24 February 2010 | Nick Martindale

Buyers could cut telecoms costs by as much as 35 per cent by implementing a mobile usage policy, according to Gartner.

The research body said improved purchasing and security was critical as companies increase their spending on wireless.

Firms are getting a better grip on mobile phone and other wireless costs through tougher procurement policies and better management of services. But they often let themselves down when it comes to implementing a mobile usage policy, Gartner said.

The policy should be brief and set out the company’s stance on who can use mobiles, what the devices can be used for, security provisions and spending limits.

It should also set out procedures for purchasing devices and services, outlining any variations according to users.

“Policies are a crucial way of managing complex services,” said Phil Redman, research vice-president at Gartner. “Up to 2015, closer management of wireless services can save companies 10 to 35 per cent of their wireless costs.”

Gartner recommended that organisations create a centralised team that can adopt a cross-functional approach to its wireless policy, spanning procurement, finance and IT.

Usage policies should be delivered from the top down, Redman added, with senior management enforcing them, and should also be built into enterprise resource planning packages.