Telecommunications for Small and Medium Business - Broadband Data Services

Dedicated Broadband Internet Access

As your business grows and you host a web site at your location and have high volumes of e-mail, transactions, and Web related traffic you will need the higher capacity Internet access provided by dedicated service. "Dedicated" service provides a permanent, "always on", connection between your business and the Internet. The two most popular ways of providing dedicated Internet service are Digital Subscriber Line ( DSL ) and T1 - the following are brief descriptions of these services:

   . Digital Subscriber Line ( DSL ) - there are two major types of DSL service to be considered for business applications. The first is Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line Service ( ADSL ). This service is enabled by a very high frequency signal (above the frequencies audible to the human ear) transmitted over a regular phone line. The phone line used for DSL retains all normal voice telephone capabilities as well as carrying the DSL signal. The service requires a special modem that may be leased or purchased from the service provider in order to connect it to a computer or LAN. Asymmetrical means the service downloads at a substantially higher speed (~640 kbs) down than it uploads (90 kbs) e.g. its great for "surfing" but not so good for connecting a Web server to the internet. While this service is primarily used for residential applications, it can work for businesses with moderate requirements and low growth. Additionally, some service providers are offering higher speed versions at higher costs that may be more suitable for business. The service costs from $50 to $190 per month depending on speed and may have an installation charge of around $100.