Unified Communications Modernization for a Regulated Financial Institution

This legacy case summary documents how i-NETT, formerly Voice Smart Networks, completed a multi-year unified communications modernization for AltaOne Federal Credit Union, a regulated financial institution operating multiple branch locations.

The engagement began in June 2009 with a defined mandate. Reduce telecom waste. Modernize communications infrastructure. Establish ongoing control over carrier services and costs.

AltaOne’s communications environment had grown fragmented over time. Carrier services, billing, and usage were managed across multiple vendors with limited centralized oversight. This created cost leakage and operational risk.

The project placed full responsibility for carrier and communications management under a single governance model. This included oversight of adds, moves, and changes. Carrier accounts were aligned to more appropriate agreements. Unused services were identified through line-by-line audits and removed. Billing discrepancies and carrier trouble tickets were handled centrally.

Mobile phone plans were reviewed and adjusted to reflect actual usage. MPLS services were renegotiated to align capacity with operational needs and billing accuracy. Fragmented vendor management was replaced with consistent accountability.

The financial impact was measurable. AltaOne realized more than $30,000 in savings within the first four months of engagement. MPLS renegotiation produced an additional $5,000 per month in recurring savings. One-time carrier credits exceeded $100,000.

Beyond cost reduction, the engagement addressed governance requirements common to regulated environments. Communications systems were aligned with operational controls to support reliability, auditability, and data protection. These principles remain foundational within modern IT support services for financial institutions.

The long-term value extended beyond the initial upgrade. Ongoing oversight provided visibility into costs, performance, and carrier accountability. Communications shifted from an unmanaged expense to a controlled operational system.

This case reflects an early example of lifecycle-based communications management within regulated organizations.