Shop around for the best T3 pricing

Rather than deal with DS3 providers one at a time, use the "Geico" approach and allow specialized search and quote tools to obtain competitive prices for you.

I recommend: T1 Shopper is a truly comprehensive site for business T3 information. It not only allows you to input basic information to get price quotes, it provides a thorough summary of key providers. In addition, the sidebar includes various calculators to help you fine tune your IT goals and needs. T3DS3.Net positions itself as a real-time t3 quote tool, obtaining quotes from over 30 carriers using GeoQuote software. Scroll to the bottom of the page to narrow the search by state.

Look for package deals when shopping for T3 Internet

For example, if your company's employees rely heavily on cellular phone service to keep connected, if you have data intensive IP service, or have considered voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) service, contact your current service provider to determine whether they can bundle a business T3 service together with whatever telecommunications service they already provide.

I recommend: XO Communications boasts one of the largest networks in the country, and can build Internet, Ethernet, and WAN solutions, as well as other specialized services. Qwest can build a private network within and between metropolitan areas coast to coast.

Check these two options if DS3 pricing seems too steep

If you're unconvinced that you really afford the full T3 Internet connection, but your current T1 lines still seem crimped, explore two options: hardware that can improve your current connection's efficiency, or splitting up the T3 broadband service, paying for a fraction of the T3 service.

I recommend: APConnections, Inc. offers a device called the NetEqualizer that can manage the voice and data traffic, reducing bottlenecks or brown-out conditions. AffordableT3.com gives you the opportunity to compare providers, including "fractional" T3 connections ranging from three to 22 Mbps.