I have a 56k modem but am not getting a 56k connection.

Your modem may be capable of achieving 56k connections, but the phone lines are not.  FCC limits your phone line to a maximum of 53.3k under perfect conditions.  Even then, you probably will not get 53.3k.  Your connection speed varies almost every time you connect according to line conditions, weather, phone routing, etc.  There are lots of things you can do to ensure your connection is the fastest possible.

• Make sure you are dialing Vance.Net with the correct phone number.
• Check your modem drivers to ensure you have the latest version.
• Try another phone line.
• Try at various times of the day (Tip: the number of users on Vance.Net does not affect your connection speeds).
• Try under different weather conditions.
• Hook a telephone into your modem line and see if you can hear any type of static or echo.
• Try another modem, or try your modem in another computer.
• Vance.Net uses 3Com V.90 modems which are compatible with older x2 protocol modems.  We have had some reports that modems supporting the K56Flex protocol will not correctly attach at 56k connection speeds.  You may try to upgrade your modem software from the manufacturer or install a new modem that supports V.90.

If you have tried all the above solutions (some of them may not be possible according to your situation or experience) and still have no luck, you can follow this link for some more options. 

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Problems connecting at High Speeds with US Robotics 56k WinModem, LT Winmodem or HSP Winmodem.