Integrated T1 For Small Business

The days of T1 Circuits being something exclusively for large businesses is a thing of the past. Many small business owners get freightened when broached with the concept of implementing a T1. But speaking as a provider of T1 solutions, often the only thing lacking with a small business is an educated consumer.  Today T1 broadband prices are far less than they were a number of years ago, and most modern digital and IP phone systems operate best with a T1 connection as the advanced features often require a broadband connection. 

Most small business owners won't even tolerate the thought of a T1. They are preconditioned to believe that it is simply too expensive. But for many small businesses an Integrated T1 Solution that provisions channels for their voice and internet services not only increases efficency but can be implemented at an overall monthly savings. We are no longer comparing the cost of a T1 to a DSL. We are comparing the monthly cost of the DSL, the telephone company central office lines and the calling patterns to the cost of a T1. Calling patterns can be a differentiator. Local regional, long distance and international calls are far less costly per minute through a T1 (long distance and international voice calls through a T1 are in six second increments), but that cost has to be added onto the monthly port charge (actual broadband connection), and the loop charge which is the connection between your location and the provisoning central office hub.

A standard full T1 comprises of 24 digital channels (telephone company CO lines are analog), each providing 64kbts per channel. The channels can be broken out for the internet broadband and voice lines. The voice lines would come in on one main number, and DID (Direct Inward Dial Numbers) would be allocated for direct extension calling. The calls made to the DID numbers bypass the reception or operators extension and go directly to the reach person. Assuming Voice Mail is implemented, if the receiving person does not pick up the phone the call it will be delivered to the individuals Voice Mail Box.  DID numbers are not expensive.  They average about .24 cents each per month, so for a group of 20 for example the cost would estimate at $4.80 a month.  Voice channels attached to the main number will simultaneously handle the number of calls equal to the number of channels the same as incomming lines, but do not have seperate numbers attached to them.

A company that is operating with say 8 phones lines and 8 computers for example may use 15 channels for internet, 8 channels for in comming call lines and one for caller ID. The internet speed in this senario is 960kbts. Unless a DSL is within 1000' of a DSL hub, a loss in speed is unlikely, while an increase speed may very well be noticed. Further, the reliability of a T1 over a DSL is hands down. A T1 is a direct connection loop, while the DSL is modem across standard telephone lines.

Telephone company analog CO lines in combination with a DSL has its place. A great many small business owners who may be alarmed at the concept of implementing a T1 should remain apprehensive. Depending upon your location a local loop charge alone may be enough to forgo the concept all together. However, for some small businesses it is a good fit. It you operate a small business and remain unsure if a T1 solution is appropriate for your business, ask an honest T1 Service Provider for a free analysis.

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