I keep connecting at speeds that are slower than my modem's rated speed. Can you help me?

Yes, but you'll need to be patient. There are scores of factors that can contribute to this situation. Some of them may involve your hardware or telephone line, while others may involve a problem on our end of the connection. To get your problem resolved as quickly as possible, please follow the steps below in order. You'll need five or 10 minutes to get through them all. (Hint: use your browser's Back button to return here if your search takes you to other Web pages.)

For 56 kbps modem users: was your modem capable of this speed out of the box or does it require an upgrade? Please check your modem's documentation for details; BOL Internet Service representatives can not assist you with modem upgrades.

Also, please note that there are several factors outside our control that will keep you from getting a 56 kbps connection. According to modem manufacturer U.S. Robotics, "top speeds for downloads are approximately 53 kbps due to regulatory restrictions on the power of service provider output in the United States and Canada . Additionally, factors like line conditions and traffic can impact performance. In real applications, speeds typically range from the 40s to the low 50s (kbps)." Finally, the top upload speed for a 56 kbps modem (that is, when you send data from your computer to any Internet service provider's computer) is 28.8 kbps.

There may be a problem with the access number you're using. We're adding new numbers all the time, so the chances are greater than ever that there's an alternate number for you. To find out, go to our Access Numbers page.

If the problem persists after you've tried a second access number, check to see if any other devices (i.e., telephones, answering machines, fax machines) are connected to the phone line you're using. Disconnect these devices and try connecting to BOL Internet Service again.

Check your modem's documentation or contact your modem manufacturer to see what kind of UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) the modem has. A UART is a computer chip that helps ensure high-speed communications. For best results, you should have a 16550AFN UART, although a 16550A or 16550AF will do. If you do not have one of these UARTs, contact your modem manufacturer for information on upgrading.