LEASED LINES
LDCircuit helps businesses to compare leased line pricing and leased line circuits from a variety of providers. A Leased Line is the most reliable and secure type of voice or data connection available today. Leased lines are dedicated digital circuits connecting two fixed points across a private network. These circuits vary in capacity (Bandwidth) from DS-0 to OC-N speeds. You can rely on LDCircuit to compare leased line circuit service providers to find the bet leased line pricing
There are two types of leased lines:
1. Intra-LATA leased lines are governed by individual state tariffs due to the fact that the circuit is completely contained within a single LATA.
2. Inter-LATA circuits are leased lines that physically cross the LATA and are the primary focus of LDCircuit.com. Because the circuit and traffic are crossing the LATA, these long-haul Inter-LATA circuits are only available from long distance carriers and resellers. Local telephone companies are prohibited from providing this type of service. The rest of this section will define the Inter-LATA Leased Line service and explain how this service is priced.
Inter-LATA leased lines are difficult to implement because they require the co-ordination of a number of different service providers; A typical circuit requires the involvement of three (or more) companies.
The local telephone company is typically used to provide the access (referred to as a local loop or local distribution channel) to the long-distance carrier's Point of Presence (POP). A local loop connection is required on both ends of the circuit, and connects the customer premise to the closest carrier POP. The cost of a local loop is based primarily upon bandwidth and physical distance (mileage) from the long distance carrier's POP.
It is the long distance carrier that connects the two local loops together over their network. The long-haul (IXC) portion of the circuit is the responsibility of the contracted long distance carrier, but is often not entirely owned by that carrier. Frequently, long distance carriers will lease capacity from another carrier when facilities are not available or currently owned.
Because of varying availability of bandwidth, the main factor is determining cost of the IXC portion of the circuit is not always distance. Bandwidth and length of commitment (term) of contract with the carrier are also factors in pricing leased lines. Any portion of the circuit cost can vary from week-to-week, which is precisely why our quotes are only good for 30 days. We will always make available any current discount or promotion to give you the best prices available from each carrier at that time.
INTERNET
Finding the right information to compare Internet services can be a real challenge for your business. Let LDCircuit ease the process. A connection to the Internet is considered essential for almost every home and business today, but it is a challenge to compare the different types of connections available and factors to consider before getting connected.
There are three main types of connections available for accessing the Internet - this information can help you to start the process to compare Internet services:
Dial-Up connections refer to any circuit that is not permanently connected to the Internet. Dial-up connections are most commonly used for individual or very small office access. These types of connections are typically lower in bandwidth and that circuit is sometimes used to access several different types of services (in addition to the Internet) depending on where the other end of the virtual connection resides. The most common type of dial-up connection would be a second analog line connected to both a fax machine and a computer, where it could be used for either faxing or connecting to an Internet Service Provider.
Switched connections refer to circuits which rely upon switched network topologies to deliver "virtual private line" Internet service. These connections help reduce the monthly local loop charges, as the circuit need only connect to the local serving Central Office. These connections vary in bandwidth speed and connect to the Internet Service Provider via Frame Relay or ATM. As these types of connections rely upon several different networks to deliver service, they are usually only recommended for companies geographically removed from local access.
Dedicated connections refer to any circuit that is permanently connected to some type of Internet access. There are a number of different types of "always-on" connections, ranging from 56K through OC-N connections. As these connections are typically faster than dial-up and require dedicated network resources from the carrier, these types of connections are also more expensive.
Much like Frame Relay, the local telephone company is typically used to provide the physical connection to the Internet Service Provider's Point of Presence (POP). There are two charges associated with every Internet connection: one for the connection to the ISP and the other for usage.
With Dial-up or Switched Service, there are monthly charges for having the line and another charge for monthly access (these costs are typically fixed and billed by two different providers). Dial-up access is typically only available as a portion of a larger project (such as a VPN), should you have questions about dial-up only access, please contact an LDCircuit.com representative directly for availability and details.
The physical connection for a Dedicated circuit is priced just like a Leased Line, in that the cost of an LDC is based primarily upon bandwidth and physical distance (mileage) from the Internet Service Provider's POP. In addition to the physical connection, there is a monthly fee for accessing to the provider's network (this may or may not be usage-based).
With so many different ways to connect to the Internet, LDCircuit.com focuses mainly upon providing dedicated connections. The applications / pricing page will define the types of dedicated connections available and explain how this service is priced, helping you to further compare Internet services.
VPNs/MPLS
LDCircuit can help you compare VPN service providers or MPLS service providers. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the hottest and most talked about methods of data transmission available today. A VPN is based upon sending data across a public network or the Internet; Data is kept secure by some method of encryption and encapsulation. The physical interface for a user to a VPN can vary in speed from a simple analog line to a high-speed digital connection.
Let's compare the two types of VPN service:
1. Un-Managed VPN service refers to a simple local connection to a public network combined with some type of VPN Access Device. These VPN Access Devices can be a piece of hardware or software located at the customer's end of that Internet connection. There are a number of VPN hardware and software products available on the market, each one providing it's own unique type of solution. Un-Managed VPN services fall completely upon the customer to design, implement and manage: The Internet Service Provider (ISP) or carrier treats the data being sent as standard IP-only traffic to the Internet.
