Is it true that DSL modems that come with DSL service are rigged?

I have Bellsouth DSL and I am using their Westell DSL modem. I heard a rumor somewhere that they intentially cripple the modem so that you don't use your maximum potential bandwith. The DSL is fast but not the speed that you pay for. (3MB down/ 768 up)

Now that I think of it....when I download through Bittorrent around 30k or so...my upload is about 35k. If I have maximum of 768k upload...why is my DSL so slow if I'm pushing only 35k upload per second??

If the rumor is true..then would buying a DSL modem from an electronics store (Belkin, Linksys, etc) increase my speed?

I don't want crippled hardware. If anyone has any information on this "rumor ", I would be interested to hear it. Thanks.

 

Lighthammer: I can't add anything about the rumor you mention, but you might try something that may help. If you haven't done it already, run a DSL speed test such as this one:

http://www.dslreports.com/stest?loc=1

It takes just a minute or so. After they post your results, scroll down until you see where you can enter your zip code. That enables you to compare your results with others in your area. Since your distance from the telco affects your line speed, this comparison will show whether your results differ from others close by or not.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Tony, then if what you say is true....the DSL modems from Best Buy, CompUSA, etc, do not know what my bandwith limit is so they won't be tied directly to whatever level of service I am getting. (as the modems from Bellsouth are)

Like I said, this was just something I heard or read somewhere and I couldn't find anything out about this.

Maybe I'll just buy another DSL modem from the store and see if I notice any difference. If not, then I'll take it back.

 

Same info was given to me .. via a good friend who works for cable company.
They identify thru MAC address of modem. Their are / was / could be 3rd party software that can defeat / disable the speed cap ... but he warned they monitor for unusal speed activities.

 

That's fine...I am curious if I will be getting close to what I am paying for. I do realize that 3mb/768k per second is not going to be constant but if my uploading is hovering around 30k....it should not be grinding me to slow speeds. I still have 738k a second upload to utilize.

Is this normal for everyone else with DSL or Cable? (speed wise)

 

When uploading / downloading on internet you have additional considerations ..
Link / traffic congestions on internet AND your ISP connection
Speed capping imposed by the web site server you are up/down loading with.

 

When bouncing numbers around remember that there is a huge difference between "kb" and "kB ". Usually downloads and uploads show up as "B" not "b ".

1B=8b

1M=1024K

DRD

 

Good information. Thanks.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth there Netdoc.

You beat me to it.