T1 Internet Access for Dummies
The T1 Internet Service continues to be available for over 4 decades yet never have there been numerous "flavors" available. The amount of providers has jumped since deregulation in 1996 from a few dozen to several thousand. As the telecom shakeout that started in 2001 continues many of these businesses are attempting to stay afloat by capturing as many customers as possible with cheap solutions they claim to be T1. Don't be fooled!
Most of the frantic companies are putting together substandard solutions they assert are T1 products. Just be wary of products with the strange titles similar to "burstable" and "reach". These products can be oversubscribed similar to a DSL product. This means the provider puts a single T1 connection in a CO (Central Office) and provides T1 connections to three or 4 customers banking on the fact that individuals don't all use the service at the same time. True, T1 access implies sole usage of the web and you always have access to 1.54Mbps.
Make certain the T1 service for Prattsburgh is really a "clearchannel" product and isn't shared with other users. Also be sure you truly have a powerful SLA or Service Level Agreement from your supplier. A SLA will define the access you will get and the penalty the service supplier will pay on condition that they do not supply this kind of service. If you need help, establishing the proper SLA gives you the help of an expert in case 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 carrier. You can also get professional help free of charge by just contacting among the many T1 brokers on the web.