Abstract: A system and method for user information transfer before modem connection. The invention makes high-speed modems more efficient, particularly for transaction and Internet applications, by providing for transmission of pre-connection user data during modem training. A training sequence for a modem in accordance with the invention may be summarized as follows: beginning training of the modem at a first data rate using a defined training sequence; after a selected amount of training, transmitting pre-connection user data from the modem at up to the first data rate while continuing training of the modem; ending training; and enabling transmission of user data at a full connected data rate of the modem.