Return to Virginia Business - September 2002

Communication Cops

Wireless providers with lengthy monthly statements and ever-changing service plans beware: The Bill Police are on the case.
A new division of Richmond-based Maxtel Communications, The Bill Police sorts out bills in a way that saves its customers money. There are never any unpleasant surprises for its 300 business subscribers, says Kae Zulager, president of The Bill Police. “We have saved our customers our fee plus additional money,” she says.

That fee is a mere $7 per month for each of its clients. The Bill Police then uses a three-step process to earn its clients’ money back. First, it analyzes each bill and simplifies it into an easy-to-read format. The company’s specialists then look for any errors or billing discrepancies. The third step is to compare clients’ needs to rate plans and packages from the top six wireless providers to find the one offering the greatest savings and flexibility. “Since we see these bills every month, we can proactively suggest other alternative plans for them to use,” Zulager says.

The service is designed for businesses with 10 or more wireless units, and the typical client operates 20 or more units. Beginning with a one-year contract, The Bill Police continually evaluate wireless accounts and offer recommendations on savings and upgrades.
According to Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia has 2.7 million wireless telephone subscribers. The Bill Police plan to reach more clients by expanding throughout Virginia. “We are Internet-based and will be able to employ people to work from home or from satellite offices,” says Zulager. She adds that fees for traditional landlines are increasing, while wireless rates are falling each year by an average of 6 percent.

The Bill Police received a grant from Virginia’s CIT to write a software program that implements its three-step process. Working with Jerry Saunders, an instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University, the firm is developing a program that incorporates all wireless providers, further expanding its service area to businesses across the nation.

— Nicole McMullin