The face of the telecoms industry in the UK is changing fast. You would be forgiven for being lost at just what functionality can be offered, the different devices which are available, and the possibilities now available for corporate communications.
Larger companies can face some unique challenges when it comes to managing their approach to telecoms.
1) How should the company approach these problems at a policy level?
2) How will this policy be implemented?
3) How will the organisation control telecoms on an ongoing basis?
4) What challenges need to be faced?
The evolution of VoIP has opened a number of new avenues which can make life easier. There are now more ways than ever that a company can utilise technology to add to its communications set up.
Do you support remote workers effectively? Does your company telecoms set up work for customers and your brand in the case of remote workers?
Remote workers can now be added to your overall company phone system using VoIP. As long as the worker has an internet connection then they will be able to communicate as if they were in your main office. Your company IVR Menu, music on hold, and recorded messages will all play as if your customer had called your main switchboard. There is no need to have people using their own phone and explaining to people why their number is showing as different. The remote worker will be able to transfer calls to colleagues, pick up unanswered calls, and receive company voicemails.
As well as consolidating your company branding it also protects staff. Privacy and safety is protected as customers don’t phone worker’s home phone or mobile.
This is an important point as companies have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment.
You should also consider if you have an obligation to support remote workers – is it fair to ask them to pay bills, and incur expenses as part of their official duties?
Do you have to manage large numbers of staff overseas using company mobile phones? If so, does your telecoms set up give you the control and level of service you require?
Another aspect comes into play when you have teams in other countries. If they are using their own mobiles then you can have a situation reminiscent of the one above. Workers phones don’t represent your company. The workers own mobile is being used for official company business. Your company has limited control over the whole set up.
Managing telecoms for a whole department can be a nightmare, never mind a department which is working overseas. Larger organisations are now seeking a way in which they can efficiently manage and implement a solution over mobiles which works at an organisation and an end-user level.
The company needs to control aspects of this service, for instance whether employees will be able to use the phone over the internet, or make and receive certain calls.
Billing and payment must be considered, as must the company’s response if an employee leaves.
Even considering only these factors, it is easy to see how the situation could become unmanageable.
Exactly how does a corporation enforce a policy over remote devices, especially when those devices are located in another country?
The company must be able to implement whatever policy is put in place. This requires a flexible, technically advanced Provider, who is capable of understanding and fully utilising the advantages offered by new technology.
Just as VoIP changed the face of telecoms, so the mobile phone market is being revolutionised by MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).
An MVNO can offer a technically advanced, more cost effective communications alternative to one of the ‘Big 3’ Providers.
Corporations switching to use an MVNO can then benefit from different, more bespoke services, set up by a smaller, more responsive Operator.
More on our MVNO offering
More on our VoIP offerings