Many businesses stay with a carrier they are unhappy with because switching sounds like a headache: lost numbers, dead phones, confused employees. It does not have to go that way. With a plan and a staged rollout, most of the work happens before anyone notices.
Step 1: Take inventory
List every line, who uses it, the device, the plan and the monthly cost. Note any lines that are unused. Check for device payments, contract end dates and early termination fees so you know the real cost of leaving.
Step 2: Decide what you want
Based on how your team works, decide the plans, devices and features you need. This is also the moment to ask what would be better: coverage in a certain place, simpler billing, faster support.
Step 3: Keep your numbers
Business phone numbers are valuable. Confirm in writing that your numbers will transfer, and gather the account details your current carrier will need to release them. Do not cancel anything until the transfer is complete.
Step 4: Start with a pilot
Move a small group first, such as a manager and two or three employees. Let them use the new setup for a week or two so any problems show up while the stakes are low.
Step 5: Move the rest in stages
Roll out in groups, not all at once. Prepare devices ahead of time so people receive phones that are ready to use. Tell your team what is changing, when, and who to ask for help.
Step 6: Close out the old account
Once everyone is working on the new service, confirm the old lines are cancelled only after the numbers have moved, check the final bill and keep the paperwork.
Common mistakes
- Cancelling the old service before numbers have transferred.
- Switching everyone on the same day.
- Not telling employees what to expect.
- Forgetting about shared devices, tablets and hotspots.
Get a hand with the move
Ascend Global Partners helps organizations plan the move, prepare the devices and support the team afterward. Call (713) 478-1174 or send us a message to talk through your switch.