T1 Service Brokers
While some people may enjoy a trip to the local shopping mall, shopping for telecommunication services like a T1 line has never been fun for most people. Many businesses choose to use a broker or agent to do the shopping for them. An independent agent can help reduce the number of phone calls by asking you the questions once and searching through multiple providers to get the service that is right for you. The agent helps steer clear of the bias you will receive when speaking with one vendor as the agent will be paid no matter which service you choose. If you happen to be searching for a dedicated voice T1, the agent will give you quotes for dedicated voice T1's for multiple service providers.
T1 transmits data in the range of 1.5 million bits per second and is primarily used by small and medium sized business with heavy upload and Internet traffic. A T1 line is usually leased by bandwidth used. Typical uses are large graphic files, photographs, sound files, music, video, etc. However, your company should evaluate the amount of data and computers that are connected for Internet access at the same time. T1 lines in the United States carry a 24 pulse code modulation (PCM) signal using time-division multiplexing (TDM). These lines use copper wire which usually connects major metropolitan areas. There are a number of high quality companies that offer T1 Broadband and you will find that prices do vary so it is important that you compare.
If you're ready to move into the fast lane of Internet access or to put your office on a reliable connection, get some advice from a broker that deals in T1 services. If you want expert help in comparing the various Internet Service Provider (ISP) offerings without having to contact each one, a broker can do all the legwork for you.
As a middleman, Internet access brokers will consult several Internet service providers to find the best combination of price and services for your needs. This service is conducted at no charge to you—instead, the ISPs pay the commissions.
Have your broker furnish you with three to five quotes from various providers. Reliable brokers should have no problem doing that for you. When reviewing recommendations, find out how long the broker has worked with each ISP. If they have worked with the provider for a long time, you can be more assured of a reliable setup since the recommendations are driven by firsthand experience.
Definitely ask for a broker's references before doing business with them. A reliable broker will provide you with this information and allow their previous work to speak for itself. Contact at least a couple of references and ask questions such as:
- Were they readily available to answer any questions you had?
- How quickly did they resolve problems?
- Did they clearly detail everything written in the contract?
- Did they try to sell you additional equipment that you didn't need?
You can also gauge the level of service you'll get by how much attention they pay you. If they follow up with you and ask good questions rather than simply throwing quotes out, it is a positive sign that they care about your satisfaction above their bottom line.
Brokers continue to work with you after the contract is signed. You should demand—and a broker should offer—an ISP that provides 24/7 live person customer support. Once you're connected, the vendor will continue to monitor your setup remotely. They will install any patches and keep system upgrades configured.
They should also provide e-mail contacts and be proactive when it comes to letting you know when there is a network problem and your Internet access is slow or down altogether. If something isn't working right, the vendor should work with the ISP to get your network up and running.
Keep in mind that brokers who sell products like computers and routers in addition to Internet access may steer you to ISPs that don't provide them as part of their service.
If possible, lease rather than purchase equipment for your company's Internet access. Make it part of the deal and let the company own and maintain them so they can fix problems when they arise.
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 broker who puts a significant volume through the carrier. A broker is much more likely to get the company’s attention and have your problem solved. Experts agree that a broker is the only way to go!
