The term "28.8 modem" and "56k modem" is a bit misleading. A more appropriate name for a high-speed, v.34 modem is a "28.8 capable modem" or a "56k capable modem". A v.34 or 56k modem does over 2000 line tests when it establishes a connection to determine the maximum speed of the connection that you're using.

The maximum speed that your phone line is capable of is a combination of many factors: the quality of the wiring of the phone connection, the distance between you and your phone company's CO (central office), the kind of switching equipment your phone company has you connected to, and the way the phone company is routing your call. When all is said and done, there are few areas that will get consistent 33.6Kbps and 53,333bps connections. The newer v.34+ and v.90 modems which support 33.6 up to 56kbps are no exception: while they are capable of handling speeds that high under optimal line conditions, the majority of phone lines will only be able to make a connection less than that speed.

Midcoast.com lines are optimized for the highest speeds possible: as such, connections higher than 28.8 and approaching 53kbps are possible with our service, but only from areas that have particularly clean telephone service.

While connections at 24k or 26.4k are normal and can be expected with a 28.8 or 33.6 modem, getting very slow connections, such as 19.2k connections, may show a problem on your line. You may want to call your phone company's residential repair department for a free line test if you get consistent slow connections.