In a message dated 2/8/00 12:20:28 PM Pacific Standard Time, edalsj(at)igs.net
writes:
<< I basically agree with the other replies you have received. I too use a
Mac...a powerPC and/or a PowerBook 190, and the fastest I can connect
with 56K modems is 33.6K. Often it is somewhat slower. It is definitely
a function of the quality of the phone lines/connections, and of density
of phone traffic through their switchboards. >>
Another MAJOR consideration - has your area gone fiber-optic? I live in a
late 50s early 60s development, close to the phone company. Plain old copper
wires. I generally connect at somewhere around 44k. When I first moved out
here, and was living with relatives (whose newer development was
fiber-optic), NEVER higher than 28.8.
Carefully interpreted, the phone company service contract guarantees VOICE
transmission quality - states nothing about data transmission. Well, guess
what all this fiber-optic hardware the phone company has invested billions on
is VERY good at? Regulating the speed of data transfer! You'll only get the
speed of the slowest fiber-optic relay switcher, and that's all. Usually,
you'll get 28.8, but sometimes the system isn't quite up to snuff.
Of course, the old copper wires are still there - you've never seen anyone
taking them down when they install the fiber-optic, right? Hmmm.... maybe in
a few years, when modem speeds jump again, they'll start offering special
data lines at premium prices. After all, with local access phone numbers all
over , who was losing out big time on the internet phenomenon??
sorry ...getting off the soap box now...
Jon Arzt Rootes(at)aol.com (home)
jon(at)cordelmotor.com (work)
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