Some proposed contracts specify a minimum buyer commitment, and if you don t meet it, you pay most or all of the difference. Sometimes the minimum is specified not in minutes of traffic but as a dollar amount, which may be difficult to reach as rates continue to drop. Sometimes the minimum is dangerously close to your current level. This minimum is a negotiable item and many organizations succeed in excluding these guarantees entirely from their agreements. Then there are termination penalties.
Suppliers typically quote a lower rate for buyers that sign a long-term contract.
You ll be left with little flexibility and likely a termination penalty as well. Then there s billing completeness and accuracy. By and large, it s up to you to check on that. But suppliers sometimes agree to do a review six months after implementation. All this, of course, may come with or without additional charges.