Hehe, aye.
56k isn't 56k anyway. Before anyone wants to argue, take into account that I aided the business planning of an ISP - I KNOW 56k isn't 56k.
A "56" or "58"k modem can only actually handle 50k. So even if you were sat right ontop of the node, you wouldn't be able to get 56k.
On average, if you're close enough, you'll get between 20 and 40-45.
I do remember seeing something somewhere, it was UK only mind, but it claimed to get you extra speed for £3 more / month. Of course, this couldn't happen, because as I said, modem can only handle 50k.
Surely there's satalite? Granted, it'd cost a friggin fortune, but still well worth it