The enterprise TEM market offers diverse solutions ranging from self-service software platforms to full-service managed programs. For IT leaders evaluating TEM providers, understanding fundamental market segmentation is critical: software-only platforms requiring internal resources vs. managed services providing complete execution.
This independent comparison analyzes leading TEM providers across platform capabilities, service models, pricing structures, and implementation requirements. Our evaluation framework is based on 37+ enterprise implementations spanning Fortune 500 organizations with $5M-50M annual telecom spend.
Critical context: This comparison focuses on providers serving enterprises with 100+ locations and $2M+ annual telecom spend. Small business TEM solutions (sub-$500K spend) operate in a different market segment not covered here.
TEM Provider Market Segmentation
Software-Only Platforms
Providers: Tangoe, Calero, MDSL (with limited services), Upland Telesoft
Model: License-based SaaS platforms providing technology for invoice ingestion, data normalization, inventory management, and reporting. Enterprises operate the platform with internal TEM teams (typically 2-4 dedicated FTEs for Fortune 500).
Best For:
- • Organizations with existing TEM expertise seeking enterprise-grade tools
- • Enterprises wanting maximum control and customization
- • Companies building internal TEM competency as strategic capability
- • Those preferring CapEx software investment over OpEx service fees
Managed Service Providers
Providers: Socium, Brightfin, Sakon, Engie Impact (formerly Ecova)
Model: Full-service execution combining proprietary technology with dedicated expert teams. Provider handles invoice auditing, carrier negotiations, dispute management, contract optimization, and change coordination. Pricing typically contingency-based (20-35% of savings) or percentage-of-spend (1.5-3%).
Best For:
- • Organizations lacking dedicated internal TEM resources
- • Enterprises preferring outcome-based pricing aligned to savings delivery
- • Companies needing deep carrier relationship expertise for complex negotiations
- • Those wanting to focus internal IT on strategic initiatives vs. telecom operations
Hybrid Platform + Services
Providers: MDSL, Upland Telesoft, some Tangoe/Calero engagements
Model: Software platform combined with limited professional services (initial audit, invoice validation, quarterly reviews). More hands-on than pure software, less comprehensive than full managed services. Pricing combines license fees + service retainer or hourly rates.
Best For:
- • Mid-market enterprises ($5M-15M telecom spend) needing platform + guidance
- • Organizations with some internal TEM capability but limited carrier expertise
- • Companies wanting technology ownership with periodic expert support
- • Budget-conscious buyers seeking middle ground between software and full services
Detailed Provider Comparison
Tangoe (By Asentinel)
Overview
Tangoe is an enterprise-grade TEM platform serving Fortune 500 organizations with complex, high-volume telecom environments. Acquired by Asentinel (2023), Tangoe offers comprehensive invoice management, inventory tracking, and workflow automation requiring dedicated internal TEM teams to operate.
Strengths
- Robust platform handling 100K+ monthly invoices
- Extensive carrier integrations (70+ major providers)
- Strong ERP/financial system integration capabilities
- Mature ITSM workflow integration (ServiceNow certified)
Considerations
- Requires 2-4 dedicated FTE resources to operate effectively
- Premium pricing ($200K-500K+ annually for large enterprises)
- Complex implementation (120-180 days typical)
- Platform-only; carrier negotiation expertise not included
Ideal Customer: Fortune 500 enterprises with $30M+ telecom spend, existing TEM team, and need for enterprise-grade platform with deep customization.
Calero
Overview
Calero provides enterprise TEM software with particularly strong mobile device management (MDM) and wireless lifecycle capabilities. Popular among organizations with significant mobile device fleets requiring tight expense management and device lifecycle tracking.
Strengths
- Best-in-class wireless/mobile device management
- Strong analytics and cost allocation capabilities
- Flexible deployment (cloud or on-premise)
- User-friendly interface with lower learning curve
Considerations
- Wireless-centric; fixed telecom features less mature than competitors
- Still requires 1-3 dedicated resources for platform management
- Additional fees for professional services and custom integrations
- International carrier support more limited than Tangoe
Ideal Customer: Enterprises with large mobile device fleets (>5,000 devices), existing TEM capability, and prioritizing wireless expense optimization.
