If the customer's Internet provider subscribes to a company with a different calling area, the customer may run the risk of inadvertently placing a toll call when accessing the Internet. Here are some tips on what consumers can do to avoid being charged per minute when accessing the Internet Be careful. Before signing up for service to access the Internet, ask the prospective Internet provider whether or not the numbers you would be dialing through your computer incur per-minute charges. Look over your monthly telephone bill carefully to make sure you are not being charged per-minute rates when accessing the Internet. What to do if your modem is not connecting at its rated speed Modems allow computers to communicate over standard phone lines.
Modems have a maximum rated speed.
They can also connect at lower speeds, if faster speeds result in too many errors. Your hardware and software settings Make sure that the dip switches and other settings are set correctly. Likewise, make sure that the dialer program is not set for a low data transmission speed. The wiring inside your house may affect modem speed. Make sure all connections to wall jacks throughout the house are tight.