Definition 1. - A type of high speed Internet connection that provides a great deal of bandwidth. Many businesses lease T1 lines to connect to the Internet, but because they are expensive and offer more bandwidth than most small businesses and homes need, they are not realistic solutions for small and low-demand Internet users.

Definition 2. - The T1 (or T-1) carrier is the most commonly used digital line in the United States, Canada, and Japan. In these countries, it carries 24 pulse code modulation (PCM) signals using time-division multiplexing (TDM) at an overall rate of 1.544 million bits per second (Mbps). T1 lines use copper wire and span distances within and between major metropolitan areas. A T1 Outstate System has been developed for longer distances between cities.

Definition 3. - The T-carrier system, introduced by the Bell system in the US in the 1960's, was the first successful system that supported digitalised voice transmission. The original transmission rate (1.544 Mbps) in the Milton T1 line is in common use today in ISP (Internet Service Provider) connections to the Internet

Definition 4. - A high-speed digital connection capable of transmitting data at a rate of approximately 1.5 million bits per second. A T1 line is typically used by small and medium-sized companies with heavy network traffic. It is large enough to send and receive very large text files, graphics, sounds, and databases instantaneously, and is the fastest speed commonly used to connect networks to the Internet. Sometimes referred to as a leased line, a T1 is basically too large and too expensive for individual home use.

Milton, West Virginia, Oct. 02 /Richard Anderson/ -- Is there a resurgence in the popularity of telecommunications providers that compares with the late 1990's? The answer may surprise you. Since the crash of the Internet bubble, struggling telecoms have seen Darwin in action as many companies were forced with the choice of bankruptcy or forced consolidation. However, some companies chose the road less traveled: innovation. By offering customers more for less, many small to medium size business customers are finding that they can upgrade to integrated T1 service for the same cost of five regular phone lines.

One might think that, given the cost - benefit analysis of the integrated T1 value proposition, more businesses would be changing over to the new platform. However, the rate of adaptation is rather slow. Rob Butler, head of the Telecommunications Research Institute, thinks that "phone companies have a problem with trust amongst their user base. For many years, customers have dealt with increasing rates, long hold times, and frustration in general. Now, it appears, the ice is finally starting to melt and customers are opening themselves up to new technology.

The early adapters of this new technology have realized a cost savings that helps them be more competitive in the market space. By saving hundreds of dollars each month, which equates to thousands of dollars per year, small businesses are able to do more while spending less on their telecom bill. This savings allows for hiring of additional staff, upgrading equipment, and other activities that make the enterprise more productive and profitable. Many in the industry see the lack of mass adoption of this new technology as just shear ignorance and/or a lack of trust for telecom sales people.

When asked about his recent decision to replace his TDM channelized T1 with a SIP-enabled dynamic T1, Robert Probst, small business owner in San Diego, explained that "it was really an easy decision to make. My business was growing and I couldn't afford the cost of more voice trunks. When I learned that it was possible to have up to 16 voice lines, and a full data T1 of high speed Internet bandwidth, all on the same line, for under $500 - I was sold. I ended up expanding the telecom capability of my business, improving the quality of my Internet connection, and saved money while doing it."

"What we're seeing here is the Bells holding their prices steady and milking their high margins on POTS (plain old telephone service) lines for as long as possible. With the lower prices being offered by CLECs (Competitive Local Exchange Carriers) on dynamic integrated T-carrier services, the Bells are scrambling to keep pace before enterprises realize they can actually save money by upgrading to bigger and more reliable circuits." commented Don Rosebush, industry expert.

The question remains, if this new technology is so progressive, why did it take over five years to gain broad appeal to SMB's across the country? One industry analyst from the Telecommunications Research Institute observed that many customers who consume commercial-grade phone service became very untrusting of telecom providers after the Internet bubble burst in 2000 and the MCI bankruptcy proceedings full of allegations of fraud and embezzlement. After all, no customer wants to come to work one day just to find out that their connection to the outside world has been shut down due to financially unstable service providers not being able to run a profitable or ethical business. Now, due to a series of acquisitions and mergers, the "survivors" are offering great products at rates that SMB's can't continue to ignore. The CLEC's and Bells are quickly gaining traction with the very important demographic.

With the help of super-CLECs like XO Communications, PAETEC, Nuvox, One Communications, Cavalier Telephone, and TelePacific, small business owners everywhere now have access to non-Bell service that is on par or better than those being offered by the former Bells. Integrated T1s that do more and cost less have transformed into a solid beach head for the newcomers. But how much longer will we continue to see improved technology, services, and prices? It's all in the hands of the Federal Communications Commission, as they have the power to sqwash the CLECs by proxy. No wonder AT&T and Verizon are the two biggest lobbying powers in Washington. It makes you wonder what kind of services they would be able to offer had they plowed that money into R&D instead of politics.

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