or is it the freakin phone lines???

I went through this last year during the winter as well and I lean towards my phone line being the issue for obvious reasons such as:

1.  No dial tone ..... whenever it feels like it.
2.  Total static .... with very faint dial tone .... don't even try using.
3.  Faint static .... with almost normal dial tone .... possible to use
4.  Disconnects whenever .... whenever it damn well feels like it.

The longest I can stay online is about 10 minutes ..... and that is extremely rare.  Soif for some reason I'm gone for a few days or whatever .... that is probably why .... it just sucks.

Got to go and pick up mom from physical therapy.  Will try to write more later.  My Norton Anti-Virus says things are good ..... AHHHHH!

Peace.  J.