Verizon..... you've got money... we've got nerve

From the I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself file: If you don't make at least 12.5 minutes of long distance calls, Verizon is assessing some home phone customers a $5 per month "shortfall charge." Verizon says that the charge helps pay for maintenance of the network.

Mmm hmm. Because it's not like they don't already charge you for the use of the network.

Pretty soon your phone bill will look similar to your other utility bills in its granularity. There'll be:

• The line access fee
• The line maintenance fee
• The copper replacement rider
• The fibre to the door upgrade fee
• The high speed internet's clogging our werkins fee
• The long distance access fee
• The long distance usage fee
• The 911 access fee
• The pole climber's retirement fund contribution
• The dial tone fee
• ...