There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a T1 Service Provider. A T1 Internet link (frequently referred to as DS1) is the most normally used high speed digital transmission line for small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) in the United States. The bandwidth of a T1 is 1.544 Mbps for both uplink and downlink.
First you have to take a look at what you or your company needs and why. Many companies or individuals are looking for faster Internet service. Others may be limited in the amount of data allowable per month by their existing provider. This is usually true with satellite Internet service providers. Second Darnell Savage Jr. Color Rush Jersey , consider which capabilities would be of most gain for your needs. Although not generally thought of, a T1 line can usually provide data service, voice service, or both. It is valuable to consider how many users need to supported and how many phone lines are in use simultaneously. Also the types of traffic sent over the Internet andor the number and duration of phone calls made are important factors. And if needing higher bandwidth applications including voice over IP (VOIP) or remote access to company or Internet resources using graphical interfaces Rashan Gary Color Rush Jersey , a T1 or even multiple T1's may be required. Can the T1 service provider support these needs adequately?
Another factor is security. If several locations need to be serviced, what configuration would be most advantageous? In some cases a private network would be best. Security technology or private dedicated links may be used to design either "real" or "virtual" private networks between a company's locations. In a virtual private network (VPN), it might be possible, by using a single vendor's backbone Black Ty Montgomery Jersey , to keep all traffic off the public Internet.
Most companies or individuals looking for a T1 service provider are facing either slow or unreliable Internet service. In either case the present Internet service provider (ISP) may be providing poor service Normally, a T1 service provider will provide a service level agreement (SLA), with certain data rates, latency Black Quinten Rollins Jersey , and reliability.
For instance, many DSL providers will be able to suggest an upgrade to a T1. This could be valuable if there is time left over on an existing service contract for DSL or cable. Of the major DSL providers, including AT&T, Verizon and Qwest Black Kenny Clark Jersey , this may be a consideration, although the largest vendors' T1 pricing is usually not as competitive as lesser know companies. There are many little known T1 providers that provide equal or superior service as well known larger companies.
Some companies by now have a T1 for either data service or voice or possibly both. Have the incumbant's SLAs been adhered to? How has the vendor supported or proactively taken care of outages and kept all parties notified of down time? If choosing a new vendor, how is the new vendor's SLA different or improved?
For the upgraded levels of service, the pricing goes up greatly Black Vince Biegel Jersey , over DSL, cable or satellite Internet service providers. For instance, current DSL or cable pricing starts as low as $12.95 per month. T1 service providers usually charge about $400 per month on average. In NFL cities, the rates can be as low as around $250 as of this writing. Prices continue to decrease annually as competition improves.
There are many items to be concerned about when choosing the most appropriate T1 Service Provider. A telecommunications broker can advise which T1 provider is best according to individual company requirements Black Jamaal Williams Jersey , as well assist with the implementation process.
Author's Resource Box
Jim Green owns a Telecommunications Brokerage and advises individuals and SMBs on the best T1 Service Provider to meet their needs.