I'd like to know what part of $88 you consider reasonable. That's
> what Verizon was getting from me for unlimited national/local.
My Verizon charge for that is about $40 (with discount for combining cell phone), and also gives a package of features. FCC line cost, etc. extra but the total cost is much less than $88.
There are other wireline competitors with cheap packages, too.
Note that many people may be paying close to that already just to have a regional-wide free calling area. I had that it and it was another only $15 to go unlimited national. I don't make that many toll calls but it paid for me; plus I have the convenience of not watching the clock anymore or worrying about toll calls. I also can call back other callers so they don't run up their bill, so my friends save money too.
A lot of people who use VOIP still keep a wireline in reserve or for other uses. There is still a cost for that.