Aol are one of the worst ISP's i've ever delt with. However, what they are saying could be correct, it also might not be
Do you live in Accrington? You can go to
http://www.samknows.com/broadband/checker2.php
Enter your phone number and postcode then click 'locality'. Post the distance in this thread...
Also, do you happen to know what modem/router you are using?