3 KiloBytes/second is a reasonable real-world expectation for dial-up without line or connection problems.

My parents have dial-up which costs more than light high-speed service but only because they still can't get any high speed where they are. However their connection is ultra-crap due to bad line conditions. When the weather gets a bit better and I have some time to test and document everything I'm going to tear the phone company a new one about this. I think a year of free service would be the least they could offer as compensation.