2 telnet related questions?

[Hart Larry]

Ok, I login to Shellworld from a Debian system with a 12MB  AT&T Uverse 
connection.  Over the last couple of years I had to switch from ssh to telnet, 
as for some reason, with Speakup, there is some sluggishness while cursoring. 
But now even telnet has this behavior, while logging in another Linux machine 
which has much better network conductivity, I have an easier time.  editing 
without any lag.  On Shellworld I can hit backspace a number of times  and the 
beeping is spiraticly sluggish.
So, first I wonder if there are either other telnet options I can try, or would 
their be another protocol which may react faster?
Next, I notice while at a plain telnet prompt, unlike actually at a site, I 
cannot use an up-arrow as it says a letter a or b.  I sure don't have this 
issue in ncftp, history works normally.
Thanks so much in advance for suggestions
Hart