Got an interesting question from a reader earlier today, and we thought you might be able to provide some feedback. First a little background.
The company has been using Sprint/Nextel for about 10 years. Most of the units are direct connect and a small number of them have phone service. The company also uses the Nextel GPS in the units to track technicians. The question is primarily one of cost. Should the company continue with the Sprint/Nextel approach or use another method.
1. Since all of the employees have their own phones, should the company pay for the Sprint/Nextel service?
2. What are your thoughts on using the GPS (Commettracker) on the phones versus installing GPS on the vehicles themselves?
A couple of issues come to mind: Is there a problem if you’re using employees’ personal phones for work related purposes. Are you going to pay for all or part of their service. Are you now liable to replace the phone if something happens to it.
Is there an ethical issue of tracking employees through a personal cell phone. They’re not on the clock 24 hours a day.
We’d like your feedback. How are do you handle these issues. Your insight is much appreciated. Feel free to leave a comment here or send an email to djacobs@questex.com.
