A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing crosstalk in a telecommunication system. Broadly, the present invention utilizes a common mode signal to obtain additional information that can be used to better approximate the transmitted signal (by approximating and canceling crosstalk or otherwise). In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a modem is provided having improved crosstalk cancellation circuitry for canceling crosstalk received on a local loop (or otherwise estimating the remotely transmitted signal) carrying modem communications. The modem includes a first input for receiving a signal carried on the local loop and a second input for receiving a signal obtained from the common mode. The modem further includes processing circuitry configured to either reduce crosstalk present in the signal carried on the local loop, or to otherwise closely approximate the remotely transmitted signal. Using both the first and second signals allows the processing circuitry of the modem to obtain more accurate results.