Hi Bw,
ont know if you have access to any of:
CavTel,
ATT
Verizon
Cox/Comcast
etc
All have packages of DSL or Cable modem - these are millions of bits per second kinds of services and the prices can be as noted above...
Dial-up is 56 thousand bits per second (if your modem negotiates that good a connection with the other end's modem.....it can be and often is less..
I pay about @ 50/mo for Cable I'net connection - dont use their TV or Phone - but could get all for about @ 110/mo. Due to some local wiring issues, Verizon doesnt support low-cost DSL for my area - it'd be 110/mo. If your Local phone wire supplier doesnt offer it...then you probably cant get it from CavTel or anyone else either...
Take a look at http://www.dslreports.com/search .
Good luck
D