The cost of a T1 line is high compared to newer options, but some businesses still use T1 leased lines for dedicated bandwidth and uptime guarantees. Prices range from hundreds to thousands per month, so it’s worth asking if the reliability is worth the extra cost.

We'll take a look at:

• The cost of a T1 line in 2025
• Why prices are rising
• Alternatives that deliver better performance at a lower price

What is a T1 line? Key features & benefits

A T1 line is an old-school, 1.544 Mbps internet connection that runs over twisted-pair copper phone lines. It used to be the gold standard for business internet, but these days, it’s mostly a relic.

A quick T1 internet speed comparison shows that fiber, cable, and even fixed wireless far outperform a standard T1 connection. Fiber and cable have left it in the dust, yet some businesses still use T1 for its dedicated bandwidth and uptime guarantees.

T1 connections don’t share bandwidth, so speeds stay consistent no matter how many people are online. That said, the speed tops out at 1.544 Mbps, which was fine in the dial-up era but struggles with anything beyond basic web browsing. A single Zoom call can max out the connection, and large file transfers take forever.

To figure out your bandwidth needs, check out our bandwidth calculator.

Businesses that stick with T1 often do so for the service-level agreements. Many contracts guarantee 99.99% uptime, and repairs are prioritized when something goes wrong. That reliability keeps some organizations hooked, especially in areas where fiber isn’t available.

The biggest drawback is that it's expensive, slow, and becoming harder to find. Most businesses have moved on—and for good reason.

How much does a T1 line cost in 2025?

T1 line pricing has gone up in recent years due to declining demand and the maintenance costs of aging infrastructure. Businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 per month for a standard T1 connection.

This pricing was accurate at the time of publishing, but costs are subject to change. For exact costs, check the official websites of providers for the latest fees.

Average T1 pricing

National average cost: Prices range from $250 to $1,500 per month, depending on the provider and location since service in mid-city areas is cheaper. Small to medium-sized businesses in the U.S. may find some providers, like TelcoSolutions, that offer a lower-than-average price of $179 per connection.

Bonded T1 line: $750 to $3,000 per month for a 3 Mbps to 12 Mbps connection. Bonded T1 lines combine multiple T1 circuits to boost speed, but costs add up quickly.

Installation fees: $250 to $1,500, though some providers waive this for long-term contracts.

Please note that these figures can vary based on specific requirements, provider policies, and regional factors.

Why are T1 costs increasing?

Providers are phasing out copper-based networks, and fewer businesses rely on T1, which means the ones who do are paying more. As better options like fiber and fixed wireless take over, T1 has become an aging, expensive service that providers are in no rush to maintain.

Location plays a role in the cost

The farther a business is from the provider’s nearest point of presence (PoP), the more expensive it gets. While T1 speeds don’t slow down over distance, longer circuits mean higher infrastructure costs, and providers pass that bill to customers.

SLAs also drive up pricing

T1 contracts usually guarantee 99.99% uptime and faster repair times than standard broadband. Some providers offer premium SLAs that promise quick fixes, but those come at an extra cost.

Bundled services can add to the price tag

Some businesses still use T1 for voice and data, stacking PRI circuits for VoIP onto their contracts. While most have switched to fiber-based VoIP, a few still hang onto T1-based phone systems, which pushes costs higher.

Bonded T1 lines are another reason prices get out of hand

Since a single T1 line maxes out at 1.544 Mbps, some businesses combine multiple circuits to get more speed. A bonded 3 Mbps connection costs double a standard T1, and a 6 Mbps setup can be three to four times more expensive. Most businesses don’t bother when fiber delivers faster speeds for less money.

Then there’s the cost of keeping old networks alive

Copper-based services require constant maintenance, and as fewer businesses use T1, fewer customers share those costs. Providers are shutting down T1 circuits, forcing businesses to either pay higher fees or finally make the switch to something better.

Are T1 lines still available?

Yes, but the availability of T1 lines is shrinking. Many major carriers have stopped offering new T1 installations, focusing instead on fiber and fixed wireless. Businesses in urban areas have better alternatives, while rural locations may still rely on T1 if no other wired options exist.

Alternatives to T1 lines

Most businesses today don’t need a T1 connection. In fact, many continue to focus more on private ethernet and broadband connections. Far faster, more affordable options exist, each offering better performance for the price.

Fiber internet

Fiber delivers symmetrical speeds from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps, making it the best upgrade for businesses moving away from T1. Costs are often lower than T1 while offering higher reliability and scalability. Learn more about enterprise fiber options.

Cable broadband

For businesses that don’t need a dedicated line, cable broadband offers speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps at a fraction of the cost of T1. However, performance can vary during peak hours.

Fixed wireless

Fixed wireless provides a dedicated connection without relying on traditional phone lines. This is a strong alternative for businesses in areas where fiber isn’t available. Learn more about network planning for fixed wireless.

Satellite internet

Satellite is an option in remote areas where no wired internet exists. However, it comes with high latency and data caps, making it a last resort for business connectivity.

Is a T1 line right for your business?

A T1 line only makes sense in specific situations. If a business needs dedicated bandwidth, symmetrical speeds, and guaranteed uptime, a T1 connection may still be worth considering. However, most companies will benefit more from upgrading to fiber or cable for ethernet access, or fixed wireless. The cost of a business T1 line is often hard to justify when fiber and cable options deliver higher speeds at a lower price.

Pros of T1 lines:

• Dedicated, unshared connection
• Predictable performance and low latency
• Nationwide availability, even in rural areas

Cons of T1 lines:

• High monthly cost compared to modern alternatives
• Limited speed, maxing out at 1.5 Mbps per line
• Shrinking availability as providers phase out legacy networks

Get trustworthy ethernet access through Meter Connect

The cost of a T1 line keeps rising, but that doesn’t mean businesses have to settle for outdated, overpriced connections. Meter Connect offers faster, more reliable enterprise network designs that are customized to support your demands.

We deliver secure, scalable connections that adapt to your business needs. Our service includes ongoing support, so you’re never stuck troubleshooting on your own.

We also take networking off your IT team’s plate with vertically integrated networks. Instead of spending time managing maintenance and monitoring, your team can focus on business growth while we handle the backend.

With Meter, you get more than just connectivity—you get a partner that keeps your business moving without the headaches of legacy infrastructure.

Request a quote today and see how Meter Connect can upgrade your network.