[jsjohnst]

During the days where MCI had a pronounced savings over AT&T (aka mid to late 90s), it was only 5-6x difference [0]. Based on that, I agree, totally different ball game with pharmaceuticals (like 3 orders of magnitude difference).

[0] Source: I worked for MCI during that era. When we were selling flat rate 10¢/min, most of the folks we talked to were paying 40-60¢/min with AT&T for intra and inter-lata calls. Folks thought the price was so low that there was some hidden charge or it was some kind of scam. Of course AT&T (pre-SBC acquisition) responded and dropped their prices, but they took a long time to do it.