Mobile devices are essential to the survival of many businesses these days, but company owners need to balance the benefits of having new technology like LTE and the high costs of the latest devices, writes JAMES MUNN of Qualcomm.
Mobile devices are an increasingly intrinsic tool in the success of all businesses, with employees needing an efficient device that is always on and always connected. It’s a fact that rapidly evolving technology has seen device prices fall while functionality continues to increase. But, business owners subsidising mobile devices for their employees still need to balance the benefits of having the newest tech, like 4G LTE, and the high cost of the latest devices.
As there are now more affordable 4G LTE devices available in South Africa, weighing device functionality and cost is much easier. Qualcomm, global mobile technology innovators, makers of Qualcomm Snapdragon modems and processors, explains why:
Futureproof your tech
Development in 3G technology is increasingly replaced by investment in research and development around 4G LTE. This means that if you choose 3G devices for your business, you’re choosing a phone that offers the best of yesteryear. Choosing a 4G LTE phone to connect your employees means that you’re futureproofing your technology investment.
Access cloud files, faster
With more businesses moving to cloud services, employees on the move need to access documents quickly on their mobile devices, wherever they’re operating from. The modems and processors with support for 4G LTE let you download and send any documents from cloud storage at speeds that are up to ten times faster than 3G.
Choose HD – because it’s the smart thing to do
Viewing or listening to content on a 4G LTE mobile phone or tablet means that users can finally enjoy crisp, clear video and great audio quality on VoIP calls. Mobile devices with 4G LTE are turbocharged with high download speeds and superb responsiveness, so they can stream high quality video or voice that’s quick, sharp and fluid.
Mail, much faster
With mobile devices offering ever-improved email clients, your office is no longer a cubicle in an office building – it is wherever you can carry your mobile device and establish a connection via 4G LTE. Managing mail and documents on a 4G LTE device is quick and efficient.
Data calls are better, clearer
Businesses are moving away from conventional calling to ‘dialling in’ over data, with video calling adding a wonderful, personal dimension to mobile communication. In the past, people avoided data calls because of poor sound quality and erratic connections – but mobile devices with 4G LTE result in clear, audible video meetings in your favourite messaging app.
Browse the web, faster
Web pages are becoming more sophisticated, which means that they’re great to surf when there’s a fast connection – and immensely frustrating when there isn’t. With download speeds that are at least ten times those of 3G, 4G LTE mobile devices allow surfing the web in a fraction of the time, no matter the complexity of the websites visited.
Better battery life
Faster communication over LTE also means that making the most of your mobile device won’t eat into your battery life while you’re waiting for stuff to happen – which means more performance out of every battery charge. If your team is on call 24/7 utilising their mobile devices business tools, businesses could invest in devices with Qualcomm Technologies’ Quick Charge 3.0 technology, which can charge from zero to 60 percent in just 30 minutes.
4G LTE won’t break the budget
Contrary to common perception, 4G LTE devices are not only for the private premium market, with the likes of Qualcomm Snapdragon 200, 400, 600 and 800 series processors found in devices in South Africa. Prices of entry level 4G LTE devices are likely to fall even further in the coming months, putting them well within the reach of business budgets that are already stretched.
It’s easy to access 4G LTE
All major South African mobile networks have invested heavily in 4G LTE infrastructure to offer a broader 4G LTE footprint to users. This means that data services are keeping up with the ‘pull’ created by the proliferation of 4G LTE devices in the local market – and that users can rest assured that they will enjoy the full benefits of the service.
Time is money
Downloading or uploading the same amount of data over 4G LTE doesn’t cost more than doing it over 3G. However, 4G LTE delivers your data much faster.
Choosing mobile phones and tablets that use a 4G LTE connection will give businesses the digital clout they need to maximise productivity through seamless browsing, instant downloads, and even slick connections with other Wi-Fi enabled devices around them.
* James Munn, VP of Business Development, Middle East and Africa at Qualcomm International
