your outlay will be repaid through reduced costs and enhanced productivity.

Choose the wrong business mobile deal, however, and you could be hit with a hefty bill for excess usage or features you don't need. Or worse, a plan that hampers your business strategy instead of enhancing it.

Navigating the mobile deal jungle

"There are myriad plans out there and they can be difficult for the novice to decipher," says Shaun O'Keefe of Network Communications.

"Mobile phone plans come with a variety of options and prices, so to get the best deal for your circumstances, you need to sit down and think about what matters most to you," he advises.

The right mobile contract for your business

If your company is relatively small, you may choose a family plan (a simple account that has several phones linked). For a larger business, a fleet plan may be the answer, allowing you to equip everyone in your company.

Mobile plan features

Think carefully about the features your staff will use most before deciding on a plan. For example, do you need mobile internet access? A phone plan that covers standard data usage is much better than paying as you go, as excess data usage costs can be astronomical.

Are you going to use text messages in the course of your business? If so, you probably want a plan that includes free SMS or offers low per -message rates, as they can become pricey when they build up. 

Plan coverage

Check the coverage area of the mobile phone carrier before choosing your plan. If you or your staff travel a lot, you must make certain that when on the road, you'll still be in the carrier's coverage area.

Finally, decide where you will be calling most often. Many carriers now divide their business mobile deals into local and national calls with different costs for each type.

With most phone plans, the larger the coverage area desired, the more expensive the plan. If you don't call outside your local region very much, there is little benefit in paying for a plan that includes Australia-wide calls.

Plan service

When choosing a plan, make certain that you take the quality of service offered by your provider into consideration as well. Ring their customer service number, check their website, and talk to other business owners about their experience of dealing with them.

Negotiating a price

The price of your business mobile plan will depend on the carrier, the features you choose, the length of the contract and possibly the types of phones you decide to buy (if any).  Don't be afraid to negotiate, particularly if you are an existing customer.

So for advice on finding the perfect business mobile deal, talk to a communications specialist today: