Streamlining Telecom Services

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, the University of Arizona Telecommunications Services team has embarked on a transformative journey to optimize its operations and conserve valuable resources. Led by Project Manager Steve Dattilo and IT Support Manager Patrick Walters, the team conducted an exhaustive audit of UITS-paid vendor services, focusing on phone and internet connectivity.

The Audit Journey

Over the past two years, the team has meticulously evaluated its telecommunications services, identifying opportunities to disconnect unnecessary phone lines across the university and transition to more cost-effective providers. The goal was clear: to reduce costs and streamline operations while ensuring essential services remained available.

Dattilo began the project by creating a master spreadsheet to track active services, costs, and savings, which has since become a living document. This spreadsheet has been a vital tool in their effort to analyze services that were no longer needed. Through diligent cross-referencing of vendor lists, billing records, and internal documentation, the team identified opportunities to optimize services and improve cost efficiency.

As the audit progressed, the team uncovered several surprising findings. For instance, they identified services associated with former university-leased spaces housing lines that had not been used for years. Dattilo noted, “There were a couple of times the circuit came to a dead end, and we had to use our deductive reasoning to disconnect lines that were no longer necessary. Most of the time, it went smoothly.”

The People Behind the Project

The success of this initiative can be attributed not only to the audit process but also to the collaborative efforts of the Telecommunications Services team. Walters, with extensive experience in the telecom field, emphasized the importance of teamwork. “We've worked together to ensure that every aspect of our services is evaluated and optimized. It's been a significant effort, but the results speak for themselves.”

Dattilo joined the university during the Zoom phone project in 2022 and quickly immersed himself in telecommunications. His prior experience in data co-location equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of telecom services. “I’ve learned a lot about telco since I’ve been here,” he said, emphasizing the value of continuous learning in UITS.

A Bright Future

With the initial audit complete, the team is excited about the potential savings and improvements. According to Dattilo, the university has saved approximately $330K per year after completing this

2.5-year project from July 2023 to Dec. 2025. The telecom audit findings continue to provide a clear view of their successes and future opportunities for savings and better services.

As they move forward, the Telecommunications Services team remains committed to finding innovative solutions and enhancing services for the entire university community. Their dedication not only contributes to cost savings but also helps establish a more efficient and effective telecommunications infrastructure for the U of A. The department serves the university's main campus and provides connectivity to all 15 counties in Arizona, as well as to the university's remote campus in Washington, D.C.

This audit is just the beginning of a broader effort by the Telcom team to optimize services and ensure that the university's technology needs are met with excellence. The team's proactive approach serves as a model for other university units, fostering a culture of evaluation and continuous improvement across the university.