Ever used a t1 internet connection? Upgrading to this level of service is like going from an old used car to a new sports car. You'll feel the speed immediately! While both T1 and DSL connections claim to have a speed of 1.5Mbps, the former actually delivers it's claim. DSL and cable connections are severely oversubscribed and cannot always deliver the bandwidth they project especially at peak hours. Ready to feel the difference? You may have already if your office has critical applications that use the web. If your office hosts e-mail, web servers or more than 20 people on internet access you most likely already have a dedicated T1 connection. If not, get one fast!!

A T1 internet connection is ideal because of it's reliability. Not only is it not oversubscribed, it also has low latency which mean fewer delays. Latency becomes critical in applications like video on demand, web conferencing, and gaming. While the latter may not seem so important, gamers require some of the best internet connections and are a good source for information on the top internet products available.

If you're ready to move into the fast lane or to put your office on a reliable connection that you should have anyway, get some advise from a broker that deals in T1 services. Brokers don't mark up the price of services. They offer the same price you would get if you did go direct to the company. The advantage of ordering through a broker is that you will get a second channel of customer service. If the company is not performing to expectation you will always be able to go back to your broker who puts a significant volume through the carrier. A broker is much more likely to get the companies attention and have your problem solved. In our opinion, a broker is the only way to go!

The t1 internet access has been around for over 40 years but never have there been so many "flavors" available. The number of providers has jumped since deregulation in 1996 from a few dozen to several thousand. As the telecom shakedown that began in 2001 continues many of these companies are trying to stay afloat by capturing as many customers as possible with inexpensive products they claim to be T1. Don't be fooled!

Many of the desperate companies are putting together inferior products they claim are T1 products. Be leery of products with the funny titles like "burstable" and "reach". These products are oversubscribed much like a DSL product. This means the provider places a singled T1 connection in a CO (Central Office) and sells T1 connections to 3 or 4 customers hoping they don't all use the service at the same time. True T1 access means dedicated access to the internet and you always have access to 1.54Mbps.

Make sure your T1 product is a "clear channel" product and is not shared with other users. Also be sure you have an SLA or Service Level Agreement from your provider. A SLA will specify the access you will receive and the penalty the service provider will pay if they do not provide such service. If you need help establishing the proper SLA seek 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 inferior carrier. You can also get professional assistance free of charge by simply contacting one of the many T1 brokers on the internet.