T1 Internet Access for Dummies
This particular T1 Internet Service continues to be around for over 4 decades yet in no way have there been numerous "flavors" obtainable. The number of vendors has leaped amazingly since deregulation in 1996 from a few dozen to several thousand. Since the telecom shakedown that began in 2001 continues many of these businesses are trying to stay afloat by getting as many customers as possible with cheap products they claim to be T1. Do not be fooled!
Most of the desperate businesses are putting together substandard products they assert are T1 solutions. Be wary of products using the strange titles such as "burstable" and "reach". These products are oversubscribed much like a DSL product. This suggests the provider puts a single T1 connection within a CO (Central Office) and gives T1 hook ups to 3 or 4 clients hoping they don't all use the service at the same time. True, T1 access implies sole access to the Internet and you always have access to 1.54Mbps.
Make certain the T1 product in Texarkana is really a "clearchannel" item and is not shared with different clients. Also be sure you truly have a powerful SLA or Service Level Agreement from your provider. A SLA will specify the access you will get and the expense the service company pays in the event that they do not supply this kind of service. If you need assistance, establishing the appropriate SLA gives you the help of a professional in case you don't have one in house. It's much better to spend a small fee up front versus to enter a long term agreement with an inferior provider. You can also get authoritative assistance free of charge by simply contacting one of the many T1 brokers on the web.