Back when I originally tried even Internet play, it was gawdawful slow. I think I tried dialup a couple of times but kept getting blown away. :-( Probably a combination of early Internet code and slow connection.
But back then, getting better than a 28K connection was a miracle when it happened. Either my ISP or my telephone company has upgraded its lines; I regularly get 50K playing Everquest nowdays. In fact, on those occasions when I get 28K, I just hang up and try again.