The marketing hype around unlimited data plans is enticing. Why wouldn’t you want a mobile data plan with no limits? But the truth is no data plan is without limits. So, while an unlimited plan may seem like the best way to connect your organization without worrying about costly overages, it could very well be your worst option.
Ready to expose the real deal with business unlimited data? Here are seven things you need to know before deciding on a company-wide unlimited strategy:
You’re probably overpaying. It’s safe to say that most companies on unlimited plans are overpaying for what they need. More cost-effective options are almost always available. Carriers promoting unlimited plans count on you believing the unlimited plan is a panacea, but analyzing your usage often reveals a different story.
You risk deprioritization. With unlimited plans, you risk deprioritization, which is when the wireless carrier gives priority to other users and slows down your data speeds when the network is congested. Deprioritization often happens to devices operating in major metropolitan areas where you’re likely to see slowdowns during peak traffic times. Load-balancing using deprioritization is good for the carrier but can negatively impact your business. The plans may be unlimited, but they’re unlimited at a cost.
Charges can increase anyway. Just because you're on an unlimited data plan doesn’t mean you won’t see an increase in charges. Every contract contains a clause giving the carrier the ability to adjust rates based on a reevaluation of usage patterns. So, even unlimited plans have their limits.
Usage profiles matter. To determine whether an unlimited plan is right for your business, you need to look at each user's usage profile. How business-critical is their device or application set? Do they need guaranteed uptime? Is it a high-use device? If so, you probably want to steer away from an unlimited plan and go toward a plan with a better service level agreement (SLA).
The contract rules. Sometimes, contracts make unlimited plans your only practical choice. If a device is under a contract with a provider, that contract controls what plans its eligible to use. Of course, the menu of choices helps determine if unlimited is best for you.
All unlimited plans are not created equal. Even if you determine that an unlimited plan is the best option for your business, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop for the best provider and plan. Ask about the contract commitment, network availability and any extras like free mobile hotspots or device upgrades that may be included.
Unlimited plans have their place. Unlimited plans sometimes make sense when used in conjunction with other plans. It all depends on usage profiles and the results you’re trying to achieve.
Deciding whether an unlimited plan makes sense for your business is a case-by-case decision. There’s no cut-and-dry analysis because so many factors must be evaluated beyond the plan itself.
Ideally, the team or partner managing your enterprise mobility environment can analyze your usage patterns and match them to plans that ensure uptime and maximize cost savings.
If you don’t have dedicated telecom staff and manage a small number of devices, a company-wide unlimited strategy might make sense for you. It will come at a cost but will be the closest you’ll get to a self-sustaining mobile program.
That said, industry experts agree that companies with more than 100 devices, such as smartphones, MiFi, field devices, etc., should absolutely look for a managed mobility services partner to monitor and manage device inventory and ensure you’re on the most appropriate wireless plans. Only then can you unmask the infamous business unlimited plan and achieve much larger returns on device costs and performance.
Ready to optimize your enterprise mobility and uncover the efficiencies and savings you’re missing? Connect with a vMOX expert today.