compaq modems not connecting fast

Hi i have a compaq and so does my brother in lafayette, and both of our modems can only connect at 28, but they are 56k modems. I found out that a lot of other people have the same problem, is it that compaq modem arent really what the speed they say they are to be? If you have a compaq modem can you email me and tell me how fast you connect at. thankyou
Dxballers@aol.com