2. Managed VPN services are a much more robust offering from a carrier. The exact benefits and components of this service will vary from carrier to carrier, but it typically involves the provider managing everything from the router out through the connection to the public network. Detailed usage reporting and monitoring is typically delivered on a regular basis and available for analysis to adjust the VPN service to maximum customer benefit. The rest of this section will define the physical architecture and components of Managed VPN service and detail how this service is priced.
Comparing Virtual Private Network is a challenge since there are some of the most difficult types of networks to design and implement because of the numerous components and options available. With the customer sending data over the inherently unsecured public network, it is crucial that the VPN be implemented properly or all of the organization's data may be compromised.
A VPN can be used to connect any number of users from a single remote worker with a laptop and analog line to a large corporate office with hundreds of simultaneous users. The applications / pricing pagewill detail the components of a VPN or MPLS network and how the service is priced, making it easy to compare VPN service or MPLS services.
TELECOM AUDIT
Even if you already have service from someone else, LDCircuit is still able to help your company save money through our telecom audit service. Recent studies have shown that approximately 15-20% of monthly telecom billing is incorrect, but you have to know how and where to look to find those mistakes. Once our audit process finds mistakes in billing, LDCircuit works with you and the carrier to correct those mistakes and credit or refund any due amounts.
Unlike some other companies that charge a fee for telecom audit services based on how much money is saved, LDCircuit charges a flat rate (based on the service or bill amount). Almost all of our customers recoup that nominal charge after a single bill audit. We're so confident that our audit service can save you money, that if we can't reduce your current bills by at least 10% monthly, there is no charge for our services or consulting time.
After spending over ten years pouring over bills from our customers, we decided that even if we didn't provide a given service, we still wanted to help companies save money. LDCircuit uses an unmatched telecom audit process which saves our customers an average of 35% of their monthly telecom bills. Our telecom audit service is available as a single month bill review, quarterly and yearly packages. For more information, please contact us.
VOICE SERVICES
Rely on LDCircuit to find just the right voice phone service provider for your business. Long Distance is the generic term used to describe a number of different types of calls made from a telephone in the United States. Usually "Long Distance" is used to describe any toll call not provided or billed by the local telephone service provider, but there are actually a number of different types of Long Distance phone calls and this section will define these, explain how each is billed to help you to compare voice phone service providers.
Local - A local call only requires the dialing of a 7-digit telephone number. Local service plans provided by the local telephone service provider usually covers this type of call.
Regional Toll - A regional toll call requires that the user to dial "1" plus an area code before dialing the 7-digit telephone number. Any call made to a destination outside the local calling area but within the LATA is considered a regional toll call. A local telephone service provider typically provides and bills for regional toll calls. It is possible however, in states where the Regional Toll market has been opened up to competition, another carrier may be chosen to provide this service; This is known in the industry as "intraLATA presubscription." If another Regional Toll carrier is chosen, they will typically bill separately for these services and there may also be a fee for switching to another Regional Toll provider. The chosen Regional Toll Provider can be determined by dialing 1-(area code)-700-4141.
Intrastate - If a state has multiple regional calling areas, a call may be placed from one regional calling area to another within the same state; This type of call is an intrastate call. This type of call also requires the user to dial "1" plus an area code before dialing the 7-digit telephone number. A long distance phone company is the only type of company able to provide this type of service. The current Intrastate Long Distance Provider can be determined by dialing 1-700-555-4141.
Interstate When a call is placed to another state, it is considered an Interstate long distance call. Interstate long distance calls also requires the user to dial "1" plus an area code before dialing the 7-digit telephone number. Regardless of location in the United States, every end-user is able to choose their long distance phone service provider. These types of calls usually make up the bulk of a monthly long distance phone bill and should be the main consideration in determining a long distance phone service provider. The current Interstate Long Distance Provider can also be determined by dialing 1-700-555-4141.
International An international call is any toll call to a destination outside 48 contiguous United States of America. International calls are usually the most expensive service provided by a long distance service provider and should definitely be taken in to consideration when choosing a long distance provider. The current International Long Distance Provider can again be determined by dialing 1-700-555-4141.
LDCircuit.com provides assistance in determining the appropriate carrier for any of the above mentioned services.
Deregulation of the telephone service provider industry in the early 1980's helped pave the way for most of the carriers that we work with on a daily basis. Long distance deregulation opened up the market for the consumers and allowed them to freely choose who they wish to do business with. As these carriers entered the marketplace, it helped drive down prices, but it also made the choice more difficult. LDCircuit.com was formed for this exact reason. Our highly trained staff has been working with these carriers for years and can very quickly and easily help you determine which carrier is most appropriate for your specific calling patterns.
When assessing long distance service, special attention must be paid to your specific calling patterns. Most residential users must consider both geographic calling patterns in addition to peak hours of usage; Most of the carriers we work with offer the same rate regardless of when the call is placed. These specific details will be covered by any carrier quote we present to you.
With the increasing number of carriers and resellers, it is very difficult to cut through the industry jargon and truly compare voice phone service providers. LDCircuit.com has the experience and ability to guide you through the entire process. Rely on LDCircuit to help you find just the right local or long distance voice phone service provider to meet your business needs.