I've had a Qwest DSL line since 2000. It was implemented on a Cisco 678 router using CAP modulation. For most of the time I had that modem in service, I had 608 Kbits down / 128 Kbits up. A good download of a Linux DVD distribution could saturate the line at 65 Kbytes/sec. Last month my service was magically downgraded to 256 Kbits up/down. Qwest claimed they couldn't provide faster service on my old CAP modem. They didn't lower my monthly fee when they downgraded the service either.
After hours on the phone, I was convinced that I would need to upgrade to a DMT modem. I went to Radio Shack and purchased the Qwest approved ActionTec GT701R modem. I configured the modem, then called the business office to switch the service to 1.5 Mbits down / 896 Kbits up. That's the limit my ISP can currently service. The service order was processed and I plugged the new modem into the line. It trained to 1.5 Mbits down / 896 Kbits up as requested. I was immediately able to move traffic to the internet. In theory, I should be enjoying download rates that are at least twice as fast as the old CAP modem. In reality, there was still something very wrong. My download rates were 83 Kbits / second. Upload at 190 Kbits / seconds. I called my ISP to complain. They agreed something was wrong.
I just retested my downlink rate against Speakeasy.net using the Seattle, WA server. 1100 Kbits down / 384 Kbits up. That's more like it.
I just did the same thing. Since I get 3M DSL service from the local telco, I thought I'd test it to see if I was getting what I am paying for--3043 kbps down and 513 kbps up.
It seems like I am.
My company has about 150 remote locations (out of just over 600) using Qwest, and those Actiontec GT701s are GEMS! They're terrific little routers, capable of running in "unnumbered mode" which is great for using along with a VPN router. I don't think that in over a year we've had a single problem with any of those GT701s. Sometimes convincing Qwest that the problem's on their end can be hard though (but that's really not too much different from most providers!)
Mark