File this under, ‘Be Careful What You Ask For’. BGR, as always, holds nothing back. I love this site for mobility info. Check out this article: RIM’s Mike Lazaridis wants manufacturers to limit your data usage . RIM’s CEO suggestion that the key to the growing burdens on wireless data networks is to handle it at the device/user level. Here’s BGR’s response:  ‘…It’s called actually having a wireless data network that can handle the things consumers and businesses want to do on their phones, and it’s called planning…’

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How do you know when it is time for a new contract, or to contemplate moving your services to someone else?  Don’t rely on a rough date.  Know your contract.

Many contracts have automatic renewals or specific procedures that must be followed to prevent auto renewal.  Some take it for granted that dates negotiated on their last RFP made it into the contract, this is often not so.  Always check your contracts and know the procedures, dates, and revenue commitments agreed upon.

Some jump the gun and turn the incumbent provider into an enemy before knowing the particulars of how to discontinue their agreement.  It is also important to consider the time and resources necessary to move to another provider.  Know your dates and plan in advance.  Staying one step ahead of your providers will help you to negotiate the best deals.

Think I was a bit dramatic or hasty about my wireless predictions? Of course Verizon and AT&T are lowering wireless costs - except that's voice minutes, not data. Check out this article on Yahoo Finance by David Goldman from Financially Fit: Your Cell Phone Company's Dirty Little Secret.  Here's an excerpt:

Data Overload Vs. Revenue

It’s not just about increasing revenue, say analysts. Carriers are banking on the consumer-friendly aspect: phones are more fun and useful with the Internet.

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Your wireless data options are soon to be both more diverse and expensive. Why? Apps and capabilities are creating a usage shift from voice to data on phones. The mobile operating system /device landscape isn’t evolving; it’s morphing.It won’t be long before the complaints voiced about AT&T’s mobile network will be repeated across all mobile network providers as downloading huge chunks of data will far outpace voice calling. Read more…

Anyone who reads this report from Aberdeen is no doubt trying to glean what works best.  The temptation is to look at what has worked for the Best-in-Class companies and just do that.  But as Bob pointed out in one of his previous posts, good advice is good advice.  As I examined the information closely, it actually occurred to me that the Best-in-Class respondents were probably not best at all – but that is a post for another day.  Let’s take a look at some of the strategies and examine the pros and cons: Read more…