The Associated Press (via Techdirt) notes that Verizon has started charging landline customers a $2 monthly fee for not using long distance service. Users can avoid paying the monthly fee if they pay $6.75 to block all long distance calls on their phone. Verizon justifies the charge by telling the AP that people paying the fee "are supporting the network they would use if their cousin Tillie is critically ill in California and they need to arrange a critical-care nurse."