In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, telecom services are the backbone of all businesses. From Internet connectivity to mobile plans and cloud services, companies heavily rely on telecom providers to keep operations running smoothly. There are also concerns about cybersecurity, as noted in a recent Telecommunications Act reading in Parliament last October 2024 and has since passed the committee consideration stage in December 2024.
However, some Canadian telecom services have billing structures that can be hard to understand. Thus, people can make the mistake of overspending. A helpful solution is the telecom bill audit, which can effectively save you money while you control your expenses.
Why Are Telecom Bills So Confusing?
Telecom bills are complex to navigate, even for business managers. The costs are brought up by details including hidden fees, billing errors, outdated plans and unused services. Each will be reflected in the ensuing audit.
- Billing errors. Invoicing mistakes are quite common. These usually include charges for services not requested. According to the Canadian Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS), nearly 50% of telecom billing complaints are due to billing errors.
- Overlap in services. A lot of departments in a business tend to subscribe to telecom services that are redundant. This could cause some spikes in rates in the telecom bills.
- Unused services. In mid-sizer or large telecom businesses, it is easy to overlook services that are unused.Dormant lines or services that are no longer in use can have a significant impact on your bills.
- Outdated plans. You may be using an older telecom system with an older plan when better options are available. Inefficient functions of equipment in these plans lead to costly spending.
What Is a Telecom Bill Audit?
A telecom bill audit is a comprehensive review of your telecom invoices to identify errors, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings. This process involves analyzing billing statements, service agreements, and usage patterns to ensure you’re not paying more than necessary for the services you receive.
Processing of a Telecom Bill Audit
Before auditing, you must look deeper into the structure of a telecom bill. Telecom bills are processed in a straightforward manner. Here are the steps in conducting a telecom bill audit:
- The audit data is gathered via telecom invoices, contracts, plus usage reports from providers. Service providers get data files including message transactions, call details and bandwidth usage.
- Charges are calculated based on predefined rate decks and taxes. Billing statements are examined for mistakes, unused services, and opportunities from plans.
- Bill charges are compared with the contracts and service agreements to ensure accuracy. If there is a discrepancy between charges and the agreement, this has to be raised at this stage.
- After validation, insights are provided to lessen costs, including switching plans or negotiating with the providers.
- Implementing changes with the provider, and getting the necessary credits or refunds. The billing system of the company will manage these processes.
How A Telecom Bill Audit Can Benefit Your Business
An audit of your business’ telecom system is highly beneficial to your business for numerous reasons:
- Cost Savings: A business can save a certain percentage on expenses following a telecom audit. With technology moving fast, and a pressing need for communication, expenses can add up with businesses unable to control them. Audits help show that a company pays for unnecessary services or not taking advantage of the promotions of vendors.
- Increased Transparency: Studies show that a business can save anywhere between 10% to 30% on telecom expenses following an audit.
- Improved Efficiency: A proper audit can get rid of repetitive or underused services. With a business telecom audit, the person in charge can spot issues in the performance of the system, bottlenecks in the network and outdated equipment.
- Better Negotiation Leverage: The telecom audit will help uncover discrepancies in billing. You can utilise the audit as leverage for renegotiating contracts or getting better rates.
- Enhanced Budget Control: Getting rid of resources to invest again in other business areas.
In the long run, having a proper audit is what will determine if your telecommunications partner is just a temporary solution or a reliable partner for the long haul.
Do-it-Yourself or a Professional Audit?
Canadian businesses are eager to work with professional auditors who want to do telecom expense management. Getting a professional worker brings expertise and industry knowledge to find issues that are overseen by internal teams. The professionals work on a contingency basis, so fees are tied to savings found, so it is a low risk option.
Take Control of Your Telecom Expenses
Telecom services are essential to successful business operations. However, they don’t need to be overly costly. An audit of your company’s telecom bill is essential so that every expense is accounted for.
By conducting a thorough telecom bill audit, your business can uncover hidden savings, improve efficiency, and regain control of its telecom expenses. Whether you choose to perform the audit yourself or enlist professional help, investing and resources will pay off in the form of lessened costs and a more streamlined telecom strategy.
Don’t let complex billing structures take its toll on your budget. Start your telecom bill audit today and see how much your business can save! Sunco offers a no-obligation telecom bill audit that can identify questionable charges, and help you reduce costs. Enquire now, and one of our specialists will be happy to assist you.
