For decades, T1 lines have been the standard for business network connections, offering ample bandwidth initially. However, like computer advancements, what was sufficient before is now inadequate. While upgrading to fiber is an option, it’s not the only solution.

Many companies opt for the traditional upgrade path from T1 (1.5 Mbps) to T3 (45 Mbps) speeds. This offers a significant speed increase at a premium, though T3 costs have decreased.

For those needing speeds between 1.5 Mbps and 45 Mbps, incremental bandwidth options are available over copper lines. Two prominent technologies are T1 line bonding and Ethernet over Copper (EoC). T1 line bonding merges the bandwidth of multiple T1 lines into a single, faster line. In contrast, Ethernet over Copper utilizes a different modulation method for higher-speed services.

Let’s examine bonded T1. Combining two T1 lines doubles the bandwidth to 3 Mbps. This requires ordering bonded T1 service from a single provider. Two separate providers won’t suffice. Each T1 line uses one or two copper pairs within your telecom cable bundle, connecting your building to the incumbent telephone company’s central office (ILEC). The ILEC, owning the copper infrastructure, connects to various competitive service providers at the central office.

The chosen bonded T1 provider installs two T1 lines to their managed router (CPE or Customer Premises Equipment), combining the line bandwidth. This results in a single connection to the CPE, running at twice the speed of a single T1 line. The cost is typically double that of a single T1 line, offering no economies of scale. However, a bandwidth broker with access to multiple carriers can help secure the best T1 line pricing.

One advantage of T1 lines is their widespread availability. T1 and bonded T1 are generally accessible in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Bonding T1 lines can be crucial in locations without fiber optic availability. Double bonding (3 Mbps), triple bonding (4.5 Mbps), and quad bonding (6 Mbps) are common line bonding configurations. The practical limit for this technology is around 10-12 Mbps, though higher bandwidths have been achieved in rare instances.

The alternative technology, Ethernet over Copper, provides a broader speed range and lower costs. However, its limited availability and the trade-off between distance and speed are drawbacks. Near the central office, bandwidth choices between 2 and 45 Mbps are plentiful, while options become more limited further away.

EoC and bonded T1 both utilize multiple twisted pair copper wires for signal transmission between the central office and your location. They utilize the same telco wiring bundle as T1 lines. Combining up to eight copper pairs enables speeds of 10, 20, 30, or even 45 Mbps. Similar to T1, EoC has an upper limit, but it excels where bonded T1 reaches its limitations. Although rare, EoC service at 100 and 200 Mbps has been implemented, generally requiring proximity to the central office.

Comparing EoC pricing with T1 and other traditional telecom services, 2 or 3 Mbps EoC is typically priced similarly to 1.5 Mbps T1. For higher speeds, 10 Mbps EoC is available at approximately three times the price. Higher bandwidth options are offered at a discount compared to T3 lines on a per-Mbps basis.

For businesses needing even faster speeds, Ethernet over Fiber (EoF) is a viable solution if available. EoF is cost-effective compared to SONET fiber optic services, offering speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps. Popular choices include 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet and 1 Gbps Gigabit Ethernet (GigE), aligning with standard LAN speeds.

If you’re operating at 1.5 Mbps and seeking faster line speed, explore Bonded T1 and Ethernet over Copper bandwidth services and prices for your business location.