Frequently Asked Questions
The following may answer some of your basic questions about TelCon Associates’ telecom cost-reduction services. Please contact us for more detailed and/or customized solutions.
Q: How is TelCon Associates unique and different from other telecom auditing companies?
Telcon Associates offers a wide range of telecommunications cost-reduction services. Established in 1972, we are arguably one of the longest established firms in the business. We have garnered an enviable track record by providing superior value to clients through not only Telecom Auditing Services, but additional services such as Telecom Bill Management, Wireless Management, Telemanagement, and Telecom Technical support. All of our auditing work is done “in-house”, and with a high degree of thoroughness that is unmatched in the industry. See also: Top 10 Reasons to Work with TelCon Associates
Q: What is the scope of a telecommunications audit, and what types of services are included?
Unlike many bill auditors or “cost management” firms, our auditing process analyzes (at the customer’s request) ALL voice/data services including local, long-distance, maintenance agreements, equipment contracts, wireless, frame-relay, VPN, Internet, alarms, etc. We also take time to conduct personal user interviews to understand our clients’ telecom concerns and help determine usage patterns.
Q: Do you guarantee a minimum amount of savings after conducting an audit?
No. It is very difficult to guarantee any amount of savings “before” conducting a telecom audit. However, after thirty-seven years in this business, we are confident that your audit will typically generate 15-20% (sometimes more) in total annual savings. See our recent results for specific numbers of cost-reduction we have achieved for others in a variety of industries.
Q: What are the fees associated with a telecom audit?
There are NO upfront fees or retainers for our Telecom Audit service. TelCon Associates shares the first year of annual savings for recommendations that are approved by the client, and are implemented and verified by TelCon consultants. So, rather than require payment in 30-60 days as some firms do, we spread our fees out over a twelve month period. This arrangement makes it easy and painless from a budgeting perspective. Fee-based agreements can also be structured based on a particular client’s needs.
Q: Can you provide case studies and/or proof of the amount of savings you have delivered to past clients?
Absolutely. We can provide detailed case studies and auditing results for recent clients in a variety of industries upon request. We also closely track ROI for our Bill management clients. Click here to get an overview of our recent audit savings results. Contact us for more specific information on how Bill Management can virtually pay for itself.
Q: What certifications, accredidations, and technical training does your company have which sets you apart from your competition?
There is a very good chance that we trained our competition. Most auditing companies have been in existence less than 10-15 years. TelCon has been auditing voice/data services for 37 years.
TelCon has been selling a 352-page cost-cutting manual nationwide for the past 15 years. Our consultants have written numerous articles for magazines, and we also provide a free monthly newsletter on current telecom cost savings topics.
During the 1980s and 1990s, TelCon consultants conducted semi-annual nationwide telecom auditing seminars for the Center for Communications Management Information (CCMI), a subsidiary of the United Communications Group (UCG). Over the years, TelCon consultants have been hired to conduct numerous audit sessions at seminars and conventions, and have worked for clients to provide in-house audit training for clients’ telecom and IT personnel. In all, we have trained thousands of people in the art of conducting telecom audits.
TelCon was one of the founding members of the Society of Telecommunication Consultants, and our president served as the first president for the organization.
Q: Is a telecom audit mandatory before using any other cost-reduction services such as Bill Management or Telemanagement?
No. Our telecom cost-reduction services can be used independently of each other. Completing an audit prior to utilizing other services, however, does help provide a base line of services, equipment inventory, contracts, etc. Having this information prior to managing bills or handling telecom issues does help us maximize savings for you. Please contact us for more information on a custom cost-reduction solution that suits your needs.
Q: What is the tenure and experience of your consultants?
Our consultants possess a vast array of telecom experience. Many of our consultants have been with the company 10+ years, and some for more than 20 years.
Q: Do you “outsource” any of your cost-reduction work overseas?
No. All work is done “in-house” by highly qualified and experienced TelCon Associates employees.
Q: After an audit is complete, how can other cost-reduction services maximize savings going forward?
While an audit routinely results in considerable annual telecom savings for our clients, it is still only a “snapshot” in time. The stark reality is that carriers and third party vendors will continue to make billing errors, add unauthorized charges, change plans without authorization - and on and on. Our Bill Management and Telemanagement services solves these types of issues by keeping telecom issues under control on a monthly basis.
Q: How is your Bill Management service different than other bill paying companies?
Our Bill Management service is unique because 1) we not only pay your telecom bills for you for much less than a salaried employee would cost, and 2) we also implement a system of routine monthly auditing of the bills. The added value of having bills paid and managed by professionals who are vigilant at keeping bills free from errors adds to your total annual telecom savings. We do track bill management savings and can provide ROI numbers if requested. Contact us for more specific information on exactly how our Bill Management service can be an extremely cost-effective outsourcing solution.
Q: Can you provide a customized telecommunications cost-reduction solution?
Yes. Every company is unique and your situation may require a customized telecom cost-saving solution. We have worked with and provided value to companies from a variety of industries over the years. Contact us to discuss your specific telecom goals and needs, so that we may put a custom solution in place for you.