By Jason Smith
BuyerZone.com Editorial Staff

Looking for T1 providers to bring a reliable high-speed connection to your company? Smart move. A business-level T1 connection is a favorite choice for small-to-medium sized businesses that need to transfer files quickly and efficiently. Over the last few years, the price of T1 connections has dropped considerably, allowing large and small companies to affordably explore the world of broadband.

You have two options for T1 access: you can work with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) directly or work through a broker.

It's pretty simple to go straight to an ISP if you know exactly what your business needs are. All you need to do is locate the available T1 providers in your area and find out what services they offer, how much they cost, and how you can upgrade your Internet solution over time. It can involve some tedious legwork, shopping around for the best price and service, but you get to make direct comparisons and talk to providers yourself.

If you want a bit of help in shopping for T1 providers, an Internet access broker might be the way to go. Brokers offer expert help in comparing the multiple providers. They'll explain what the T1 providers in their network can offer your business, the level of customer service and support you can expect, and the prices you'll pay.

Before you work with a broker, here are some quick things to keep in mind:

• You don't pay for a T1 broker's services. They make a commission from the T1 providers they work with.
• Get 3-5 quotes from a broker. Remember to look for the best combination of service and price, not necessarily one over the other.
• Ask how long the broker has worked with certain providers. Typically, if a broker works with a network of T1 providers for a long time, the broker has a better understanding of the offerings that would best suit your business.
• Request several references from your broker. If your broker says he has had satisfied customers, don't take his word for it - find out direct from the source. Brokers should willingly provide you with a list of companies they worked with that were happy with their service. Make sure to ask references if the broker answered questions, resolved problems quickly, and provided a pressure-free buying experience.
• Check that fine print. Before signing a service contract - typically a 3-year agreement - read it through carefully. You want to make sure everything from the installation date to the speed and uptime of your service is documented. Also make sure there aren't any hidden service fees. The price you pay should already cover setup fees, installation costs, and equipment rental.
• Will the broker stick around after closing the deal? OK, so you have T1 service set up for a fair price, but now what? Who takes care of you if there's a problem with your service? Considering how important a reliable Internet connection is to your business, a broker should offer 24/7 live person customer support. They should also monitor your Internet setup remotely and install any upgrades or patches as they become available.