Wireless consulting companies solve communication challenges with business strategies that increase communications and reduce spending. Wireless consultants use industry expertise and specialized skills to define, implement and plan an optimized business approach to wireless communications. Wireless experts have the capabilities to provide complete wireless solutions, including strategy, business analysis, hardware and software requirements, system integration, training and support.

Before beginning your search for wireless consulting firms, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your wireless consultancy, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best wireless consultant to meet your specific needs.

When selecting wireless consulting companies for your organization, research each consulting firm and evaluate the following:

1. How much experience do the wireless specialists have in providing cost-effective communications solutions for your business sector?

2. What services does each wireless consulting company provide to increase communication effectiveness and reduce business costs?

3. How much should your business invest in a professional wireless consulting service?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire wireless consultants that specialize in your industry

Select wireless experts who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Mobius Consulting specializes in the telecom, health care, logistics, transportation, government, hospitality, mobile commerce and supply chain management industries with clients like Time Warner Cable, Nalco Company, The Plaza Hotel, Symmetricom, MobileAccess Networks, Symyx and Zetek. InCode provides wireless consulting services for operators, handset and infrastructure vendors and enterprise businesses, and features an online client list. Selby Communications has experience providing engineering, telecommunications and professional consulting services to a wide range of international clients, and provides an online client list.

Choose wireless consulting firms with demonstrated skills

Review the services offered by each wireless consulting firm. Assess the wireless consultancy's ability to ensure that team members are making the best use of wireless technology solutions. Evaluate the firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples similar in scope to your wireless communications project.

I recommend: Advocate Networks provides an extensive menu of wireless telecommunications consulting services, including strategic mobility, inventory and audit, strategic planning, telecom benchmarking, VoIP planning and data center planning. Advantage IQ offers wireless consulting programs for energy supply management and financial management. Infosat Communication focuses on satellite communications and radio/terrestrial wireless solutions.

Select wireless consulting companies that meet your budget

Many wireless consultants operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your wireless consultancy cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Get a project estimate for wireless consulting services from The Northridge Group, a voice, data and mobile communications consulting firm. Request a quote from TCS Consultants, a wireless consulting firm that offers consulting, installation and measurement services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It is tempting to save time by interviewing just one wireless consulting firm. However, it is in your company's best interest to contact and interview several wireless consultants to discuss your potential communications project. Two or three choices will provide you with the best possible match in skills, services, price and rapport for both you and the wireless consultancy.