If you are having trouble with a modem disconnecting try one of the following.
1. Double click on the my computer icon.
2. Double click on Control Panel icon.
3. Double click on Modem icon.
4. Write down the type of modem that you have.
5. Click on properties under the white box that has your modem listed.
6. Click on Connection at the top of the modem properties page.
7. Click on Advanced at the bottom of the connections page.
8. You will have a line at the bottom that says extra settings.
If this box has anything typed in it please write it down.
9. Check the type of your modem.
 
If your modem has Gateway PCI 1156, Conexant, HCF, or Soft 56 put +MS=V34 in the extra settings box.
If your modem has HSP put n0s37=12 in the extra settings box or S10=50.
If your modem has Lucent Win Modem put s38=0-v90=0 in the extra settings
box.

10. Click on ok and try dialing up.

MODEM EXTRA SETTINGS (Init. Strings)

The “Compaq HSP 56K MicroModem is a PCTel HSP.
SF/1156 1V R9A (or similar) is probably a Rockwell Soft56 (new Gateway computers have this)
Conexant HCF & Soft56 modems are the same as Rockwell modems.
The Rockwell Dual settings may work for Rockwell/Conexant HSF modems.
Telepath modems are Sportster/USR modems.

Entering Init. Strings

Click Start, point at Settings, and open Control Panel.
Open the icon labeled Modems.  
The modem name should be listed under “The following modems are set up…”  

If the modem name does appear in the above list:

Click the Properties button in the middle of the page
Click the Connections tab at the top  
Click the Advanced button near the bottom  
Click in the entry line labeled Extra Settings  
Type the string exactly as it appears above.  
Click “OK”  
Again, click “OK”  
You should be back to the modems properties box, click “OK” or “Close”.  
You may have to restart the computer for the settings to work.

If more than one modem is listed as installed, you will have to contact your computer/modem manufacturer to get it installed properly before you can get online.

If the modem will not dial after entering a string, remove and refer to the manufacturer for help.

Introduction

PTCI has completed it's V.90 upgrade. We will continue to upgrade to newer V.90 modem firmware as it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is "V.90"?

ANS: "V.90" is the standard from the ITU that allows K56flex and X2 modems to interoperate. This means that if you have a K56flex or an X2 modem, you will be able to connect (theoretically) at speeds up to 56K. 40K to 50K is very achievable and more realistic. To achieve these speeds, you will need to visit your modem manufacture's website to obtain the latest "V.90" firmware.  

Q2: Where can I connect to "V.90" modems?

ANS: PTCI has upgraded all "V.90" capable modem banks to the "V.90" standard. This includes ALL of our service area with the exception of Balko and Bryans Corner. As of right now, Balko and Bryans Corner do not have enough customers to warrant a "V.90" modem bank. The cost of the modem banks/routers for 56K is about $14,000 per 48 lines. This does not include the telco costs for the lines themselves. We will continue to monitor the Balko and Bryans Corner to see when it is financially feasible to upgrade.

Q3: Is "V.90" a further refinement of K56flex?

ANS: Yes. K56flex "V.90" compliant modems will continue to deliver all the advantages of faster web browsing plus the ability to interoperate among various other 56K technology modems such as  the US Robotics X2 modem. If you have a K56flex modem, we recommend upgrading to the latest "V.90" modem firmware.

Q4: Will "V.90" modems interoperate with analog modems like V.34?

ANS: Yes. Since K56flex "V.90" compliant modems maintain the basis of K56flex it will interoperate with V.34, K56flex, and "V.90" compliant analog modems. If you live in Balko or Bryans Corner and have a K56flex modem, "V.90" modem, or an X2 modem you should be able to connect at speeds up to 33.6. 

Q5: Will an upgrade to "V.90" be available for previously purchased K56flex or X2 modems?

ANS: Yes. Most modem manufacturer's are currently working on developing software to enable consumers to participate in the advantages of "V.90" if they so desire. Please check with your modem manufacturer to make certain.

Q6: Will K56flex or X2 modems still work after the upgrade to "V.90" ?

ANS: Yes. All of our network will still work with the K56flex or X2 modems. To obtain the best performance out of your modem, we recommend going to your modem vendor to obtain the latest "V.90" firmware code.  This is very crucial to getting the most out of your modem.

Q7: If I buy a K56flex or X2 modem today, what will it cost to upgrade it to "V.90" when it is available?

ANS: Nothing. Most modem manufacturers have announced that they will supply the "V.90" software upgrade to their customers that buy K56flex or X2 modems free of charge. Please check with the modem manufacturer before you buy it to be sure.

Q8: What kind of speed is reasonable for my "V.90" compliant modem?

ANS: In our initial tests, we have seen a US Robotics X2 33.6 modem go from a consistent 31.2K connection to a consistent 48K connection. We have had other customer reports of V.90 modems connecting at 50.6K. We have also seen K56flex modems jump from consistent 42K connections to 48K connections. We can't stress enough how important it is to upgrade to the latest V.90 modem firmware. Without this, you will be stuck at something less than 33.6.