Businesses have come to value the benefit of communicating over digital
T1 lines instead of transmitting data over the traditional analog phone
lines, which are really more suited to residential use.
A T-1 line, or DS1, consists of 24 channels; a channel
is like a phone line with a bandwidth of 64k. And
a full T-1 line can run data at a speed of 1.5Mbps.
The major benefit for businesses in using T1 lines is that multiple
users can share data without getting held up in a long wait. And one
of the smartest features of a T1 line is that businesses can order
a partial line or split the line into voice and data.
For example, a business can take 12 of the 24 channels in a T1 line
and use them for internet connections. This business can then use the
remaining12 channels for voice. The T1 line setup allows businesses
to use the 24 lines for any combination of services.
T1 lines are becoming an extremely popular offering by phone companies.
Telephone companies currently use T1 lines to provide a PRI, which
allows companies to make and receive calls at extremely discounted
rates. Many small companies take a portion of the PRI line and use
it for internet access, which is a tremendous cost benefit. Usually,
when a business does this, the phone company even supplies it with
all the necessary equipment.
Take, for instance, that 12 regular phone lines and DSL internet service
will cost about $830 per month ($50 for DSL and 12 phone lines at $65
each). With a split PRI solution, the costs go down to about $450 month
(depending on where the business is located).
T1 lines are also a better choice for those businesses that only want
it to connect to the internet. Many technology consultants will tell
business owners that cable is faster and cheaper. While it may be less
expensive, cable is also less impressive. Cable internet service is
based on usage; thus, a cable line can be fast at times and slower
at others.
For example, if two neighboring businesses also use cable service,
each business must share the bandwidth. Conversely, with a T1 line,
service is speedier. Furthermore, T1 services are more reliable--and
the service provider knows when T1 services are down and begins working
on the problems before even being called.
T1 lines are indeed becoming more popular in the business world, and
there are sound reasons for it, as noted above.
