Escaping the Price Trap: Network Value vs Lowest Bid

Tabby Worthington
Connected Solutions Group, Michael Pittman, network ROI, network value vs lowest bid, price trap in telecom, telecom contracts, total cost of ownership, value-based connectivity

Enterprises that focus only on the lowest monthly cost risk paying more in the long run.

In a wide-ranging conversation on Go Beyond the Connection, Michael Pittman, CEO and Founder of Connected Solutions Group, LLC, explains why IT leaders must weigh network value vs lowest bid.

Pittman argues that while price is an easy metric to compare, true value comes from reliability, customer experience, and operational efficiency—all of which impact the bottom line more than a discounted contract ever could.

The Real Cost of Downtime

Pittman emphasizes that outages, slowdowns, and poor deployment processes carry hidden costs. Invoices delayed, customer orders slowed, and employees losing productive hours all erode ROI. Evaluating network value vs lowest bid means factoring in these risks. Paying slightly more for reliability and proactive support often saves far more than it costs.

Key Takeaways

Network value vs lowest bid is a TCO calculation, not just a budget comparison.
Downtime and inefficiencies are hidden costs that outweigh discounts.
Bundled services like staging and kitting lower operational risks.
CX at every touchpoint strengthens loyalty and accelerates adoption.
Wireless-first tools (site surveys, dual-SIM failover, SD-WAN) now make reliability scalable.

“When it comes to your connectivity, don’t just race to the bottom.” – Michael Pittman

From Price to Partnership

Pittman explains that decision-makers often enter negotiations expecting to pit carriers against each other for the lowest bid. But real differentiation comes when a provider acts as a partner—embedding project managers, delivering real-time API visibility, and making deployments seamless. This partnership lens reframes connectivity as a strategic enabler, not a commodity.

Wireless-First as a Value Driver

Historically, wireless was viewed as a backup. Pittman highlights how falling antenna costs, carrier support for site surveys, and smart-SIM auto-failover now make wireless-first a credible primary option. When paired with SD-WAN, wireless-first delivers fiber-like performance—without the trenching delays and capital costs.

Why This Matters

Enterprises choosing strictly on price may win the contract but lose the outcome. Leaders who compare network value vs lowest bid understand that investing in reliability, transparency, and CX creates smoother operations, higher trust, and stronger revenue protection.