TDS Telecommunications Corp.: ROI on VoIP adds up

Nearly $50,000 in savings over 5 years with hosted VoIP solution

For more information contact:

Cindy Tomlinson, Associate Manager – PR

TDS Telecommunications Corp.

608-664-4471 / cindy.tomlinson@tdstelecom.com

(Oct. 29, 2009) — Unprecedented economic times are forcing business owners to make unprecedented decisions. Whether it’s time to consider replacing the copier, buying new computers, or upgrading the communications system, these days the final decision rests upon the question: “Will I get a return on my investment?”

When it comes to the telephone and data network, essential to every businesses success, the answer is “yes” according to TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®), especially when it comes to a hosted IP (Internet Protocol) solution.

With the improvements in technology, equipment, and availability of hosted IP solutions, the cost savings in the first year can exceed $20,000. Over five years, the savings can add up to nearly $50,000. In addition, hosted IP solution providers, like TDS, maintain responsibility for system maintenance and equipment upgrades. The bottom line: no unexpected expenses and the equipment never becomes obsolete.

Here’s how it works.

Take for example a company with 20 employees, each with a phone line and Internet connection. Comparing a traditional PBX system to the TDS managedIP solution:

IP PBX (Traditional IP system) vs. TDS managedIP (Hosted VoIP system)

Upfront hardware & phone costs: $15,000 vs. Included

Maintenance costs: $1,500/year vs. Included

Upgrades: $500/year vs. Included

Employee costs (e.g., managing system): $10,000/year vs. Not Applicable

Primary Rate Interface (PRI): $4,000/year vs. Included

Long distance charges: $2,400/year vs. Included

Internet service: $1,200/year vs. Included

Data network: $1,000/year vs. Included

Total 5-year cost: $118,000** vs. $72,000***

**Estimated costs of an average IP PBX for a 20 phone system in a 5 year contract. Actual cost may vary.

***Estimated costs of an average 20 seat managedIP system in a 5 year contract. Actual cost may vary. Includes local trunking, long distance, Internet service and data network, IP phones, and maintenance for service.

In addition to the cost-savings, hosted IP solutions can help small- and medium-sized businesses:

* Increase productivity and operational efficiencies, generating more bottom-line impact.

* Realize greater mobility and flexibility for employees with remote office features, simultaneous ring, call forwarding, and email notification of messages, leading to increased employee satisfaction.

* Quickly and easily get new employees up and running on the system with a few clicks of the mouse, eliminating the need to hire additional technical resources.

* Maintain call control; each employee decides which callers reach them anytime, anywhere while keeping private numbers private, providing greater work-life balance.

The phone remains the customer’s first point of contact with a business. The communications system can be a business asset, generating cost savings and improving mobility, flexibility and productivity. Learn more at http://www.tdsbusiness.com/ROI or call 1-866-9-TDSBIZ (1-866-983-7249).

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Editor’s Note: TDS’ managedIP is currently available in many communities throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan; it is also available in Lake County, Ill., Camden County, Ga., and the Tennessee communities of Mt. Juliet, La Vergne, and Farragut.