ice you may reach by dialing 411 to reach your local telephone company or the area code plus 555- 1212 to reach your long distance company. The call centers where the directory assistance operators are located may not be any- where near your city. Directory Publishers Most local telephone companies still publish some form of the traditional white and yellow pages paper directories. The pub- lishing may be done by a separate company, however, often formerly part of the local telephone company. There are also com- peting companies offering directories specific to a particular city or geographic region. These very thick paper directories now compete with Internet based directories, but it appears that they will be around for the foreseeable future. The yellow pages represents significant rev- enue in advertising for which the customers pay every month while the directory is in effect. 294 " The Telecom Handbook CHAPTER 13 Professional Services Telecommunications Consulting These companies offer a range of professional services based upon hourly or project fees. Since no two are exactly alike, it is important to identify the services and capabilities of each com- pany. These services may include: a. Assessment of your organization's use of telecommunications technology. b. Assistance with the development of requirements, evaluation of alternatives and procurement of telecommunications equip- ment and services. Telecommunications Contract Negotiation. d. Telecommunications Project Management. e. Telecommunications Expense Review and Cost Reduction, Telecommunications Bill Auditing These companies find errors on your telecommunications bills and are paid a percentage of the refund or savings they arrange on your behalf. They determine whether your service providers are complying with your contracts and the related telecommunications tariffs. They may also determine whether all of the services for which you are being charged are actually in place and working. Telecommunications Bill Management As the total number and co