Telecom Managed Service Companies: Are They Worth It?

Colby Ezell / Telecom / August 17, 2023

The global market for Telecom Managed Services is expected to reach US$26.2 billion by 2025. Such a remarkable forecast reveals the undeniable value and escalating demand for these services in modern business. In an era where technology is not only everywhere but constantly evolving, the need for expertly managed communications services becomes even more apparent.

So, what exactly are telecommunications managed services? Their definition and scope are ever-changing. This article offers a comprehensive look into the various components of managed telecom services. We’ll break down their functionalities, the key benefits they offer, and the alternative approaches businesses might consider.

Keep reading to explore the role these services play in the modern business landscape.

What Are Managed Telecom Services?

Managed Telecom Services involve outsourcing the management and maintenance of an organization’s telecommunications infrastructure to a third-party provider. The primary objective is to let businesses concentrate on their core competencies, ensuring their telecommunications requirements are in the hands of seasoned professionals.

Given the astonishing rate at which technology is advancing today, the role of an in-house IT department is intensifying. Keeping up with daily technological advancements is not just challenging, but it’s quickly becoming a full-time job in itself. As more and more businesses integrate high-tech solutions into their operations, the demands on the IT department build up.

The quest for secure, reliable, and efficient connections has never been so critical. Now, when almost every business operation hinges on technology, ensuring a highly functioning telecommunications system is crucial. It’s amidst these challenges that businesses increasingly turn to Managed Telecom Services as a solution to streamline, secure, and enhance their communications infrastructure.

What Do Telecom Managed Service Providers Do?

In an age where effective communication is the cornerstone of business success, understanding the services offered by telecom management professionals is essential. Let’s dive into the specifics of what telecom managed service providers bring to the table:

Managed Network Services

Networks form the backbone of modern telecommunications. Managed network services ensure that both voice and data networks operate smoothly, with minimal downtime and optimal performance.

Managed Data and Information Services

Data drives decisions in the modern business landscape. These services encompass the storage, retrieval, and transmission of data, ensuring businesses have access to critical information when needed.

Managed Communication Services

From traditional phone lines to cutting-edge VoIP and unified communications, managed communication services ensure businesses can communicate internally and externally without any hitches.

Managed Mobility Services

Managing mobile devices, apps, and networks is crucial with the rise of remote work and the need for on-the-go connectivity. These services help businesses stay connected, no matter where they are.

Managed Data Center Services

Data centers are the heart of many organizations, hosting critical applications and data. These services oversee the infrastructure, ensuring high availability and performance.

Managed Security Services

In an era of rising cyber threats, securing telecommunication infrastructures is paramount. Managed security services provide continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response measures to safeguard assets.

Managed IT Equipment

The hardware that forms the foundation of telecommunications shouldn’t be overlooked. Managed IT equipment services take care of maintaining, updating, and ensuring that devices like routers, switches, servers, and other crucial components operate optimally.

Managed Software

Software drives many of the functions in telecom networks, from routing calls to ensuring data security. Managed software services ensure that all software components are up-to-date, bug-free, and tailored to the organization’s specific needs.

Benefits of Working With Managed Service Providers

Managed service providers bring a blend of expertise, state-of-the-art tools, and proactive methodologies, offering businesses an edge in a competitive landscape. Here are some of the compelling advantages of this partnership:

Cost Efficiency

By partnering with a managed service provider, organizations can achieve significant cost savings. Instead of sustaining the expenses of an extensive in-house team or constantly updating technology, businesses can leverage the economies of scale provided by these experts.

Streamlined Operations and Reduced Complexity

Managed service providers bring expertise that helps streamline telecom operations. Their proficiency eliminates unnecessary complexities, allowing businesses to function more smoothly and efficiently.

Enhanced Staff Productivity

With the technical aspects of IT and telecommunications managed externally, internal staff can center their efforts on the organization’s core objectives. This focus ensures that staff productivity remains high and is unhampered by tech-related distractions.

Efficient Technology Management

Outsourcing management means issues like compatibility across cloud applications, performance challenges, and rapid service development are taken care of by the service provider. Organizations can thus remain confident in the reliability and scalability of their tech infrastructure.

Customized Solutions Tailored to Business Needs

Managed service providers offer solutions tailored to the unique requirements and goals of each business. This customization ensures that the technology infrastructure and services align perfectly with the organization’s objectives.

Performance Tracking and 24/7 Monitoring

Constant oversight is a hallmark of professionally managed service providers. They not only provide 24/7 monitoring but also offer insights through regular performance tracking, enabling informed strategic decision-making.

Alternatives to Telecom Management Services

There is another side to the coin. Telecom managed service providers come with their own set of expenses. So, what’s the alternative? Cost reduction firms like P3 Cost Analysts specialize in telecom auditing, finding discrepancies in billing, and ensuring businesses only pay for what they use. Here’s what P3 brings to the table:

  • Expert review: P3’s professionals sift through customer service records, spotting errors and overcharges.
  • Vendor tariff checks: By comparing tariffs and actual bills, P3 ensures vendors adhere to pricing guidelines.
  • Line verification: Unnecessary charges for unused lines are a thing of the past.
  • Feature checks: Businesses often pay for features they don’t use; P3 identifies them.
  • Rate benchmarking: P3 cross-references long-distance call rates with industry standards, ensuring clients get the best deals.
  • Spotting hidden charges: From unwarranted tech support fees to misapplied surcharges, P3 spots and eliminates them.

The P3 model focuses on transparency and saving money rather than additional expenses. For businesses tight on budget or looking for efficiency, P3 provides a compelling alternative.

Take, for instance, a recent case study involving a school system. Despite the client paying optimal rates, P3 identified a billing error that had persisted for years. Upon extensive negotiation, the client was rewarded with a hefty refund check of $150,000 and a monthly bill reduction of over $3,000.

This scenario underscores P3’s diligent commitment to ensuring clients are only billed for what they should be.

The Bottom Line on Telecom Managed Services

In our exploration of Telecom Managed Services, we’ve seen how they present a comprehensive solution for businesses, addressing every aspect of telecommunication needs. These services offer an array of benefits, from streamlining operations to enhancing technological infrastructure.

While these advantages are clear, it’s crucial for organizations to assess their unique needs and financial landscape. Many will find that the financial inspection provided by a telecom audit company, such as P3 Cost Analysts, aligns more seamlessly with their end goals.

With a telecom expense audit at P3 Cost Analysts, we don’t just navigate the convoluted landscape of telephone billing — we master it. We’re your allies in detecting and eliminating redundant charges, assessing your billing structures against current market standards, and securing refunds from billing inaccuracies that negatively impact your financials.

If you’re ready to save 15-30% on telecom overcharges, reach out to one of our experts today.

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