LOCAL PHONE SERVICE

Small local phone companies, other than SBC Ameritech, have suffered from the “unregulated” regulated industry.  They have not been able to utilize the local networks properly and are either bankrupt or going bankrupt. It appears that SBC Ameritech has won this battle and all businesses must be aware that if they are with carriers other than SBC Ameritech they may suffer a total disruption of local service.

MCI WORLDCOM

WorldCom is in dire straights.  During the past mass insanity of merger activity, Bernie Ebbers put together so many companies that it was impossible for accurate billing to take place.  During the 1990s WorldCom acquired more than sixty different companies and many different accounting systems. 

This has forced large companies to suffer from billing errors that cost companies massive amounts of money.

One WorldCom sales representative has been quoted saying that, “clients who spend at least $25,000 a month are over billed an estimated 75% of the time.”

Since WorldCom has laid off so many staff members, has not integrated its billing systems and has no financial reason to improve its billing, the nightmare continues. 

Bernie Ebbers seems to be hiding in the corner waiting for massive Federal Investigations by various governmental agencies to either bankrupt WorldCom or some White Knight to come and rescue him from the unmitigated disaster he has created.

OUTSOURCING

Outsourcing and non bias advise are the solutions to the dilemma of “what should I do as a business?”  There is just too much time and energy wasted by businesses trying to solve carrier problems.  “No matter what I do or who I call nothing seems to get fixed.  I spend hours each week trying to order lines and/or fix problems and the results are that nothing gets done timely or properly.” (Quote from Barbara an office manager from a local business.)

People who deal with many phone companies every day know that timely solutions only occur if systems and procedures are developed to track an immense amount of follow-up.  Calling, tracking, checking and recalling are required in order to get the simplest thing accomplished.  Cross checking all items against billing over many months is also a must.  Correcting the billing errors that occur requires additional calling, tracking, checking and recalling.  These requirements are too time consuming for existing staffing levels at many companies. This author believes that the only solution is to outsource some or all of the telecommunication functions.  Businesses should do what they do best and not get bogged down in wasted, inefficient processes that they are not familiar with and will not accomplish their goals in a timely manner.

Call Alliance Telecommunications for more info.  (248)307-0052.

TIDBITS:

1. MIS-BILLING IS EVERYWHERE! Watch out for carriers billing at the wrong rates and for items you did not order.

2. WIRELESS COMMUNICATION IS FOREVER CHANGING: Special programs and cost savings are critical to business survival. The internal analysis is near impossible. This is an area that should be outsourced. Beware of the carrier who claims that they can and will audit your account. This is just like putting the Fox in charge of watching the chickens . . .a big mistake!

3. DSL SEEMS TO BE WORKING WELL:  DSL will speed up access to the Internet and or can replace expensive high-speed data connections. Installing DSL lines from two different carriers, if available, can now back up mission critical connections.

4. VOICE OVER IP (Internet Protocol) IS AVAILABLE. However, it can be cost justified only for very special circumstances and/or very high volume.

5. PHONE SYSTEMS DROP IN PRICE: New technology has improved phone systems. PBX functions are now available on low cost systems with voice mail and full CTI integration. Phone systems can now open doors on the weekends, turn on coffeepots in the morning and enhance the communication throughout your facility. Free network design is available, just call.

6. ATI HAS HAD ITS BEST QUARTER EVER: Business is up over 300% from last year’s comparable quarter. Why? Mis-billing is everywhere!

OUR PROMISE TO YOU: "WE WILL AUDIT YOUR BILLS, DESIGN COST SAVING SOLUTIONS AND SATISFY YOUR VOICE AND DATA NEEDS, WHETHER YOU WANT US TO HANDLE PART OF THE JOB, OR PROVIDE THE ENTIRE SOLUTION! WE WILL DELIVER EVERYTHING THAT WE PROMISE!"

We hope you will look forward to additional information from the Communicator and would appreciate any feedback that you would like to provide.

Alliance Telecommunication Inc.

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