subject: Business T1 Service - When is the Right Time to Ditch the DSL? [print this page] Business T1 Service - When is the Right Time to Ditch the DSL?
T1 internet service is but a dream to many small businesses. Business T1 Service, like DSL service, is a high speed internet option operating at a bandwidth of 1.544 Mbps. The notable distinction is that T1 reliably delivers that optimal speed to the consumer, whereas DSL often lags due to over-subscription. T1 provides a dedicated service line directly to the CO (central office). DSL offers the same speed when internet traffic is low, but gets bogged down when traffic gets congested as numerous customers share an internet service line. Choosing Business T1 Service is a big decision, but one that can revolutionize your business and the services you provide.
Determining whether your business should opt for T1 service over DSL can be a daunting task. Price can be a deciding factor for many small businesses as service can cost between $200 and $400 monthly with significant start-up costs. Aside from cost, the needs of your business must be considered. Not having T1 service can negatively impact your business through loss of employee productivity, customer inconvenience, and information lag when real-time information means real-time problem solving. Several factors that need to be considered:
1) My business hosts a web site or FTP (file transfer protocol) site.
2) My business hosts an e-mail server or employee/customer blog.
3) My employees need real-time access to work productively.
4) My customers need ready access to my database.
5) My network needs voice-grade channels for telephone connection.
6) My business relies upon web conferencing to conduct business.
7) My business uses video on demand for education, sales, etc.
These are seven golden reasons why your business should strongly consider stepping up to a Business T1 Service.
T1 service is a dedicated line for internet access that allows for use of an entire line's peak performance possibilities, because the line is dedicated and not a shared line. A "loop" is provided that connects your business directly to the CO without the inconvenience and speed-slowing effects of line sharing. The need for at least 16 high speed connections in one locality makes Business T1 Service ideal. A T1 line provides up to 24 connections with the added benefit of "clear channel" voice-grade ability, which can be bundled through your server to additionally provide phone service.
Finding the right Business T1 Service can be simplified by using a broker, someone in business to find the right fit between server and customer. These brokers charge the customer, your business, only what the T1 server charges, with the added benefit of having a customer service representative dedicated to the needs of your business. They can also assist with an SLA (service level agreement) that defines the claims and guarantees made by the T1 provider and ensure that your business receives a fair deal.
The final decision to transition from DSL to Business T1 Service must be made with the best business wisdom available. Though price is a consideration, the company's needs may outweigh the price incurred. When price and relatively fair connection is the primary concern, a business should keep DSL. However, if your business is sacrificing productivity and potential by not having dedicated service, then Business T1 Service is the right service for you.
