56k technology is based on one of these switches. If there are anymore switches after that, your connection speed is lowered. The biggest issue we have in Washington is phone noise. The old copper cable that is connecting everybody is less than perfect and causes slower connections. Another big problem is not outside, but inside.
All devices transmit noise.
The biggest culprit of static are things like answering machines and portable phones. If you are experiencing low connect speeds, try unhooking such devices and see if that makes and difference. When you connect with your 56k modem, it will try to negotiate at the highest and most stable speed. There are known problems with this and the v.90 protocol. This number is unique for each computer address.