You Love Your Phone – And That’s Going To Cost You Because Of It.

Posted by Benny on Sep 10th, 2010 | no comments home title

We have a love affair with our phones. Seriously. Think about what your phone used to be and what is today. Yesterday, we thought about our phones simply as being cool because we had a way to communicate while we were away from our offices and homes. The mere thought of being able to talk to somebody while driving in your car was too crazy to think about.

Today, our cell phones are an extension of you. Personalized. The type of phone your use, tells a little bit about who you are and what you’re about. Smartphones, applications, crazy add-ons. Take a look at this video, we’re not a review site but for $894 you can turn your iPhone into a “professional” video camera.

Is this a waste of money, a cinematographer’s necessity, or showing off who you are as a cell phone owner?

In reality, the conversation about whether the above device is ridiculous or essential depends on the participants of the conversation. A professional or hobbiest obviously who takes their profession seriously might be a practical use for this, but if you just want to take a video of the kids to send to the Grandparents, this might be overkill. Rather, it is relevant to discuss this because what it underscores to me is the the true passion we have about our mobile devices. It is really about communication and the rising tide of what we will see coming from not just telecom companies, but participating companies that make applications, latch-on devices, case protectors, musicians have all of a sudden become part of the telecom infrastructure.

In the business world when it comes to communication devices, IT considers itself a black and white participant. We manage a simple device, give each person a dollar amount to reimburse for their mobile phone/device and that’s it – but it’s becoming so much more. When the victims of Haiti needed help, you simply texted a message to a charity and you suddenly donated $10 to help in that relief. Companies such as Apple are attempting to capitalize on the convenience and trust they give to the phone companies are trying to popularize paying for things using your mobile phone . How are companies going to handle the newest method to drain money from the phone user? In that moment, your simple IT shop now has the added problem of managing expenses for every mobile device owner in a corporate-liable environment.

In my experience, most people are addressing these new issues in a wait and see approach, but we think that sets a dangerous course that could surprisingly end up costing you tens of, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars more a month than you were expecting.

How much oversite do you give telecom review? Most companies believe that they have a good handle on their spend. In truth, the vast majority participate in what I call the “last month review”. They take a look at their bills, if it is within an acceptable percentage of last month’s spend, they approve it and move on.

I can’t tell you how through the course of a year, that could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars wasted, in simple terms that new project you’d like to get approved or the job you’re trying to save could have been justified with closer inspection of your mobile costs.

Our phones are extremely important to us. They remind us of meetings, hold treasured pictures of our children and grandchildren, they capture brilliant ideas for work and pleasure, give you the latest sports scores oh, and they help us do the cool thing of talking to anybody in the world virtually any place we happen to be.

Watch out, your phone isn’t just a phone. It’s part of you and your employees. Don’t think so? Try leaving your phone at home next week – see how long it makes you feel.

You Love Your Phone – And That’s Going To Cost You Because Of It.

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