T1 Internet Access for Dummies
The T1 Internet Service has long been around for over 4 decades yet never 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. As the telecom shakedown that began in 2001 continues most of these businesses are attempting to stay afloat by capturing as many customers as possible with low-cost products they assert to be T1. Don't be fooled!
Many of the frantic businesses are putting together inferior products they claim are really T1 solutions. Be wary of products using the strange titles like "burstable" as well as "reach". These items are oversubscribed much like a DSL product. This means the provider places a single T1 connection in a CO (Central Office) and sells T1 connections to 3 or 4 customers banking on the fact that they usually do not all make use of the service simultaneously. True, T1 access means sole usage of the web and you always have access to 1.54Mbps.
Make sure your T1 product in Dunkirk is a "clearchannel" item and is not shared with different clients. Also be certain you have an SLA or Service Level Agreement from your provider. A SLA will specify the access you will get and the expense the service company will pay if they do not supply this kind of service. If you need assistance, establishing the correct SLA gives you the help of a professional if you don't have one in house. It's much better to pay a small fee up front than to enter a long term contract with an substandard provider. You can also receive authoritative assistance free of charge by just contacting among the many T1 brokers on the web.
