How to choose a T1 Service Provider

There are many considerations when selecting a T1 Service Provider. A T1 Internet link (frequently called DS1) is among the most universally used high-speed digital transmission line for up-and-coming small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) inside the United States. The bandwidth of an T1 is 1.544 Mbps for both uplink and downlink.



First you must take a look at whatever you or your company needs and why. Many companies or people are looking for faster internet in my area service. Others could be limited in the quantity of data permitted monthly by their existing provider. This is specially true with satellite Internet providers.

Second, consider which capabilities will be of most advantage for the situation. Although not generally looked at, a T1 line can ordinarily provide data service, voice service, or both. It is important to consider the number of users should supported and how many phone lines are used at one time. Also the sorts of traffic sent over the Internet and/or the quantity and time period of phone calls made are very important factors. And if needing higher bandwidth applications including voice over IP (VOIP) or remote use of company or Internet resources using graphical interfaces, a T1 or perhaps multiple T1's could possibly be required. Can the T1 supplier support these needs adequately?





Another factor is security. If multiple locations should be serviced, what network design would be most advantageous? In certain instances a private network will be best. Security technology or private lines may be used to construct either "real" or "virtual" private networks from the company's locations. In a virtual private network (VPN), it may be possible, simply by using a single vendor's backbone, to help keep all traffic off of the public Internet.



Most companies or individuals searching for a T1 vendor are facing either slow or unreliable Internet service. In either case the existing Internet service provider (ISP) might be providing inadequate service Normally, a T1 supplier will provide an email finder service level agreement (SLA), with guaranteed data rates, latency, and reliability.



For instance, many DSL providers are able to offer an upgrade to some T1. This may be crucial if you find time remaining on an existing service contract for DSL or cable. Of the key DSL providers, including AT&T, Verizon and Qwest, this could be a consideration, although major vendors' T1 prices are usually not as competitive as lesser know companies. There are lots of little known T1 companies that provide the same or superior service as well known larger companies.





Some SMBs have a T1 for either data service or voice or even both. Have the incumbant's service levels been adequately met? How contains the vendor responded or fixed problems on their own and kept both parties notified of down time? If selecting a new vendor, bed not the culprit the new vendor's SLA distinctive or improved?



For the greater levels of service, the pricing escalates significantly, over DSL, cable or satellite Internet service providers. For instance, current DSL or cable pricing starts as low as $12.95 per month. T1 providers usually charge about $400 a month on average. In NFL cities, the pricing can be only around $250 as of this writing. Prices always decrease annually as competition improves.



There a wide range of factors to be aware of when selecting the T1 Service Provider. A telecommunications broker can advise which T1 provider is the most suitable according to case-by-case company requirements, at the same time assist with the implementation process.



Jim Green owns a Telecommunications Brokerage and advises individuals and SMB's around the best T1 Service Provider to meet their needs.