That was pre-internet, at least where I lived, and we all used Fidonet[1]. Cant recall my node, it's been too long.
I can't remember who I started out with, but I switched to FreeServe after they launched. They provided subscription free access to a local rate number (which confusingly doesn't have to be geographically local), and made money by getting a cut of the call rates. I don't think they were the first to do this, but they had a partnership with one of the main computer retailers. They were so successful an investigation was launched by the regulator [1].
[0] https://web.archive.org/web/19980111054950/http://www.aol.co...
And most [Well at that time really just BT or Cable/Wireless] telcos gave you free local calls. You just had to make sure you wasn't connected for more than an hour. I remember a program would disconnect and connect your modem every X minutes.
I remember back then [and to this day] my mind being blown that I was chatting to someone and there is a physical connection between us - there was a signal I was sending that had to use a physical wire connection all the way to their computer, so we could discuss topics we had only just discovered. Yes we felt special.
For me the 'magic' of the internet is now lost on people. It may not be a bad thing; I don't know, but it's accepted now we are always connected.
Back then, when you connected to the real internet [not AOL etc] it was like walking into the biggest library you had ever known and if you chose to be alone to take in that knowledge - you could. If you also wanted to engage with other people in the library - you would be polite and there was a mutual respect for you and your opinions. You could then leave the library and return when/if you wanted.
Rose tinted glasses maybe - but it's a very different Internet now.