Per our earlier discussion concerning long distance vs. telegraph rates, here are some sample phone charges. If anyone could find telegraph rates for the same time period, it would greatly appreciated.
June, 1956 OFF PEAK (Sundays and after 6pm only, day rates higher) First 3 minutes
Detroit to Niagra Falls NY .60 Phila to Boston .70 Cincinnati to Washington .85 Cleveland to Minneapolis 1.10 St. Louis to Grand Canyon 1.50 coast to coast 2.00
[I hope these posted in fixed format]
Again, please note these are night and weekend rates, day rates would be higher, how much I don't know.
Now if we can determine what a telegram cost in 1956 we might be able to compare modes. I think a letter then was 4c. Inflation from then today was about 15 times, so $1 then was $15 today.