Modern workforces run on mobile devices, but how those devices are paid for, managed, and supported can have a major impact on the total cost of mobility. The two most common approaches to corporate mobility management include Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Corporate-Liable (Corp-Liable). Which drives smarter spending? Let’s look at each model through a cost-based lens.
Definition: Employees use their personal device(s) for work, accessing company apps and data on devices they already own. About 85% of organizations enable some form of BYOD (46% hybrid, 39% full BYOD).
Who pays? The employee buys and owns the device. The employer may reimburse part of the data plan or provide a stipend for service or repairs.
Definition: Employers purchase, issue, and manage the mobile devices their employees use for work. Personal use may be permitted within policy. Company-paid smartphones are making a comeback, with 62% of organizations considering or maintaining corporate-owned models.
Who pays? The company covers the full cost of devices, service, and lifecycle management.
Centralized MDM, encryption, EDR and remote wipe reduce risk.
Limited control; recovery unlikely; incidents may require legal or compliance response.
Remote lock/wipe capabilities and device insurance minimize loss and recovery costs.
Smartphone prices
(2019 - 2022)
Carrier subsidies
as device and plan
costs decouple
5G device prices
Corp-Liable
cost advantage
With better security and now lower costs, mobile experts see the scales leveling – and in many cases, tipping – toward corporate-liable as the more predictable, cost-controlled mobility model.
BYOD can come with hidden cost complexity, which must be factored into the total cost of a “bring your own” mobility model.
38% lower with corp-liable curbing high cost of attrition
The best mobility approach depends on your industry, risk tolerance, and workforce mix. Many enterprises blend both through Corporate-owned, Personally-Enabled (COPE) or Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) models for balance.
Overview:
Employees pick a work device from a company-approved list (meets security & compatibility standards).
Ownership:
Usually employee-owned (sometimes employer-subsidized)
Control:
Usually employee-owned (sometimes employer-subsidized) Organization governs procurement with flexible rules and approved device list
Pros:
Balances employee choice with IT security and standardization; automated ordering
Example:
Company offers a catalog of approved iPhones and Android devices
Overview:
Company-owned device with personal use allowed (email, apps, calls).
Ownership:
Corporate-owned
Control:
High – company manages and can wipe device
Example:
Company issues smartphones managed by IT but permits personal apps within policy
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MMS – Managed Mobility Services
BYOD – Bring Your Own Device
Corp-Liable – Corporate Liable
EDR – Endpoint Detection & Response
MDM – Mobile Device Management
MAM – Mobile Application Management
COPE – Corporate Owned Personally Enabled
CYOD – Choose Your Own Device
Whether BYOD or Corp-Liable, CYOD or COPE, Tangoe One Mobile handles your fleet across every phase of the device lifecycle – any device, anywhere across the world – providing visibility, expense management, and cost governance in one AI-powered solution.
If you’re unsure where your cost advantage lies, our consulting and advisory experts can conduct a comprehensive assessment of your entire mobility environment to determine which approach will deliver the strongest financial, operational, and security benefits.
Tangoe helps you see the full picture so your mobility strategy drives true, measurable value. Meet with one of our mobility experts to learn more.
