In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant transition in their telecommunications services that promises substantial cost savings. Currently, the organization is utilizing Lumen for their desk phone services, but with the contract having expired on April 6, 2023, they have been operating on a month-to-month basis.

After conducting research, officials discovered the Michigan Collegiate Telecommunications Association (MICTA), which offers a consortium model that allows them to switch providers without the need for a formal Request for Proposal (RFP). The proposed change involves moving from Lumen to Spectrum under the MICTA contract, which is expected to drastically reduce their monthly phone bill from approximately $3,300 to just $696, plus applicable taxes and fees.

This transition represents a staggering 79% reduction in costs, translating to an annual savings of around $36,000. To date, the organization has spent approximately $26,726 on their Lumen services this year, while the projected cost with Spectrum would be around $5,568, excluding variable long-distance usage charges.

Officials expressed surprise at the significant price reduction, especially in the context of current inflationary pressures affecting many sectors. The move to Spectrum is anticipated to not only streamline their telecommunications expenses but also enhance overall budget efficiency.