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Home > Dialup Internet > What Causes Dial Up To Be Slow?

What Causes Dial Up To Be Slow?

Although the theoretical maximum speed of dial up Internet is 56 Kbps, there are many factors which can cause your connection to be slow. Aside from the FCC regulation which limits Internet connections over copper dial up phone lines to 53 Kbps, the main factors of a slow dial up connection are modem compatibility and line noise.

The initial factor that can cause a slow dial up Internet connection is modem compatibility. The current standard for analog modems is V.92, but if you are still using an older type of dial up modem (typically a V.90 or an even older V.44), then you might be getting stuck with slower connection speeds as soon as you dial in. This is based on the initial modem "handshake" which is established when your computer first dials in and connects to your ISP. So, make sure you have a V.92 compliant modem to avoid this potential problem.

Another major factor with slow dial up is line noise, which is static or "hiss" on your phone line. The more line noise, the slower your dial up connection. The first thing you can fix for line noise is to replace the telephone cord connecting your dial up modem to the wall. Also, don't bundle up or wrap your telephone cord alongside other types of computer cords, including printer cables and power cords. Line noise can also be caused by other devices that you might have connected to the same phone line or the same electrical wall outlet as your dial up modem. It is best to unplug all phones and others devices connected to the phone line and electrical wall socket you are using for your computer and modem.

If the problem of slow connections persists after checking your modem compatibility and telephone cord, then your only other option is to call your local telephone company and report it. In most cases, they will do their best to "clean the line" and can run checks for interference on your phone line. Be advised, phone companies are only obligated by the FCC to provide a certain level of speed over analog lines (in many cases, only 28.8 Kbps). Also, with the rise of new types of broadband fiber lines, they aren't doing much to improve their older analog phone lines. Depending upon where you live, your dial up Internet service might never be able to get much faster than 30 to 40 Kbps at best.

	More Articles About Dial Up Internet		Common Questions About Dial Up
	Review Of Fast Dial Up Internet Offers		What Causes Dial Up To Be Slow?
	When Dial Up Is Still A Good Choice		How Fast Is Dial Up?
	Common Internet Connection Problems		What Is A Dialup Modem?
	Avoiding Long Distance Access Charges		What Is Broadband vs Dial Up?
	The Evolution Of Dialup Internet		Can I Get Free Dial Up Service?

In our section on Dial Up Internet Service Providers, you'll find information on accelerated dial up Internet services that can increase your download speeds by up to 5x faster.