PE> However, I can tell you that the x'91'/x'11' come in up to 3-6
PE> seconds after the CONNECT message, and I doubt any S-register will
PE> give such a massive delay in negotiating EC.

 PE> I wonder, could the problem be this:

 PE> 1. We get a 28800 connect on a noisy line.
 PE> 2. We get a lot of noise on the line, so the modems decide to
 PE> retrain immediately
 PE> 3. It takes more than 0.75 seconds for the retrain to happen
 PE> 4. By then, the time has expired for a V42 connection.

That's entirely possible.  If you're seeing this happen much, you (and/or
the other person) will likely do better by adjusting the modem to demand a
higher quality signal (lower bit error rate) for a given negotiated speed. 
As long as fallforward isn't disabled, the modems may shift back up later
anyway, if line conditions are mutually deemed to have improved.

I may have said it before, but 24000/Lap-M is likely a better, more
productive (and as fast) a link as 28800/none.  26400/Lap-M certainly is. 
Some people round here achieved just such results on a Motorola lifestyle,
by that method.

Ian

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