Question: If I want to perform the same services and look for savings myself how would I begin?

Answer: The first thing you need is Newton's Telecom Dictionary. This will help you understand the key terms in a list of over 22,400 technical and non-technical terms used in the telecom world. These terms relate to billing, equipment, services, technology, networks, regulations, etc.

Question: What are the advantages of using an independent, 3rd party for my Telecom Expense Management Program?

Answer: Finding hidden savings, reviewing infrastructure, comparing billing and contracts and negotiating with carriers is very challenging and complex and requires experienced resources. Independent, 3rd party companies bring: a) experience in telecom contract negotiations and understand potential obstacles b) know the current market pricing and best price points, not just the 'advertised rate' c) have a history dealing with the carriers own negotiations professionals d) have the objectives and goals of the client in mind but are not 'emotionally involved' as an employee would be e) are familiar with current and ever-changing tariff rates.

Question: Who in your organization is responsible for managing the telecom budget expenses of your business?

Answer: Typically the Office Administrator, IT Manager, Finance Director, Accounts Payable has this responsibility.

Question: Do you think your IT Manager has the time to audit all those monthly bills, review the billings with the contract, work with the service providers to correct errors and renegotiate pricing on a regular basis?

Answer: Well yes he or she does as long as they have nothing else to do during the month. We all know that IT Managers are some of the busiest people in the organization and this responsibility is more than likely not the top priority.

Question: What are the three most common assumptions client users make about their telecom invoices?

Answer: A) That if the invoice weighs the same as it did last month it must be correct and B) That Service Providers will identify billing errors on behalf of their customers and C) An executed contract cannot be renegotiated until contract expiration date.

Question: Do you think the Office Administrator has the knowledge to audit those monthly bills or renegotiate new pricing?

Answer: If you have sent them to technology class then maybe but without experience and training Office Administrators will have a hard time just shuffling through the acronyms. Administrators or IT Managers would also need to thoroughly understand and investigate current local pricing tariffs to ensure the best pricing available.

Question: I am a small to medium business and pay a flat rate fee, why would I have errors on my invoices?

Answer: Chances are very good that you do not have 'errors' on your invoices. However, chances are just as likely that you are overpaying for your current infrastructure, based on the pricing other businesses of similar size in the same geographic area are paying, is a more likely scenario.

Question: I have a contract with my service provider(s) can I get better pricing now before the contract expiration?

Answer: Absolutely you can get better, negotiated pricing prior to contract expiration. In fact, negotiating pricing nine months in advance of renewal it suggested although service providers are not necessarily tied to this timeline. Service providers understand that customers can now switch to a different carrier easier than ever and take their numbers with them. This is a very good incentive for service providers to pre-negotiate pricing.