Modems, methods, and computer program products select a data rate based on error signals in a modem. In an illustrative embodiment, error signals representing the difference between an output of an equalizer and an output of a detector are accumulated and an average error value is computed therefrom. A signal to noise ratio is determined using the average error value. The signal to noise ratio is then used to select a data rate. In another illustrative embodiment, the mean squared error at the output of the equalizer is determined and then used, along with the probability of error in correctly detecting a symbol, to select a data rate. Incorrect decisions in detecting received data symbols can cause a catastrophic failure in a decision feedback equalizer used in a modem receiver as errors are repeatedly fed back causing the tap coefficients for the equalizer filters to be shifted from their normal operating values. By adjusting the data rate in accordance with the error signals generated in a modem receiver, the decision feedback equalizer can operate with greater stability as the data rate can be reduced in response to increased noise conditions.