| If you run a small business, you have probably | | | | commitment, but if you opt for a longer repair window |
| wondered if a T1 line is right for your communications | | | | you can save money. Of course most businesses |
| needs. While a T1 line provides excellent connectivity | | | | cannot afford to have significant downtime, so that is |
| with guarantees as far as the uptime goes, it generally | | | | one of the main reasons for ordering a business class |
| costs several hundred dollars per month. The | | | | service like this. |
| alternatives are either DSL or cable modem service | | | | Another factor in the pricing of the line is the contract |
| for your internet access, plus regular phone lines for | | | | agreement between the carrier and the customer. |
| getting in touch with your customers. So what exactly | | | | Generally, the carrier whether it be the local exchange |
| is a T1 line, and which option is best for your small | | | | company or a reseller want you to sign as long as |
| business? | | | | contract as possible. This insures they will hopefully |
| A business class T1 line is basically a glorified phone | | | | make money from the business for three years |
| line which provides the customer access to 24 | | | | instead of just one. In return, they are willing to take |
| different channels. These channels can be used | | | | less money for the T1 circuit and help the business out |
| individually, allowing up to 24 different users access to | | | | in controlling costs. |
| a voice line, or they can be combined for data usage. | | | | In making the decision as to whether a T1 is right for |
| For example if you run an office with eight people, you | | | | your business, it is fairly easy to determine whether |
| could divide the T-carrier line into eight different voice | | | | you should go this route. Generally, business class |
| channels and then use the rest of the bandwidth for | | | | phone lines cost between $40 and $50 a month, so |
| shared internet access. | | | | simply multiply the number of lines you have times your |
| The line will cost you in the area of $250 to $1000 per | | | | monthly cost. Also consider what you pay for your |
| month, which of course is a fairly wide range. Why the | | | | DSL or cable modem connection. If it is fairly close to |
| huge differences in price? Each T1 contract is | | | | the price for a T1, you are usually better off in the long |
| customized for the customer based on their top | | | | run by going with the more reliable connection for the |
| priority. Most lines come with a four hour repair | | | | same amount of money. |