Sprint claims MaaS platform streamlines mobile management
Sprint furthered its attempt to lure enterprises with the launch of its “Mobility-as-a-Service” offer that it claims streamlines the management of multiline accounts for customers.
Businesses with at least 15 lines of service are eligible to share a bucket of data ranging from 100 megabytes up to unlimited for smartphones and “premium devices.” The enterprise pays a per-month fee for the device similar to Sprint’s current consumer rate plans, including smartphones, tablets and mobile hot spots. Each device includes the MaaS Extended Warranty Program and can be upgraded at 12 or 24 months depending on the service term.
Each line of mobile service includes unlimited voice calling, text messaging, access to the shared data bucket, access to Sprint’s Wi-Fi calling, and its international calling and data packages. Pooled domestic data prices range from $20 per month for 100 MB, up to $70 per month for 5 gigabytes. Unlimited data options are priced at $65 to $75 per month depending on the device tier, along with volume discounts at for at least 25 and 100 lines of service.
In addition to the device and service pricing, Sprint is offering reports that allow enterprises to monitor data usage; a dedicated “white-glove technical support” program; assistance in configuring and preloading business applications; and on-site implementation support for enterprises with orders of at least 25 devices. Sprint said it plans to add cloud storage and antivirus capabilities in the future.
“We listened to the challenges our business customers described and then developed Mobility-as-a-Service specifically so it would reduce the cost and time required to set up and maintain mobile devices,” said Karen Freitag, president of enterprise solutions at Sprint.
Sprint earlier this year rolled out its Workplace-as-a-Service offering, which targets enterprise customers with a bundle of telecom services packaged into a platform managed by the carrier. Sprint noted the MaaS offering is a stepping stone of sorts to the WaaS offer if an enterprise is looking to add core IT and communication services.
Sprint also recently looked to bolster its enterprise focus, announcing plans last year to bundle Google’s Apps for Business platform into its business channels, and expanding the availability of its consumer-facing rate plans to multiline enterprises.
The enterprise space is becoming increasingly competitive for mobile operators as the need for wireless services increases. T-Mobile US earlier this year dedicated its “Un-carrier 9.0” initiative to the enterprise, offering up discounts on each line of service and larger data buckets.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter
