In order to use the Internet at your home, you need a computer, a modem and an 'Internet Service Provider' also known as an 'ISP'.
People often get confused about 'local call access' versus an online service company.
If you do not have a 'local call access' number to call for these services, then you will be charged for the online service AND for the long distance telephone call. Since most people spend several hours at a time on the internet, having a local call access number is the only way rural residents and rural businesses can enjoy the same benefits of the internet as their city cousins at affordable rates. ISP's provide access to the world wide web, but do not usually maintain extensive internal databases for use by their clients. ISP's want you explore the internet on your own rather than providing you with pre-filtered information. Keep in mind the internet is not 'free'.