Getting onto Internet

[Arnold Chiu]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask the following
question.  Please refer me to the appropriate group if necessary.

My question concerns getting onto the Internet.
I guess that means an Internet connection and an address.
So far, I have been told by the University of Michigan
that I have to go thru their Merit network but that's
pretty costly.  Is there any other method?  What is
the standard way?  This message is being sent from my
UM account but I need a "direct line".  Where can I find
the local direct Internet numbers.

Hope I asked the right questions.
Thanks.		Arnold.