There is no getting away from the fact that T1 costs are higher than quite a few other options when it comes to internet connections. Some of the reasons why this is so include:

• Better technical and customer support
• More robust SLAs or service level agreements
• Guaranteed bandwidth
• The usage of a larger number of phone circuits.

While the advantages of a T1 line are undeniable, there are ways by which you can optimize your use of and the costs of T1 lines. Here are a few things to keep in mind.  

Multiple price quotes

It is an extremely good idea to get multiple price quotes from T1 vendors. One of the ways by which you can optimize the costs of a T1 line is to check on the number of providers that are available. The more the number of providers, the lower the costs are going to get. In fact, it is a very good idea to check on specific locations because one of the biggest cost factors of a T1 line is the location of the service provider in relation to your business.  

Locational factors

The closer your business is to major or urban area, the lower will be the costs of a T1 line. So, if you have the luxury of choosing the location of your business, then you should go in for a fiber lit building. Going in for such premises or location means that you can eliminate the need to avail the services of local telephone companies in order to get T1 access.

Here is an approximate idea of the prices involved when it comes to location:

• In urban areas or lit buildings, T1 can cost anywhere between $200 and $250 every month
• In smaller cities, this cost can vary between $350 and $400 every month and in
• Rural areas or areas where there are very few providers, the costs can range anywhere around $450 and $500 a month.

Equipment

If you are able to get previously owned or even refurbished equipment, then you can bring down the costs of T1 lines even more. Plenty of service providers reduce their costs or provided discounts on their services if you possess your own T1 router.  

Flexibility of options

Another easy way to reduce T1 costs is to go in for different combinations of services. For instance, going in for an integrated T1 access means that you can combine plenty of things simple network. Some of these things are:

• Internet access
• Local calls
• Long distance calling and
• Voice and data transmissions.

You could also think of going in for fractional or bonded T1 lines. For instance, when you bond T1 lines, you can enjoy better throughput and at the same time keep your T1 costs under control.

At the end of the day, it should really be about assessing the value for your money as far as costs of T1 lines are concerned. You can get the opportunity to incorporate telephone lines and Internet access when you use a T1 line. In the long run, this can go a long way in helping bring down your communications costs.