[Dubya]

Since 2003, these states have together collected more than $4 billion, an Associated Press investigation found. The burden is shared by cellular and regular phone customers alike. In some states, cell users appear to be footing more than half the bill.

[driftdiver]

This one makes more sense then taxing us to provide internet access in libraries.

[Southack]

Actually, the rub is that Cellular phone companies are *prohibited* from tapping into that fund to provide wireless access to rural areas.

Instead, that fund only allows companies to tap into it to provide land lines to rural areas.

OK, "so what" you might say. How does that impact me?!

Well, if you own rural land, you're missing out on a chance to lease your property to a cell phone provider for an antennae site (range from $500 per month to $5,000 per month paid to Average Joe's for allowing an antennae mast on their property).

And it means that you are stuck depending on wires that can be cut...or that can be downed by bad weather.

Why?!