America On Line, probably the largest ISP in the world, as of a few months ago had no local number for residents of Kingston. On the other hand, small Rhode Island ISPs like E-Fortress and IDS do have local telephone numbers throughout Rhode Island. After you ask your potential ISP what telephone number you would be calling if you were to become a customer, verify it with your telephone operator. The operator can tell determine the exchange you are calling from and give you an immediate answer. The next thing to find out from your potential ISP is whether the phone number you would call has 33K or 56K capability.
Higher numbers mean higher speed.
If your computer has a 56K modem, you might as well use its full capability and get attached to a telephone number with 56K capability. E-Fortress claims to have 56K capability throughout the state, but when I last checked they did not have a 56K number that was a local call from North Kingstown. IDS has speeds even higher than 56K, but you need special equipment and pay a higher monthly fee. COX is introducing cable Internet connections in Warwick and Providence. These connections also are faster than 56K modems.