IBM no longer pays for teleworker Internet

Well, times they are a changin' for Big Blue. IBM has decided to no longer pay for the Internet for its teleworkers. The new rules go into effect on May 1, reports eWeek.com.

"Today Internet access has become pervasive around the world and in-home Internet contracts have become commonplace along with cable and other telephony services," IBM said in the note, dated March 30. It added that it "remains fully committed to mobility and flexible work arrangements."

IBM officials declined to comment, of course, but money is definitely at the center of this decision. About 46,000 of IBM's 115,000 U.S. workers are telecommuters. And it is estimated that IBM could save up to $16 million annually, reports eWeek.com. Not bad for IBM, but still another hit for its workers.

The best thing to say to IBM telecommuters is, "Get used to it." And for telecommuters from other companies, a word of caution: "Be prepared for change, too."

For more on IBM's new telework policy:
- check out this eWeek.com article

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