It is time that modem users rebel, it will be necessary to get Congress to rescind their order to the FCC re providing 'special funds' for various special interests. First the FCC applied $3.50 tax last year, then raised it to $4.03 Jan 1 '98 = if you don't designate that you have a 'long distance carrier'. Then stupidly, the 'bell' tacks on the $0.53; until you inform them that you have a long distance carrier - which they already know because they pass on the billing for AT&T er whoever. The whole $3.50 is ridiculous, supposedly to cover long distance access; when for instance my AOL doesn't use that connection, they have other faster means - satellites, etc. I asked AOL about the charges, and the reply was: 'we don't pay that kind of tax' in other words they are not involved. Writing FCC does no good; we need to work thru Congress to stop the 'social program'. CEE