When businesses consider upgrading their broadband connections to have more bandwidth, they often look for a DS3 line or an ethernet line. Because ethernet connections are only limited to certain areas, DS3 connections are usually the best options to consider. A DS3 and a T3 are the same kind of circuit, people use the words interchangeably.

A T3 line is a super high-speed connection capable of transmitting data at a rate of 45 mbps (megabits per second) upload and download. A T3 connection represents a bandwidth equal to about 672 regular voice-grade telephone lines, which is wide enough to transmit full-motion, real-time video, and very large databases over a busy network. A T3 line is typically installed as a major networking artery for companies that use a lot of bandwidth, large corporations and universities with high-volume network traffic. When a DS3 is no longer fast enough, they upgrade to an OC3, OC12 or FastE or GigE. For example, the backbones of the major Internet service providers are comprised of circuits that are DS3 or faster.

The DS3 prices have gone down significantly the last few years. DS3 pricing used to be at least $5,000 per month for a full DS3 connection including the local loop, but pricing can now be as low as half of that price in the major cities. We've helped many clients in major cities as well as rural areas get the best deal available from quality DS3 providers. Getting a DS3 network that's high quality with many peering arrangements is ideal and sometimes it may be only a bit more than a cheap network provider that does not offer good customer service and worse, when their network goes down frequently.

To get the best deal on a DS3 circuit, click here