Here are some things to troubleshoot when this process breaks down:

1. If the data is converted to analog at any time before reaching your local CO, you will not get a 56k connection. Your modem will connect using the next best protocol, V.34 (28.8k / 33.6k). Phone companies are free to change your call routing at any time, so you could go from a 52k connection one day to a 28.8k connection the next day. 

2. The distance between you and your local CO affects whether you get a 56k connection, and the actual speed you get. In general you need to be within 18,000 feet, or about 3.5 miles. This is not physical distance but the total length of phone wire, which may not travel in a straight line. The closer you are, the better. If all other factors are equal, someone living next to a CO may connect in the 50's, while someone at the edge of this limit may connect only in the 30's. 

3. The quality of the phone line between you and your CO also affects your chances for 56k, and your actual connection speed. The phone line is not just what's in your house, but the lines on your street and in your neighborhood. Some phone companies will use multiple trunks in an area, and when the first, higher-quality trunk is full, calls may be moved to a second, lesser-quality trunk. Using a short length of phone cord between the wall jack and the modem, and disconnecting other devices from the line (cordless phones, fax machines, answering machines, surge suppressors, splitters, etc.) may improve your chances slightly. 

4. If you live in an area where more than one dial-up number is a local call, try dialing the other number.

5. Make sure your modem is using the most recent firmware or driver. This is done by contacting your modem or computer manufacturer or by checking their web page for updates. 56k technology is still evolving and some manufacturers release new code every couple months. As EvenLink upgrades its modems, you need to upgrade yours as well. Failure to do so could result in slower connection speeds, disconnections, and possibly the failure to connect at all. 

6. Check if your modem supports the V.90 standard, or K56Flex or X2. EvenLink supports V.90 and K56Flex. If your modem supports just X2, you will only be able to make a V.34 connection (28.8 / 33.6). You must upgrade the firmware or driver to V.90 to attempt 56k speeds. 

7. Sometimes using initialization strings will improve your connection. In those cases you will want to give our office a call.  Be sure you know what type of modem you have in your computer as it will speed up the troubleshooting process.

If you require any help or have any questions feel free to call our office.  We can be reached locally at 570-988-1800 in Sunbury or 717-274-3300 in Lebanon or outside the local calling area at 1-866-311-5900.  We can also be reached by email 24 hours a day at help@evenlink.com.