The latest modem standard is V.92, which was determined by the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) at the end of 2000. Modems using this standard are still 56K modems, but three new features have been added -- faster connections, better uploading, and, data and voice support:

Modem-on-Hold . . . When you are online and receive an incoming call, Modem-on-Hold suspends your online session, and then without redialing reactivates your online session after your incoming call is completed. NOTE that Call-Waiting service from your telephone company is required. Although this still doesn't allow browsing and talking at the same time, it does allow such things as suspending the downloading of a file when a voice call comes in, and then resuming the download when the voice call ends. Modem-on-Hold also works in reverse, so you can initiate a voice call while connected and keep the modem connection.

Quick-Connect . . . Quick-Connect bypasses portions of the negotiation process that occurs between your modem and your ISP's equipment when you dial in by "remembering" line conditions from the previous session. This can get you online up to 50% faster.

PCM Upstream . . . Using a special technology called Pulse Code Modulation, large file transfers and email attachments being sent from the user to the ISP upload faster. Upstream speeds up to 48 Kbps are supported, and on some modems you can choose either the fastest downstream speed (up to about 52 or 53 kbps), or balanced upstream and downstream communication. This basically cuts your download speed in order to raise your upload speed. This enhancement makes the online experience faster and better for those who send a lot of information (digital photos for example) instead of just Web surfing.

NOTE that for end users to use the new features of V.92, both ends of the "call" must be compliant with the standard, including the end user's PC or other access device, and the remote access equipment in your ISP's network This means that the V.92 features will not be immediately available with many ISPs because it requires upgrades at their end -- so don't rush out and buy a V.92 modem until you know your ISP has installed it. As of mid-2001 V.92 was really catching on with chipset and modem equipment manufacturers (Conexant, Intel, Motorola, PCTEL, USR, 3Com, Cisco, and others), and a number of ISPs were beginning to add V.92 ports.

While many people now have cable or DSL Internet access, the majority do not and may not for several years to come. So V.92 may be the technology many of us will use to hold us over until higher speed access is available.