As an executive or division manager with global responsibilities, or a small business owner-entrepreneur, wearing many hats–you’re likely not a telecom expert. You’re certainly aware, however, of the rising costs associated with increased telecom needs and telcom industry advancements. Telecom providers know that keeping up with such details is beyond the capacity of many firms, so as technology advances, your charges can increase exponentially.
Are You Paying Too Much for Telecom?
Almost daily, there’s a new workplace communications essential, like web conferencing and data-hogging mobile applications. These new tech advancements definitely make your employees more efficient—but much of these productivity savings go right out again–to your telecom provider in the form of higher bills. As your telecom invoices become more complex, seemingly simple “no brainer” add-ons can add up.
Many of your increased telecom expenses may be due to an old contract based on yesterday’s telecom traffic and tech needs. You may have a contract that no longer meets business requirements. Easily overlooked line items and hidden costs can double the average telecom bill in a short time. To control these potentially runaway costs, it pays to be an informed corporate consumer. Trim your telecom costs back down to size by keeping a close watch on these 5 key TEM (telecom expense management) areas.
5 Secrets Telecommunications Providers Don’t Want You to Know
- Companies should regularly evaluate landline needs and usage: Check to see that landlines are being used and that “extra” services like voicemail aren’t costing extra.
- Firms should consider the Cloud: Compare costs on IT vs. SaaS and reevaluate these costs to ensure they’re in line with your real needs. There’s no longer a requirement to purchase and install apps individually for each user and/or on each computer–so Cloud based applications could save your firm money over time.
- Many companies could get faster Internet access for less: One thing about the Cloud and SaaS—these services can eat bandwidth. Since you’ll need a lot more secure data access at faster and faster speeds, it may be time to renegotiate your rates or shop for a better deal.
- There are robust and free options for video conferencing available: Video conferences are becoming a near-daily occurrence, often preferred over conference calls due the personal touch offered by video. Many firms haven’t explored the free options, some of which compare favorably to, and may even outperform, paid services.
- Most firms pay too much for mobile data: These charges can often be optimized. Mobile devices can be data-hogs, but they’re essential for productivity and keeping pace with the competition. Choose an economical plan that doesn’t charge per MB.
Wondering if you have the right telecom contract(s)? Could you get a much better deal with enhanced service levels? Should you go with one mega-provider or parcel out your services with niche providers? If you haven’t reevaluated your needs and existing telecom contracts, you may be wasting money. It’s time to take action on TEM.
Cut Telecom Expenses by Optimizing your TEM
Audit your current telecom billing carefully and work out your roadmap of needs for the future. Once you’ve mapped out your telecom plan of action, you can work towards actively lowering expenses, put together a detailed RFP and get competitive bids from providers. Expert assistance can speed the process, ensure accuracy–and get you rock-bottom prices for telecom services–tailored to your company’s specific needs.
[author_bio username=”Ken” name=”yes”]
