Cause: One cause could be - Pair Gain.

Pair Gain is a way of splitting the current telephone line(s) into multiple channels on the same copper wire. Basically it dilutes your available bandwidth to the ISP. In areas of high telephony concentration or congestion it allows the telco to add more lines without actually having to run any more wires

If a consumer wishes to have a second line (primarily used for Internet Access) installed in his apartment and there are no available spare lines into the block, then the telco may well install the small unit to split the line’s capacity. This will thereby ensure that 56K speeds are completely unattainable.

So it could be that after many hours of changing port settings, modem settings, drivers, etc. that there is nothing actually wrong with either your computer, modem or ISP.

The telco may well have "Pair Gained" the lines in your area. Access can no longer be achieved above 28k. In fact they can even double Pair Gain lines so that the bandwidth reduces even further to 9600bps or less.

The telco’s service level agreement makes provision for telephone lines that offer nothing other than voice traffic and therefore are not required to supply a service that requires speeds greater than 2400 baud.

Resolution: There is not really much you can do about it - or is there?

Although the telco will invariably try to upgrade you to ISDN or a Cable service, you should always discuss your issues with an alternative carrier and see if they have the infrastructure in your area to assist you in attaining these higher speeds.

The choice of service provider always remains yours and NetComm actively encourage you to seek alternatives to suit your personal needs.