Internet providers.

Logic Communications Ltd., formerly Internet (Bermuda) Ltd., said this week faster access rates up to 56K were now available for small businesses and home users.

And competitor, North Rock Communications Ltd., said they were now supporting 56K dial-up technology, as well.

Logic said this week those using the 28.8/33.6 Internet service would be able to take advantage of the high speed service automatically and at no extra cost, as long as they had a K56flex compatible modem and adequate 'phone line quality.

Logic president, Peter Durhager, said, "Logic understands that high speed access is a requirement for professionals and small businesses that want to utilise the Internet more efficiently, send and receive large files, or achieve better transmission of video, audio and graphics.

"By providing Internet access service at speeds between 28.8 and 56K as an option to our small business and residential customers, we're making high speed, high quality connections available at a more cost effective and affordable rate.'' North Rock general manager, Tom Coelho, stated, "The 56K technology will provide our Internet customers with faster web downloads and file transfers.

"Initially, North Rock is supporting the x2 high speed modem technology made popular by US Robotics and 3 Com Corporation. We will also be supporting the K56flex technology within a matter of weeks.

"By supporting both technologies, users will not have to make a modem purchasing decision based on their Internet provider's standard, but can choose the modem which is right for them.'' Mr. Durhager said that while Logic's high speed service could offer access up to 56K, it was widely known in the communications industry that the 56K designation was somewhat misleading.

The highest speeds that can be achieved over a standard phone line using a 56K modem are more likely to range between 40 and 43K. This is a limitation of the current standard and `phone line quality.

He said customers using the low-cost 14.4 dial-up Internet access service could upgrade online at no cost.

The high speed service supports Rockwell's K56flex technology, which is completely compatible with Logic's digital network.

North Rock said their new technology was also available to customers at the same prices as their original 33.6K service. The only requirement for existing customers is to have a 56K x2 compatible modem and a good phone line.

North Rock director John Robbins said it was worth noting that all x2 and K56flex products were capable of 56 Kbps downloads, but due to industry regulation restricting power output of service providers' modems, current download speeds were limited to 53 Kbps.

Actual speeds would vary, he said, depending on line conditions. Uploads from users to service providers travelled at speeds up to 28.8 Kbps.

Peter Durhager