Ordering T1 Internet service

[chungmike]

I'm looking for a new T1 provider to bring down the cost of my existing ISP.

My office building currently has a Covad T1 (1.5/1.5) Internet connection. We're paying $529 month to month now. Service has been fine.

I did some research online for other T1 providers, and there are several sites that do that comparison and quote claiming that they can offer discounts. The lowest I saw was about $350 per month which would be an amazing savings.

The comparison site I used was ShopForT1.

Are these sites legitimate in offering the prices and service?
Any scams to be aware of using these sites?

Any tips would be appreciated because I want to get a new or less expensive month ISP as soon as possible.

Thanks.
Mike

[sheptech]

Not sure about that site in particular - most likely they'll take your info and try to get a commission from the carrier you select. Personally I'd look into whatever Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) is operating in your area because they're pretty much all desperate to take biz from the incumbent. Look at http://www.isg-telecom.com/usa_clecs.htm to see who operates in your state and contact them directly. They'll end up reselling you a T1 from whomever owns the cable plant but they'll do it far cheaper than the incumbent carrier.

[chungmike]

Thanks for the tip!

Mike

[dpyers]

Check with your state public utilities commission for their record of complaints of the top 3 on your A list.

I've worked both sides of this - for an RBOC and also as a CLEC. CLEC's are basically commodity resellers - your mother can become a CLEC and resell RBOC services.

The problems come during intallation and repair - some CLEC's know how to speak telephony and some don't. The ones that don't have problems obtaining services for you and will probably have complaints against then. PUC records are public domain.

[dpyers]

Check with your state public utilities commission for their record of complaints of the top 3 on your A list.

I've worked both sides of this - for an RBOC and also as a CLEC. CLEC's are basically commodity resellers - your mother can become a CLEC and resell RBOC and other mainstream carrier services.

The problems come during intallation and repair - some CLEC's know how to speak telephony and some don't. The ones that don't have problems obtaining services for you and will probably have complaints against then. PUC records are public domain.