A client asked if I can audit their telecom bills in addition to utilities. They spend $14,000/month on phone lines, internet circuits, and a legacy PBX system. I've never audited telecom but I'm curious about the opportunity. Is it worth learning?
Telecom auditing — is it worth branching into?
Telecom auditing is a different world from utility auditing. The error types are different — cramming (unauthorized charges), slamming (unauthorized carrier changes), disconnected lines still being billed, duplicate circuits, and legacy services that should have been cancelled years ago. The tariff structures are also different because telecom is largely deregulated. That said, the error rate on telecom bills is even higher than on utility bills in my experience. I do both and about 30% of my revenue comes from telecom. It's worth learning if you have clients asking for it.
Telecom auditing is a natural extension of utility bill auditing and many AAUBA members do both. The skills transfer well — you're still analyzing bills, comparing charges to contracts, and filing claims for errors. The biggest difference is that telecom bills are more complex with more line items, and the carriers are harder to deal with than utilities because the telecom industry is less regulated. If you have interested clients, start with a single account to learn the process before committing to a full telecom audit practice.
Going to take on the client's telecom audit as a learning experience. Worst case I find nothing and I've learned a new skill. Best case I find errors and expand my service offering. Thanks for the encouragement.