Is CLEC vs. TEM Really A Choice?
CLECs have done a great job of differentiating themselves from the old-line telcos. First, they offered lower pricing than the regulated incumbents, which generated meaningful cost reductions when multiplied across thousands of lines. Then they improved the billing processes for a cleaner, more consolidated approach. Both of those changes created benefit for their customers, and that is why CLECs made inroads.
When using a CLEC as your TEM provider, pay attention to:
Service Calls: Many CLECs can’t roll their own trucks. They rely on the telco to provide the technical support, and then pass the charges on to you, typically with a mark up. This can add to your overall cost.
Billing Accuracy: Despite the claims, CLECs are prone to billing errors, just as with any other provider.
Reporting Capability: Many CLECs do not use CSRs and cannot provide USOC level inventory detail.
Summary Billing: This option can work great if you want a simple way to pay bills, but can work against many clients when they want to dig into the details because of the huge volumes contained on a single invoice.
Geographic Coverage: While the footprint is expanding for some of the largest CLECs, it is still not universal.
But There’s More To The Story. Much More.
We’re not out to change your mind on whether or not you choose a CLEC as your provider. What we are interested in is making sure that you understand what CLECs can and can’t do for you from a TEM perspective. After all, we have been working with CLECs for years and over 30% of accounts we address are CLECs. We’ve gained tremendous insight into their strengths and weaknesses, and we can help you deploy a CLEC solution to greatest advantage.
Nobody’s Perfect. Not Even CLECs.
It isn’t hard for CLECs to do a better job than the old-line telcos. The stories of inferior customer service, erroneous billing, and other monopolistic practices are legendary. But CLECs aren’t without issues of their own, and we have built a significant portfolio of reasons why having a TEM provider in addition to CLECs is the right choice.
Total Cost Of Ownership Is The Key
Price per line is a simple way to look at costs, but it’s not the whole story. Experience has shown us that the overall cost of services from CLECs does not vary from telcos to an appreciable degree, and that unexpected charges for service can create some unfavorable surprises. In addition, CLECs typically cannot handle all of your telecom needs, even within local service categories. By having a unified TEM platform, you receive the benefits of a coherent management system for your entire telecom environment.
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