MDSL
Overview
MDSL offers TEM software combined with professional services, targeting mid-market and lower-tier enterprise segments. Provides platform licensing with optional managed services for organizations wanting technology ownership but lacking full internal TEM teams.
Strengths
- Flexible engagement models (platform-only or + services)
- Mid-market pricing more accessible than Tangoe/Calero
- Faster implementation (60-90 days typical)
- Optional invoice audit and dispute management services
Considerations
- Platform capabilities less robust than enterprise-tier solutions
- Managed services less comprehensive than pure MSP providers
- May not scale effectively for Fortune 500 complexity
- Limited international carrier support
Ideal Customer: Mid-market enterprises ($5M-20M telecom spend) seeking platform + periodic expert guidance without full managed services investment.
Socium
Overview
Socium combines proprietary Vigilis platform with hands-on consulting execution, targeting enterprises seeking outcome-based managed services. Full-service model includes invoice auditing, contract optimization, carrier negotiations, and change management with contingency-based pricing aligned to savings delivery. Serves 37+ Fortune 500 clients with verified $36M+ total savings.
Strengths
- Full execution model—no internal TEM resources required
- Contingency-based pricing aligned to realized savings (33% average cost reduction)
- Deep carrier relationship expertise for complex negotiations
- Fastest time-to-value (60-90 day implementation, immediate findings)
- 100 NPS score across client base
Considerations
- Less direct platform control than software-only models
- Not ideal for organizations wanting to build internal TEM competency
- Boutique provider—smaller scale than Tangoe/Calero corporate resources
Ideal Customer: Enterprises with $5M-50M telecom spend lacking dedicated TEM resources, preferring outcome-based pricing, and valuing strategic partnership over technology ownership. Organizations prioritizing rapid results and expert execution over building internal capability.
Brightfin
Overview
Brightfin provides managed TEM services targeting large enterprises with complex multi-carrier environments. Offers full-service execution including invoice optimization, contract management, and carrier negotiations with percentage-of-spend pricing model.
Strengths
- Comprehensive managed services—no internal resources required
- Strong carrier relationship expertise across major providers
- Experienced team with deep telecom industry backgrounds
- Proven track record with Fortune 500 clients
Considerations
- Percentage-of-spend pricing can be higher cost than contingency models
- Platform technology less differentiated than purpose-built solutions
- Minimum spend requirements may exclude mid-market
Ideal Customer: Large enterprises ($30M+ telecom spend) preferring established MSP provider with deep carrier expertise and comprehensive service scope.
Enterprise TEM Provider Selection Framework
Choose Software Platform If:
- ✓You have 2-4 dedicated TEM staff available
- ✓Building internal TEM competency is strategic priority
- ✓Maximum control and customization are critical
- ✓You prefer CapEx software investment over OpEx services
- ✓Telecom spend >$30M annually with complex requirements
Choose Managed Services If:
- ✓No dedicated TEM resources available internally
- ✓You prefer outcome-based pricing aligned to savings
- ✓Deep carrier negotiation expertise is priority
- ✓Fastest time-to-value is critical (60-90 days)
- ✓You want internal IT focused on strategic initiatives
Related Resources
How to Choose a TEM Vendor
Comprehensive evaluation framework with RFP template, scoring matrix, and decision criteria for enterprise TEM provider selection.
Read Evaluation Guide →TEM Software vs. Managed Services
Detailed comparison of software-only platforms vs. managed service providers including total cost of ownership analysis.
Read Comparison →Telecom Expense Management Guide
Complete overview of telecom expense management strategies, benefits, and implementation approaches for enterprise cost optimization.
Read Complete TEM Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Evaluating TEM Providers?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your TEM requirements, review provider options, and develop selection criteria aligned to your organization's priorities.