What am I paying 20.00 monthly for.?

Question

is it just to host my email and internet connection?

what else am I paying for

Answer 1

Your contract with the provider probably states that you are paying 20.00 per month for your connection to the internet.  That includes connecting you to web sites all over the world and transmitting large amounts of data between your computer and the sites you connect to.  Email is usually considered a free add-on though some special email services may involve extra fees.  

Yes you can sit in Starbucks or Panera's and connect for free, but that is because they (and other companies supporting hot spots) pay providers for connections,  There are many sources for free email including Yahoo but the email that comes a paid connection is usually free of the advertising that can be so distracting.