x2 is currently supported in Alberta, and by MTT, NBTel, Northern Telephone, NorthwesTel, and SaskTel. Bell Sympatico is currently switching its modems to the V.90 standard, and advises its members to read about V.90 modems before switching.

The basics about x2
What connect speeds can I expect?
Before upgrading your modem
U.S. Robotics' LineTest
**Setting up your x2 modem
Troubleshooting your x2 modem

56 Kbps dialup service areas are be indicated on the Local dialup access speeds table. All x2-capable modems will work with the Sympatico service in those locations, but Sympatico Member Services does not recommend "Winmodem" style modems.

While we will assist our members to the best of our ability, it is still your responsibility to ensure that your modem is correctly installed and functioning properly. The Sympatico service is committed to providing our members with fast, reliable Internet service and the implementation of x2 technology provides our members with analog connections of up to 53 Kbps.

First of all, x2 is an asymmetric communications technology, meaning it sends and receives data at different speeds. It downloads (receives data) at up to 56 Kbps, and uploads (sends data) at up to 33.6 Kbps.

x2 takes advantage of the fact that telephone networks are now mostly digital. It eliminates the analog-to-digital conversion in the downstream direction and thus uses the maximum amount of the available 64 Kbps bandwidth. U.S. Robotics states that, "This technique makes modems with x2 fundamentally different from other high-speed modems. In fact downloads could more accurately be described as encoded, rather than modulated."

Like all technology, however, x2 has certain limitations. Specifically, the full download speed (56 Kbps) cannot be realized over most telephone lines. Even though x2 modems are able to operate at speeds of up to 56 kbps, Industry Canada regulations on transmitted signal levels limit download speeds to 53 kbps. Trials of x2 technology showed typical connect speeds of between 41 and 49 Kbps.

Make sure your phone line will work at higher speeds.

56 Kbps technology won't work if there is more than one analog/digital conversion taking place between your modem and your Internet Service Provider's modem. You'll still be able to connect at V.34 speeds (a max of 28.8 or 33.6 Kbps), but you won't be able to take advantage of the higher speeds 56 Kbps offers. You don't need to know the technical details about your phone line. However, before you upgrade your existing 28.8 or 33.6 Kbps modem or buy a new 56 Kbps modem, we recommend you check whether your telephone line supports 56 Kbps speed.

U.S. Robotics has a test phone line that you can dial into with your existing V.34 modem to find out if your phone line supports x2. If your phone line passes that test, you can probably use a 56 Kbps modem. There's no guarantee, though. It's the nature of telephone networks which causes the toll-free call to the U.S. Robotics test line to be routed through different circuits than the local dialup connection you usually make to the Sympatico service. Therefore, the test line may say you can use x2 when you can't, and vice versa. The only 100% guaranteed test is to borrow a 56 Kbps modem and dial into the Sympatico service from your home or office. If you haven't tested the connection with a 56 Kbps modem, you should buy your modem from a dealer with a generous return policy. U.S.R.'s LineTest is a quick and easy (but not 100% conclusive) way to confirm whether your phone line supports U.S. Robotics' new x2 Technology for higher-speed Internet downloads.

U.S. Robotics' own tests have shown that the vast majority of phone lines in North America support x2 technology. If you're concerned about your ability to make higher-speed connections, follow the simple instructions on the

U.S. Robotics' LineTest Web page

Once you've confirmed that your phone line will work at 56 Kbps, and you have upgraded or bought a new 56 Kbps x2 modem, the next step is

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