T1 Internet Access for Dummies
The T1 Internet Service continues to be available for over 4 decades yet in no way have there been so many "flavors" obtainable. The number of providers has leaped amazingly since deregulation in 1996 from a couple dozen to several thousand. Since the telecom shakeout that began in 2001 continues most of these companies are attempting to stay afloat by capturing as many clients as attainable with inexpensive solutions they assert being T1. Don't be fooled!
Many of the frantic companies are putting together inferior solutions they claim are really T1 solutions. Be wary of products using the funny titles like "burstable" as well as "reach". These items can be oversubscribed similar to a DSL product. This suggests the provider puts a single T1 link within a CO (Central Office) and sells T1 hook ups to 3 or 4 clients banking on the fact that individuals usually do not all make use of the resource simultaneously. True, T1 access means sole access to the Internet and you invariably have access to 1.54Mbps.
Make sure the T1 product for Colfax is really a "clearchannel" product and is not shared with different users. Also be sure you have an SLA or Service Level Agreement from your provider. A SLA will define the access you will receive and the expense the service company pays in the event that they don't provide such service. If you need help, establishing the correct SLA gives you the help of an expert if you don't have one already. It's much better to pay a small price up front versus to enter a long term contract with an inferior provider. You can definitely get expert assistance free of charge by simply contacting one of the many T1 brokers on the web.
