3 Tips for Lower Phone and Network Costs

Paying close attention to contracts and special rates can save you money.

Make sure that contracts are renewed or that services are disconnected at contract expiration. Month-to-month rates can be 10 or 20 times the contract rate. Also, periodically review bills to make sure that contract rates are being applied. We recently obtained a refund of more that $21,000 for a client who was being billed month-to-month rates for a circuit that was under contract.

AT&T offers a contract rate of $28 per month for business local lines in Illinois. These lines, also called POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, are still often used for fax lines, elevator phones, dial-up modems, alarm lines, and small phone systems. Without the contract, the current monthly charge is $93.

Consider special contracts rates that may be available to you. For example, special contract rates for network services and circuits are available through professional associations and consortiums. Others are available to certain not-for-profit organizations. And for small businesses, discounts of 5% apply to payments with certain credit cards.

We offer a professional review of phone and network costs.