Costs Involved

Set-Up Requirements

Using Multiple Providers

Sharing Voice and Data Lines

Verify Charges

Ongoing Technical Support

Costs Involved
The following is a breakdown of the costs involved with the set-up and usage dedicated access (T1). Only with all these elements included can you accurately compare dedicated access (T1) to alternative services.
Be sure your potential service provider specifies all the set-up and recurring charges for both rates and totals for your estimated usage.
-  Service
-  Port
-  Central Office Termination
-  Multiplexer and Access Coordination Functions
-  Local Loop
-  Other Related Usage Charges

Set-Up Requirements
The following are the requirements for dedicated access (T1) set-up.
Your T1 service provider may not provide them all, which means you
must arrange for the equipment items not included.

-  T1 Circuit
-  Smart Jack Network Interface
-  Extension of Inside Wiring to Equipment Location
-  CSU/DSU
-  Multiplexer, Channel Bank or DS1 Interface Card

Using Multiple Providers
Providers often offer bundled services. You may be able to eliminate
some direct costs by splitting the bundled services offered by a provider. You can arrange to get the T1 directly from your Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) to connect to your long distance service. However, this will mean dealing with two different providers for ordering, installation, coordination and when problems arise. It may not be worth the little you may save. Also, if you use the same provider for everything, it will often be to your advantage to combine voice and data in the same contract with a
service provider. For example by combining all usage types you will often be eligible for greater volume discounts. Also, providers may offer additional discounts for using multiple services.

Sharing Voice and Data Lines
Utilizing your T1 for both voice and data is possible and could lower your costs, but will often complicate the ordering and installation process. Additionally, it could lead to longer down times when problems occur.

Verify Charges
T1 services often involve waivers and discounts on specific price elements. It would be wise to audit your first few bills carefully. It’s not unusual for such waivers to be misapplied or overlooked. Sometimes the billing is at great variance with the price quote. These are usually simple errors that can be readily fixed if caught right away.