SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. businesses pay a high cost in mobile phone roaming fees when employees travel internationally, according to a study commissioned by global cellular communications provider Brightroam.
The study, conducted by research company Harris Interactive Inc., reveals that international roaming fees can cost U.S. businesses $693.50 per trip for every global traveler – which is 12 times more than the average monthly wireless bill. Surprisingly, few U.S. businesses report plans to look for more affordable options.
The cost can add up to as much as $950,000 annually for companies with 10,000 employees, if 15% of staff make at least one international trip per year.
“If you consider that many large businesses in the U.S. employ more than 30,000 employees, it is easy to see how roaming costs can take a big bite out of operating costs,” said Brightrom general manager Jeff Wilson. “While mobile phone carriers reap the benefits from roaming fees, these costs are bad news for U.S. enterprise businesses.”
The majority of respondents (89%) agree that roaming costs are overpriced, but surprisingly, most (61%) also report no plans to switch international roaming providers in the coming year, according to the report.
