Chips
Why not do away with the AOL software and just use them as the ISP?
I use them this way, nice and stable, and never dropped a connection.
You will need a router tho' and not one of those usb BB modems.
The only thing that strangles my speed is distance from the exchange and what BT euphamistically call 'white copper' ...the (corroding!!) aluminium cabling from the exchange to the house.