Abstract: A modem for a mobile client is configured to operate either in a primary operational configuration or a secondary operational configuration. When in the primary operational configuration, the modem initiates set-up of a communication toward a remote server and utilizes a fixed data rate and a fixed set of features. No modem negotiation procedure is implemented with respect to the setting up of this communication. If the set-up of the communication at the fixed data rate and with a fixed set of features fails, the modem falls-back to the secondary operational configuration and initiates set-up of a communication toward the remote server using conventional modem negotiation procedures in order to agree on the data rate and set of features to be used for the communication. In association with the server, a primary modem pool is provided to handle mobile client modem communications at the fixed data rate and with a fixed set of features specified by the primary operational configuration.