T1 Internet Access for Dummies
This particular T1 Internet Service has been around for more than 40 years yet never have there been so many "flavors" offered. 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 many of these companies are attempting to stay afloat by getting as many clients as possible with inexpensive products they assert being T1. Don't be fooled!
Many of the frantic companies are putting together inferior products they assert are T1 products. Be leery of products using the strange titles like "burstable" and "reach". These items can be oversubscribed much like a DSL product. This suggests the provider places a single T1 link in a CO (Central Office) and provides T1 connections to three or 4 customers banking on the fact that they usually do not all make use of the service at the same time. True, T1 access means sole access to the Internet and you invariably have access to 1.54Mbps.
Make certain the T1 service in Holcomb is really a "clearchannel" product and isn't shared with other clients. Also be certain you truly have an SLA or Service Level Agreement from your provider. A SLA will define the access you will receive and the penalty the service supplier pays in the event that they do not supply such service. If you need help, establishing the proper SLA gives you the help of a professional in case you don't have one already. It's much better to spend a small fee up front versus to enter a long term agreement with an inferior carrier. You can definitely get professional assistance gratis by simply contacting one of the many T1 brokers on the web.
