When I upgraded to 8.6, I read somewhere in the release notes that a new modem script for the internal modem in the B&W G3 was included. In 8.5.1, I consistently connected at 53k. In 8.6, though, the fastest I have connected is 48k. Has anyone else experienced this?

I too have problems with the internet now that I've updated to 8.6. I'm going back to 8.5.1 today. The slow down 8.6 is causing for me is too much.

I had the same problem. I went to FreePPP 2.62 and now am getting good speed. Have a BW 400/internal and get 5-7k.
http://www.rockstar.com for FreePPP

Initial connect speed for V.90 modems isn't necessarily the speed at which you communicate. V.34 and earlier modems set the connection speed when the modems sync'ed up. V.90 modems can change speed dynamically, so a lower initial connect speed doesn't mean that your connection will stay at that speed.