10 mistakes most businesses make with telecoms

The 10 mistakes businesses make with telecoms. 

1. Beware of Bundled Minute Packages

Telecom providers love selling bundled minute packages, but did you know that 80% of customers use less than 20% of their allotted minutes? To truly benefit from a bundle, you need to use almost every minute included, which often leads to confusion and unexpected charges. Make sure you know what’s included—are 0845 numbers covered? Is it per line or per account? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

2. Assigning Telecom Responsibility to the Wrong Person

Telecom procurement is often treated like a simple utility, but getting it wrong can leave your business in the dark for weeks. Many companies lack dedicated roles for telecom management, leading to decisions made by someone focused solely on cost rather than value. Choose someone who understands your business challenges and can make informed decisions based on expertise.

3. Spotting Sneaky Billing Tricks

When signing up for a landline call package, watch out for hidden fees that can inflate your bill. Look for call connection fees, minimum charges, and out-of-bundle usage charges. Understanding these tricks can save you from unexpected costs!

4. Managing Multiple Suppliers

Relying on several suppliers for your telecoms can create confusion and finger-pointing when issues arise. Choose a single supplier for your call systems and connectivity to ensure clear accountability. A good supplier will ask about your business challenges and future plans to tailor solutions that meet your needs.

5. Restricting Staff Phone Use

Unrestricted access to premium rate and directory enquiry calls can lead to inflated phone bills. Set clear policies for acceptable use, and consider working with a provider who can restrict access to high-cost destinations to keep costs in check.

6. Ignoring Valuable Statistics

Most telephone systems offer valuable statistics that can help you run your business more effectively. Monitor call handling times, identify busy periods, and track missed calls to optimise your operations. Use KPIs to encourage staff accountability and manage telephony practices.

7. Staying Updated on New Technologies

Telephony technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Don’t let your competitors outpace you. Explore innovations like VoIP, remote handsets, and mobile extensions that can enhance your communication capabilities.

8. Training Your Team on Telephony

Ensure that telephony is included in your staff induction process. Your team should be familiar with features like call forwarding, conferencing, and voicemail. Regular training can help everyone use the system effectively and in line with your acceptable use policy.

9. Acting Too Late

Timeliness is crucial in telecoms. Don’t wait until the last minute to notify your leasing company about system expirations, or you could incur unnecessary charges. Planning ahead is essential for smooth transitions, whether moving premises or porting numbers.

10. Having No Backup Plan

Technology can fail at the worst times, so it’s vital to have a backup strategy in place. Consider potential issues like cable theft, power outages, and service interruptions. Being prepared can save you from costly downtime.

By addressing these common pitfalls, you can streamline your telecom operations, cut costs, and improve overall efficiency. Make informed decisions and choose a telecom partner who understands your business!