Periodically I am reminded that we are not all paying the same amount for internet access. I'm wondering- where is the biggest bargain?

For instance, a separate modem line (not cable) costs me $12.92 a month and I pay another $5.99 for 'Net access and unlimited usage. I consider that pretty good.

It sounds like for some 'Catters, all usage is 'long distance'; is that so? How does one afford that?

Another question: Do the BIG companies like America OnLine (AOL) offer the same deal all over the world? In the U.S., AOL is currently offering 700 free hours (in a month) for sign-up. (Don't know why they don't say, one free month! Perhaps 700 hours sounds like more.) I remember when they were offering 250 free hours- who knows where they'll end up!

Ebbie