LONDON-Multinational corporations could represent a key battleground for mobile operators, according to a new report from the Yankee Group that shows that such organizations are making decisions regarding mobile data and voice part of their corporate strategies.
For the report, Yankee Group surveyed members of the Enterprise VPN User Association (EVUA), a nonprofit telecommunications user group for large global companies.
Results showed that although multinational corporations are aware of the value of mobility, most feel they are overpaying for basic voice services, and that mobile data services are insufficient for supporting critical applications.
Furthermore, 82 percent of survey respondents said they believe mobility is not just about cellular networks, but rather about a combination of GSM, GPRS, dial-up, hot-spot solutions and one-number services.
These complex expectations for mobility represent a significant challenge for service providers, according to EVUA and Yankee Group.
“MNCs are looking for mobile solutions tailored to their strategy, meeting defined business objectives and demonstrating a return on investment,” explained Meredith Rose, deputy chairman of EVUA and leader of its mobility special interest group. However, Rose added, “operator response has been slow and progress has been limited.”
“The industry is made up of a series of discrete technological offerings, yet users are asking for services that draw from a variable mix of these options to address specific business needs,” said Yankee’s Chris Lewis.
