I found this on here while searching. I think it is illegal for an ISP to intentionally slow down dial-up internet connections so you would opt for a costlier cable or dsl connection and I am not even sure if they can actually do it. Could be, but doubt it... Name: ectoplasme Date: September 10, 2003 at 21:51:37 Pacific Subject: slow page load on line:all browsers Reply: well..MonkeyBrain I have the same problem sometimes too and I found out it was my isp, cause I tested my pc at a friend's place with his ISP and found out it was much faster there. They want ( my isp) to get everyone to drop the dial up account and switch to cable..). If it is possible for you, test your pc with another isp, like at a friend's.. Let us know and good luck!

That could have been the difference in phone line condition (and probably was) rather than his isp limiting the speed of his connection. I would think an isp could limit the speed if they wanted to, whether it is illegal I don't know.

In addition to the phone lines being different at their friends' houses, the number of users online can make a big difference. -Bob

I get 115.2 kbps with my dial-up connection. That is with a modem init string. I have a Conexant HCF V90 Data Fax modem with updated drivers. Without the init, I was only getting 30.4 at max connection speed. But now it is greatly improved. The init I used is: AT&F&C0&D2 (the "0" after the "c" is the numeral 0, not the letter "o") And I doubt that it is the ISP. As stated, the phone line conditions play a factor also. If you are really concerned, you could take your PC to a friend's house and try both your ISP and their ISP, but I doubt that it is the ISP. Bewtyfull Gurl

Shwentner, Do some online tests to get your true connection speed or time some downloads and divide the size of the download into the time and you can get a good idea of your true connection speed. I can guarantee you that you are not connected at 115.2kbs on a regular dial up.

Impossible to get 115.2 kbs on a dial-up. Federal regulations state the maximum dial-up speed that is allowable is approximately 53 or 54 kbs. Even though computers are equipped with modems that can do 56 kbs, it is impossible to attain even that speed. I once played around with settings either on my modem or in the win.ini file and got the same response, it said I was maxed out at 115,200 bps, but in all actuallity it was still 42,666 bps. Evidently this fellow who says he is getting 115.2 kbs on a dial-up is not getting his true speed. Would be nice though if it were true!

the modem can report DTE speed or DCE speed. DTE is Data Terminal Equipment, the speed from the computer to the modem. DCE is Data Communications Equipment, the speed the modem sees on the line. The DTE speed is 115 and the DCE is 44 or whatever. Reporting the DTE speed does not make the modem/modem connection any faster. Which speed is reported can be changed by the init string. Modem books used to explain all this, I don't know if the new ones do. My Practical Peripheral 14.4 modem book had a great description. That was from 10 years ago when modems cost $400.