Companies are still paying too much for telecommunication services such as telephony (fixed and mobile), text messaging and data usage on mobile devices, particularly when used across international borders.
While roaming charges will no longer apply in 2017, the real problem according to A&B Groep in Roosendaal, is the patchwork European climate. Getting rid of roaming charges is a ‘step in the right direction, but not enough,’ according to A&B Groep. ‘In our opinion, companies won’t be saving much with the abolition of mobile roaming charges. Providers will simply find another way to make money.’
According to telecommunications market consultants A&B Groep the real problem facing companies is the complexity of the European and global telecom market, which makes it difficult to negotiate competitive contracts with telecom providers. A company that operates internationally, for example, will have to sign separate contracts with a national provider and an international one, even if the company operates under the same name.
“In comparison with the U.S. the European telecom market is still a work in progress and there are lots of different providers. Those that operate globally also operate on a national level and each country has its own set of rules and regulations. This makes it virtually impossible to negotiate global deals,” says Ron Rijkenberg, CEO of A&B Groep. “Finding the best telecom contract for your entire company can be extremely difficult.”
A&B Groep is an international company with extensive knowledge of the European, American, Canadian, Mexican, Asian and African telecom markets. The company recently opened an office in Grand Rapids, Michigan (U.S.) through a collaboration with CBI Telecommunication Consultants. This made it possible to take on global telecommunication projects (mobile telephony, fixed telephony, networks and combinations thereof) by drawing on local expertise.
In addition to optimising telecom projects, it’s also important to maintain a clear overview of employee data usage. A&B Groep gives companies detailed insight into their data usage, which leads to more efficient and effective phone use and cost savings of 20 to 30%.
The company also analyses monthly invoices sent by telecom providers. Internal research has shown that 11% of these invoices are incorrect. “The growing complexity of data plans makes it incredibly difficult for providers to process error-free invoices in their systems,” explains Rijkenberg. “But they’re still responsible for the bills they send clients.”
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