Four Smart Ways to Cut Monthly Telecom Costs

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Here are some simple ways to help reduce monthly telecom spend without having to make dramatic changes:

1) Put all company land line numbers in a cell phone carrier's "circle" or equivalent program.  Most business cell phone plans already provide free calling for "mobile-to-mobile."  But more and more cellular carriers are offering a "circle" plan in addition to free mobile-to-mobile.  They allow calls to and from specific numbers identified in the "circle" to also be free.  After Verizon's purchase of Alltel, both companies now offer the "circle" feature.  Be sure all your company phone numbers -not just your main line -are in the "circle" so all calls to and from the office are free. 

2) Move analog fax numbers to a digital PRI and route them through the phone system.  If your company utilizes a digital PRI for voice connectivity (appropriate if you have 12 or more lines), you can make a fax number a Direct Inward Dial (DID) number for pennies a month to save the cost of a land line.  Do this only with professional telecom guidance, however, as you'll need analog line ports on your phone system to connect the fax machines.  And you always want to keep at least one analog line for contingency management.

3) Utilize "downturn clauses" in telecom contracts.  Some telecom carriers allow you to reduce your committed service level (and cost) by a certain percentage without penalty.  For example, if you're contracted for 5,000 long distance minutes, but you're using only 3,000, you may be able to reduce your commitment to 3,000 minutes without penalty.

4) Cut cost not functionality.  In an effort to cut costs, it's tempting to move to a lower-priced product or plan.  Be sure you don't cut yourself short on functionality such as slower throughput speeds or fewer features you need.