T1 Voice, An Introduction

Written by: Dennis Green - Jan 7, 2009

T1 voice is a term which is commonly used to refer to T1 (also referred to as DS1) local voice service. A T1 voice circuit consists of 24 DS0 channels. Each DSO channel has 64 kilobits per second (kbps) capacity. 64 kbps is the standard for a normal telephone line. Residences and very small business usually obtain their telephone lines from their local telephone company. Larger companies, however, instead use T1 or larger (bonded T1, fractional T3, or full T3) to purchase their voice lines in quantity. This often results in profound cost savings. If a small company only needs 3 or 4 phones, and has no internet connection or data networking needs, then buying POTs (plain old telephone service) lines from the local phone company is often the best option. If however, a company needs 4 or more phone lines and a stable internet connection as well, then obtaining a T1 line will often provide the best option. A T1 circuit provides phone and internet lines in quantities that will often provide significant cost savings over purchasing phone lines and internet connection separately. For companies which do not need 24 lines of either phone or internet service, an integrated T1 line is a very cost effective option. With integrated T1, channels can be configured in any combination of voice or internet to provide both types of service over one T1 line. T1 voice can be provided as either local or long distance circuits. With local voice T1, long distance service is included at retail per minute price rates. With long distance voice T1, however, the local exchange carrier is bypassed. The disadvantage of a long distance voice T1 is that because the local exchange carrier (LEC) is bypassed, free local calls cannot be made over a long distance T1. The advantage of a long distance voice T1 is that because the local exchange provider is bypassed, they cannot charge their usual connection charges. This results in significant savings on long distance calls, sometimes as low as 1.2 cents per minute nationwide. Due to the monthly reoccurring charges that come with long distance T1 voice lines, they do not provide savings unless the customer averages about $800 or more in retail long distance usage. For all long distance users who pay $800 or more monthly for long distance charges, long distance T1 provides profound savings. As the authorized sales agent for the top 20 T1 providers in the country, we are able to provide real-time availability and comparative price quotes for any address in the country. To check availability and prices for your business location, just complete the short form at the top of this page. It’s free, simple to use and there is no obligation. If you already have T1 related services, use this form to compare what you are currently paying. You may find that you are paying far too much for your existing service. (Click here to return to top of page)