Illogically, it is actually easier to establish and maintain a 56k connection than it is a 33.6K connection, when the local phone line is the only thing in question. (with 56k, you also have to have no more than one analog->digital conversion in between you and the phone company).

A 33.6K connection requires a symbol rate of 3200, which is greater than the 2800 that the 56K uses; hence, when customers would ask "Whats the chances I can get 56k out of my line" and the tech would answer "Can you connect at the maximum 33.6K right now? If not, it wont work", they were flat out wrong.

Score:3, Informative