Managed Mobility Services (MMS) vs Telecom Expense Management (TEM): What’s the Difference?

Managed Mobility Services vs Telecom Expense Management: What’s the Difference? 

When navigating the complexities of enterprise mobility, two critical solutions often come into play: Managed Mobility Services (MMS) and Telecom Expense Management (TEM). Understanding the distinctions between these two can help you make an informed decision for your business needs.

Managed Mobility Services (MMS)

Managed Mobility Services encompass a holistic approach to managing your enterprise’s mobile devices and services. MMS providers like LINQ Services handle everything from device procurement and deployment to ongoing support and lifecycle management. Here’s what sets MMS apart:

1. Comprehensive Device Management: MMS covers the entire lifecycle of mobile devices—from setup and configuration to maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement.
2. Unified Support: Providers offer personalized, U.S.-based customer support that addresses technical issues, carrier management, and user assistance, ensuring your team stays productive.
3. Streamlined Operations: With an MMS like LINQ, you benefit from simplified billing, as we consolidate all carrier charges into one predictable monthly invoice, saving you administrative headaches and unexpected costs.
4. Enhanced Security: MMS ensures your devices are secure with regular updates, security patches, and compliance with industry standards, protecting sensitive data.

Telecom Expense Management (TEM)

Telecom Expense Management, on the other hand, primarily focuses on optimizing and controlling the costs associated with telecom services. While TEM providers can help manage expenses, their scope is traditionally narrower compared to MMS:

1. Cost Optimization: TEM’s core function is to audit and analyze your telecom bills, identifying areas for cost savings, eliminating redundant services, and negotiating better rates with carriers.
2. Billing Management: TEM providers manage invoicing, ensuring accurate billing and resolving discrepancies, but this does not typically extend to device management.
3. Usage Monitoring: TEM solutions offer detailed insights into telecom usage, helping to identify patterns, reduce wastage, and optimize your telecom spend.

The Key Differences

While both MMS and TEM aim to streamline and optimize your telecom operations, their scopes and focuses differ significantly:

• Scope of Services: MMS offers a broad range of services covering device management, support, and security, whereas TEM primarily focuses on expense management and cost control.
• Operational Impact: MMS directly enhances operational efficiency by managing devices and providing end-user support. In contrast, TEM helps reduce costs through financial oversight and auditing.
• Billing: MMS provides consolidated billing, simplifying financial management across carriers. TEM focuses on auditing existing bills to ensure accuracy and cost savings.

Choosing between MMS and TEM depends on your business needs. For a comprehensive solution that manages every aspect of your mobile devices and services, MMS is the way to go. If your primary concern is cost control and billing accuracy, TEM might be more suitable. 

Interested in what LINQ can do for your business? Request a demo today!