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DS3 is commonly used by large companies which need: point-to-point (private line) circuits, MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), voice (telephone), internet traffic, VoIP call centers, video conferencing and broadcast quality video transmission. Alternatives to, or variations of DS3 include: DS1, bonded DS1, fractional DS3, burstable DS3, voice DS3, data internet DS3, integrated DS3 and OC3. Each of these variations has advantages over the others, depending on the specific needs of your company. Also, the availability of each is based on the offerings and geographic proximity of each DS3 provider. Every DS3 provider has different specialties related to geographic specialization and the services they offer. A provider is considered tier 1 if they are also the carrier, the owner of the facilities they offer. DS3 providers are considered tier 2 if they are the direct reseller of the services of one or more carriers. A provider who resells the services offered by tier 2 DS3 providers is considered tier 3. Often, the services of tier 2 providers are less expensive than those offered by a tier 1 provider. However, whenever a customer can purchase directly from the tier 1 provider for a price that is similar or better than offered by a tier 2, it’s generally better to go with the tier one. This is because as the carrier (owner of the facilities), the tier 1 provider has direct access to all of their facilities. Although, almost all tier two providers offer service level agreements (SLAs) to guarantee service levels, there is only so much they can do, if they do not have direct access to the facilities they are reselling. This becomes especially important during installation, maintenance, and emergency outage situations. In these situations the tier two must coordinate with the tier one to resolve issues. As a general rule, the more entities that are involved, the greater are the coordination issues which can arise. Excessive coordination issues can result in down time for the end user. In many cases, down time equates to lost services and/or lost revenues. Tier 1 providers can commonly provide most forms of bandwidth, including most of the DS3 related services listed above. Usually, tier 2 providers are more specialized in their offerings (less variety), depending on their underlying contracts with the tier one providers. As the authorized sales agents for the top 20 tier 1 and tier 2 providers in the country, we can provide real-time comparative availability and price quotes for your business. For pricing, use the quoting tool at the top of this page. It is simple to use, free, unbiased and there is no obligation.
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