Revenue leakage costs the global communications industry an estimated US$40 billion every year, according to a survey by audit firm KPMG LLP.
The leakage is the often the result of incorrect billing and faulty billing system processes for communications products.
The international survey looked at 74 communications operators in 46 countries, and KPMG said the results have significant effects here in Canada.
"Given the increased competition in Canada, and the rapid changes in what consumers are demanding and ultimately being billed for, the issue of ensuring you are billing all of the services a consumer is using becomes increasingly critical," said Kathy Cunningham, national sector lead partner for KPMG's communications and media practice.
The survey also found that significant configuration changes to networks were most likely to cause revenue leakage as well as new products.
Survey statistics also indicated that less than 10% of all leakages were identified and overall losses to the worldwide industry could be much higher than estimated.