Integrated T-1/PRI Voice & Data Services for Business
Written by: Tom Nidzyn-October 11, 2009
Internet T-1 services have been around for over 25 years. Voice T-1 services evolved several years later and were generally limited to very large companies and intended for high volume dedicated long distance use. In recent years integrated T-1 services have become available. Integrated T-1 allows for the convergence of voice and data services on one single circuit. This convergence has made it possible for small to medium size businesses to purchase an integrated T-1 at a very competitive pricing. This integrated T-1 service allows your business to have both local and long distance service on the voice side of your integrated T-1 at very competive pricing.This evolution has allowed businesses with as little as (8) telephone lines realize the savings that used to be limited to much larger companies. In recent years the integrated T-1 services have progressed to where providers are offering integrated Primary Rate Interface (PRI) as opposed to standard T-1. Integrated T-1/PRI service offers even more competitive pricing on the voice side as well as enhanced features such as Direct Inward Dialing (DID) and caller ID services. When selecting an integrated T-1/PRI provider you should make sure that the circuit is dynamic, meaning that when all the voice portion is not in use that the circuit will allow for more bandwidth for data.
There are literally hundreds of providers that offer integrated T-1/PRI services. So how fo you know which provider to select? Be sure you have an SLA or Service Level Agreement from your provider. A SLA will specify the access you will receive and the penalty the service provider will pay if they do not provide such service. If you need help establishing the proper SLA seek the help of a professional if you don't have one in house. It's much better to pay a small fee up front than to enter a long term contract with an inferior carrier. You can also get professional assistance free of charge by simply contacting one of the many Integrated T-1/PRI brokers on the internet.
