Many business owners are paying too much for their phone and internet services. Despite that fact, they’re not eager to change providers. Their fears include telecom installation problems, service outages, losing their phone numbers, and being misled by telco salespeople. In this blog let’s go through some of the items to know when changing telecom carriers.
There are some important things to know before changing telecom carriers. Here’s a list of items to be mindful of when considering a carrier change. The list should help reduce the fear of making a carrier change and prepare a business for what lies ahead:
1: You get to keep your phone numbers. Every business with existing phone service pays a number portability surcharge for the right and ability to retain their phone numbers if they change service providers.
2: Downtime will be minimal. You don’t have to schedule your installation after hours on a Friday. Everything will work right up to the time of the switch and if there are problems, your current carrier will continue to provide service until the complication has been dealt with.
3: Embrace the process. The more information the better. Expecting the quoting salesperson to speculate is never a good thing. That person might end up proposing a solution that isn’t compatible with your current phone or computer equipment. There are too many varieties of business phone and internet service and one size does not fit all.
4: Don’t compare the figure presented by an opposing salesperson with the total listed on your current bill. Taxes and surcharges are based on the different tax rates charged by local, state and Federal governments. They can only be estimated and because of that, salespeople don’t include them in their totals. Unless you do the same, it could appear that a contender’s rates are lower than the ones you’re receiving from your incumbent carrier.
5: When does your current contract expire? Your existing carrier won’t let you cancel without penalty and the contending company won’t but you out of your contract. Also, be aware of 60-day outs. If you don’t provide your current carrier with the amount of notice specified in their terms and conditions, your contract could auto renew.
6: Read the terms and conditions in the proposing carrier’s contract. Carrier terms and conditions are always slanted in their favor. The only time you can negotiate terms is before you sign. Also, be aware of a carrier’s service agreement posted on the internet. The terms written in a contract aren’t as comprehensive as the ones spelled out in the service agreements.
7: You can’t hurry the process. It’s probably going to take four to six weeks to switch. No matter what the contending carrier sales rep claims it’s more likely to take four to six weeks than the three to four that’s often quoted, and once you sign you’re stuck.
8: Your vendors should be present at the time of installation and your new carrier will not pay their fees. When you’re evaluating carrier offers make sure you factor in the cost of your vendors’ time.
9: The first bill from your new provider will be higher than you expected. The bill will include the taxes and surcharges that were discussed above. Also, the first bill will represent the time period between your installation date and your new carrier’s bill date plus 30 days.
Here we talked important items you need to know when you change your telecom carriers. We also suggest you to keep intercarrier compensation and free conferencing services in mind when changing telecom carriers. As there’s much to consider when contemplating a carrier change it’s better to have an experienced professional on your side, helping you every step of the way. You don’t have to go at it alone. Contact CarrierBid telecom consulting today or complete the web form on the right side of this page.
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