T1 Internet Service - When is a Business Internet T1 Justified?

This article explores the feasibility of T1 Internet Service for companies that have very high uptime needs. Since T1 Internet service includes a service level agreement (SLA), average availability exceeds that of DSL or cable. Also, with T1 Internet service, the upload and download speeds are a constant. This is important for critical information needs, where limited downtime can be tolerated and productivity depends on having consistant quality Internet access. Also, for voice traffic a T1 may be configured for quality of service (QOS) to guarantee the access speed and consistency needed for quality voice traffic.

Many small business use low-priced Internet links, such as DSL, cable, and fios. To keep costs down, all of these methods use shared resources for access to the Internet backbone. In addition, reliability is not guaranteed, athough a "best effort" is made to maintain connectivity. A business Internet T1 data line, although using technology identical to SDSL, is given a higher weight by the telcos. A T1 fault will be corrected within hours whereas a DSL, cable, or fios user might experience a 5 day turn around time for repair.

Telecommunications vendors make available higher-end services, such as business Internet T1 service, in order to address higher reliability and consistency needs in some companies. As a business grows and adds employees, the value of an Internet connection increases and the business often requires higher availability. Often, the usage and reliance on the Internet also increases after services such as voice, and shared data services are moved to the "cloud." Usually around 10 employees, a company will find it's telecommunications needs economically provided by a business Internet T1 service.

Voice over IP (VOIP) has become commonly used as well as various shared data services. Examples include prevalent applications such as SalesForce.com, GoogleApps, and many more. Generally, the quality of information available on the Internet has improved over time, causing more extensive reliance on connectivity to applications and online data sources. Changing business operations and usage all require additional bandwidth and reliability. Sales revenue and productivity of employees can be affected for each minute of downtime. How many businesses would survive with no telephone service for several days?.

Although hard to quantify, timely information or lack thereof is vital to the success of many small enterprises. This is especially true for companies using "cloud computing," where online collaboration and information for daily operations in office calendaring, documents and financial data are only accessible through the company Internet link.

With business Internet T1 service, the SLA offers a "guarantee" of reliability and availability of essential Internet services. Although many don't realize it, a company's Internet connection has taken on increasing importance as more business functions and information needed for daily operations now depend on reliable service. Loss of connectivity even for hours or a few days at a time can be fatal to daily operations or even the enterprise.

As T1 prices continue to fall and businesses' need for connectivity increases, a larger percentage will turn to the reliability and availability of T1 Internet service for day to day operations. The SLA distinguishes T1 Internet service from less expensive and unreliable DSL, cable, and fios services that are now commonly used. The SLA will be the deciding factor in order that critical operations are maintained, productivity remains high, and sufficient sales and revenue is achieved for survival.


Jim Green owns an online telecommunication brokerage, and advises clients on selecting the best T1 Internet Service for their needs.