Understanding the finer points of DMT...

[#1]

OldJim & BarryZ - thanks for that...
Well the man from ADSL Nation confirms that the bell wire IS filtered and that there would be nothing to be gained by snipping it - I may do so anyway once I find out how to disconnect the router without losing my sync speed... it's a D-Link DSL-2640B.
Is it ok just to switch it off then remove it from the line or is there a more elegant way?
Thanks,
John

[#2]

You could disconnect it via the web console, and then remove the power.
That's about as elegant as it gets

[#3]

Oh - I presume that's via the 'disconnect' button at the bottom of the ADSL Setup screen.  Should have looked there before posting....
'that's why I call myself a PN newbie'  says he donning his dunces hat and slinking back into the his corner...
Thanks James!

[#4]

I would just turn the router off and disconnect the bell wire, wait 20 minutes and turn the router back on.
I believe your sync speed will be higher and your connection will be more stable with the bell wire disconnected.