T1 internet access has been around for over a long time but never have there been so many variations. 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.

Many desperate companies are providing inferior products they claim are T1 products. Be leery of products with strange titles. These products are sometimes oversubscribed much like a DSL product. This means the provider puts a single T1 connection in a central office and sells T1 connections to three or four customers. T1 access is supposed to mean 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. It would be 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.

While many people predicted the end of price erosion for T1 bandwidth it continues to fall. Service providers are up against stiffer competition and are desperate for new customers to fill their pipes and turn a profit. Are you ready to negotiate for a rock bottom price? Before you do, consider a few of the reasons for the drop in price on T1 bandwidth.

T1 bandwidth pricing had reduces as companies have gone out of business and the large number of telecommunications companies are fighting for a place in a smaller market. While many service providers did have room to lose margin, many have come dangerously close to the edge of selling circuits at a loss and many have gone beyond this point. Many companies selling at a loss have already been in bankruptcy and look like they will repeat this exercise as they did not learn from their first go around. So, solvency of the T1 bandwidth provider should be a consideration when looking at great bargains.

Another consideration in bargain shopping for T1 service is the fact that all T1's are not created equal. Many providers are convinced that customers are focused on price and are not concerned with quality of service. Many providers are now oversubscribing T1 service connections as though they were DSL connections. This means you may not get the bandwidth you thought you would get. Make sure when you look for that bargain price you also review Service Level Agreement and make sure the contract protects you and guarantees you will get the bandwidth to which they committed. Remember, when bargain hunting for T1 service you'll most likely get what you pay for.

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