Customers of AT&T local telephone service in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware will see a new line item on their bills beginning after March 26, the “local connectivity charge” of $2.75 per month, or $3.50 for New Jersey customers.

According to postcards being mailed by AT&T to local customers, the charge reflects “increased connectivity costs.”

According to NBC 10 News in Philadelphia, Pa., AT&T said that “the fee is fair and in line with current market pricing” and that it “reflects the increasing costs of doing business.” Which doesn’t say much.

In these areas, Verizon charges AT&T a monthly charge per line for access to the telephone network.