j> If you are getting a consistent 26.6kB (+/- 0.1kB)
 j> dialup modem connection, read on.

 j> I had a similar experience setting up my sister-in-law's
 j> computer (Windoze) in Dallas, TX. Went to SBC and was
 j> told her line was a 'peargain'

pairgain ;)

 j> line and would always connect at precisely 26.6kB
 j> regardless on any local settings which was precisely what
 j> was and still is happening. It was said there are two
 j> types of connections. 'peargain' and 'copper'. The type
 j> of connection is set in a junction box some distance from
 j> the residence. They further stated that SBC had NO
 j> obligation to provide a data quality line but if I asked
 j> for one ('copper') they would not guarantee there would
 j> be a better connection. The SBC manager involved has
 j> failed to return my subsequent calls to request a change
 j> to 'copper'.

i've also heard about pairgain in my area... i'll have to check in on this
and see if it is the case... the info is much appreciated... ummm... one
now wonders if pairgain is the same a "bitrobbing"?? ie: stealing
the 8th bit for another connection such that the 8th connection gets a
"full" 7 bits of data encoding... this used to result in a max
9600 baud connect...

)\/(ark