thanks for your replies!
we tried his modem in my room and it received the same signal as mine does, unfortunatley, the out-the-window-idea wont work as our rooms, although next door, are on opposite sides of the building!
steve, sorry to hear about your bad experience! I will be the first to admit it is hardly blisteringly fast, but it is better than nowt! I have just downloaded a
4mb audio file
in about 3 mins, so it isnt too shabby.
still, if anyone has any rudimentery signal boosting ideas, let me know! we even tried the wire coat-hanger approach - no success
JB