Why Conventional Phone Lines Can't Move Data Any Faster

The speedy modems currently for sale under the "56K" rubric are highly contentious because they never actually reach that speed. For one thing, U.S. regulators have put a speed limit of 53,000 bits per second on telephone traffic. For another, before your signal can approach that speed, you must be linked to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) who has a digital line to the Internet. Also, the 56K refers only to the "download" speed. "Uploading" to the Internet happens at a more modest 28.8K with these modems. Also, if there are any extra "routers" (electronic switching boxes) in your neighborhood, you'll be slowed to 28.8K. The only way to increase your speed is to move.