Like most telecommunications services DS3 prices (commonly known at T3) have been falling for the last few years. This is due to several factors. Competition has been heating up since deregulation in 1996. The number of companies offering service has exploded. With more competition in the marketplace service providers have to reduce their prices to attract customer and keep them from going to competitors. Service providers are desperate to keep margins but even more desperate to keep adding customers. This competetive arena has created a buyers market for DS3 lines and pricing is as favorable as it has ever been!

The soft economy and crash of the stock market has also contributed to the reduction in ds3 price. Since the peak of the market in 1999 many companies have gone out of business and no longer require service. This means there's a smaller pie available and there are plenty of telecom providers trying to get their share. Once again, the buyer is in control and can shop until he or she finds the price that is right for them.

A final reason for the reduction in DS3 pricing is the fact that equipement costs and the cost of supplying the bandwidth have decreased. This means that companies can supply the bandwidth at a lower cost. As bandwidth usage continues to increase as a result of bandwidth hungry applications like video on demand and graphic heavy applications the price of bandwidth will coninue to drop. The only factor that seems tlikely to inhibit prices from falling much further is the "last mile" or the connection from the users premise to the service providers' POP (Point of Presence), but we'll save this issue for another article. Until then, enjoy those affordable DS3's and good luck finding a price that's right for you!

With software like GeoQuote, getting a t1 price has never been easier. Finally you'll be able to use your time for real analysis rather than hunting down information. With the information in front of you you'll have the information you need to study out the right plan for you. Now you won't have to feel like you have to have a 45 minute with the local phone company just to find out how much your service will cost. As GeoQuote is an information service that's exactly what you get....Information without the sales pitch.

GeoQuote is currently used by ShopForT1.com and several other licensees. Typically an agent will contact you after you have received your instant quote. Don't panic! These agents are not there to pressure you. Use them and their expertise to further investigate the servicese and carriers you see on your quote. We recommend the use of agents in any search for service and we also recommend using a broker to sign up for your service. Many people believe they can "beat the system" by contacting a broker to get pricing and other information as quickly as possible and will then go straight to the carrier believing they can get better service. This "end-run" process is actually a good way to cut yourself out of some of the biggest advantages of having a broker. 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 agent/broker who puts a significant volume through the carrier. An agent/broker is much more likely to get the companies attention and have your problem solved. In our opinion, GeoQuote real time pricing and an agent/broker is the only way to go!