Actually, I live in rural New England and I have to pay by the minute for local calling as well. The idea that I may have to pay MORE on top of that is just disgusting. I'm already paying.5 to 2.2 cents per minute just to be connected, why should I start paying yet another metered rate on top of that?
I think I can safely say that the chances of anyone in any rural part of the world getting DSL or Cable access is slim. Even if these kind of services were offered, I doubt that the connection speed or line quality would be much better than the "good old 56k" lines that already exist. There really are very few options (other than moving to non-rural areas) that we have in this situation.
I'd have to say that depending on how I was charged, I may just find it easier to drop my local ISP and get my internet fix at work. I think it boils down to a simple "how much are these suckers willing to pay for access" mentality on the part of the ISPs.
Though, it does make me wonder how my ISP would handle it, because my ISP IS my phone company! They would probably be very happy to take my money to pay themselves for connecting me to their lines.
Slashdot Mirror
Actually, I live in rural New England and I have to pay by the minute for local calling as well. The idea that I may have to pay MORE on top of that is just disgusting. I'm already paying .5 to 2.2 cents per minute just to be connected, why should I start paying yet another metered rate on top of that?
I think I can safely say that the chances of anyone in any rural part of the world getting DSL or Cable access is slim. Even if these kind of services were offered, I doubt that the connection speed or line quality would be much better than the "good old 56k" lines that already exist. There really are very few options (other than moving to non-rural areas) that we have in this situation.
I'd have to say that depending on how I was charged, I may just find it easier to drop my local ISP and get my internet fix at work. I think it boils down to a simple "how much are these suckers willing to pay for access" mentality on the part of the ISPs.
Though, it does make me wonder how my ISP would handle it, because my ISP IS my phone company! They would probably be very happy to take my money to pay themselves for connecting me to their lines.