Modem Speed Limit Inches Up

The FCC plans to let analog modems operate at up to 56-kbps, rather than the current 53-kbps maximum.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public comments on a proposal to loosen its restrictions on analog modems so that 56-kilobits-per-second modems can operate at closer to their potential.

The proposed change would permit analog modems to work at higher signal powers on the public phone network. Currently modems transmit at only 53-kbps or 54-kbps even though they can technically handle 56-kbps transmissions.

The FCC acknowledged that the proposed modification might lead only to moderate improvements in 56-kbps modems. It is asking for comments on issues such as whether the rule change will improve modem performance and the transmission rates that Internet users experience. The FCC is especially interested in hearing what the potential negative effects of the proposed power increase might be on advanced communications services, including ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line).

Separately, this week the International Telecommunications Union formally adopted the V.90 standard for 56kbps modems. Over 40,000 local dial-up numbers in North America now support V.90 operation, according to 3Com.

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