At the most fundamental level, a t1 internet connection is the link from your companies data infrastructure to the rest of the world. A T1 connection is sometimes referred to as a "dedicated service" as the service is delivered to and from the customer premise from the CO (Central Office) without combining it with other traffic. A T1 connections is established by providing a "loop" or wire from the users premesis to the CO where the service provider has equipment. Part of the cost of a T1 is the "loop charge" or the monthly rental fee for the wire that is rented from the local phone company. Once the connection reaches the CO it can access the carriers network and reach any destination.

While understanding the service may be somewhat straightforward, getting the service implemented is not always so easy. Like any business decision, a switch in T1 providers should be properly researched. You probably don't have time to listen to all carriers sales pitches that you should in order to get the best service, however. Consider shopping in real time by using a broker at T1 Price Quote. While a broker is always a time saver in telecom shopping, the creators of Shop4T1.com have made it even easier to shop for T1 service by introducing the first real-time bandwidth and loop calculator.

With real-time information you'll be able to quickly analyze service plans in your area and determine what is right for you. The people at ShopForT1.com have created a system that equalizes the carriers and makes them easier to compare by laying them out side by side and showing the features of each service. Need more help? They also have agents that will assist you free of charge. These agents make their money when you sign with one of the many service providers so you don't have to worry about them pushing you into a contract that you don't want with a carrier that you don't want. Get your price, ask your questions and be certain when you make your choice.

The t1 internet service 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 comapnies 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 leary of products with the funny titles like "burstable" and "reach". These products are oversubscribed much like a DSL product. This means the provider put's a singled T1 connnection 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 "clearchannel" 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 penaly 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 fo the many T1 brokers on the internet.