"Tom S." wrote:

When I was stationed in Germany in the early 70's, a phone was about $100 a
month and long distance was pretty much out of the question. LD calls had to
go through the operator. When I got back, the phone was $11 a month. Wonder
what it costs now.

They privatized the phone system in the 90's. It may or may not be cheaper,
but it's easier for German people to get a phone now than it used to be. The
Indian phone system is still a nightmare, however. Cell or satellite is the
only real option there.

George Patterson
Brute force has an elegance all its own.