Your phone carrier is betting you won't fight back.
I help small businesses escape overpriced legacy phone contracts, fight unauthorized fees, and migrate to modern VoIP — saving thousands per year.
Here's what's happening to small businesses right now
Major carriers — AT&T, Verizon, Lumen, Frontier — are actively retiring their copper POTS networks. AT&T plans to shut down nearly all copper infrastructure by 2029, and the FCC has relaxed regulations to let them do it faster.
But before they pull the plug, they're squeezing every dollar they can out of the businesses still connected. Lines that cost $30–$60/month a few years ago now bill at $150–$400/month. Some per-line prices have climbed past $1,000. Industry insiders have called these rate hikes “borderline extortion.”
When businesses try to leave, carriers hit them with surprise contracts and early termination fees — sometimes generated without the customer's knowledge or consent. They're counting on small businesses not knowing their rights or not having the energy to fight back.
This isn't a theory. It happened to one of my clients.
How a 47-year AT&T customer fought back — and won
Bravo Farms — a family business in Traver, CA operating since 1979 — had been a loyal AT&T customer for 47 years. They were paying roughly $945/monthfor POTS lines, including lines that weren't even in use.
After an audit, we recommended migrating to VoIP. On February 24, 2026, they canceled two unused lines. AT&T's rep confirmed the cancellation via email — no mention of any contract or new terms.
On March 1, a port request was submitted to move the remaining lines to VoIP. Two days later, AT&T sent an automated email claiming a new Business Service Agreement had been created — a one-year contract with a ~$5,000 early termination fee. Bravo Farms never signed, agreed to, or consented to any contract.
We built the case, assembled the timeline, identified the violations, and filed an FCC complaint. Within 15 days, AT&T's Office of the President responded. The account was fully disconnected, no early termination fee was charged, and prorated credits were refunded. AT&T acknowledged that “renewals must be accepted by the account holder” — confirming the unauthorized contract was invalid.
Results
What I do
Telecom Audit
I review your current phone setup — what you're paying, what you're actually using, and what you could be paying instead. Most businesses I've worked with are paying 5–20x what modern alternatives cost. The audit is free.
VoIP Migration
I handle the full transition from legacy POTS to VoIP — provider selection, hardware, configuration, number porting, and testing. You keep your existing phone numbers. Your customers won't notice a thing except maybe better call quality.
Carrier Dispute & Advocacy
If your carrier hits you with unauthorized contracts, surprise ETFs, or tries to block your port, I know how to fight it. I'll build your case and help you file complaints with the FCC and California PUC.
Ongoing Support
VoIP systems need occasional attention — adding lines, configuring auto-attendants, adjusting call routing. I provide ongoing support so you're never stuck calling a 1-800 number and waiting on hold.
Signs your carrier is taking advantage of you
Check any that apply to see your risk level.
Why I do this
I'm Tyler Vigario, an independent IT consultant based in California's Central Valley. I'm not a telecom vendor. I'm not an AT&T reseller. I don't take commissions from carriers. I work for the client, not the phone company.
I got into this because I saw a client — a family business that's been around since 1979 — getting squeezed by their carrier for thousands of dollars on service they weren't even fully using. When they tried to leave, the carrier generated a contract they never agreed to and threatened a $5,000 fee. That's not right. I helped them fight it, and now I help other businesses do the same.
Frequently asked questions
No. Number porting is a legal right protected by FCC regulations. Your carrier cannot refuse to release your number, even if there's a billing dispute.
Typically 1–4 weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly your current carrier processes the port. I handle the coordination.
If you didn't agree to a contract, you likely don't owe it. I'll review your situation, and if they're in the wrong, I'll help you file complaints with the FCC and California PUC to get the fees waived.
Yes. VoIP has been the standard for business communications for years. With a decent internet connection, call quality meets or exceeds traditional landlines. I spec the hardware and configure the system to ensure reliability.
It varies, but most businesses on legacy POTS are paying $200–$1,500/month. VoIP typically costs $20–$50/month for equivalent service. I've seen annual savings of $5,000–$15,000+.
You'll need VoIP-compatible handsets. I recommend Yealink — professional grade, reliable, and affordable. I handle procurement and configuration.
I'm based in the Central Valley but this work doesn't require me to be on-site. I can help businesses anywhere in California, and most of the advocacy work (audits, carrier disputes, FCC complaints) can be done remotely nationwide.
Stop overpaying. Start here.
Tell me about your current phone setup and I'll tell you exactly what you could be saving — free, no strings attached.