I second Shoe. Fred has the correct answer.

For all things structured cabling, I have always found this site a helpful collection of resources:
[Link: techfest.com]

Some links have gone stale and some of the domains may have changed hands to an e-store but most still provide the original content.

A must read is the Data Comm Cabling FAQ at:
[Link: faqs.org]

As always, current national and local codes supercede any of these references.

22 awg is your best bet. All of the new cable telephone company copper cable plant is 22 awg. 90% of a typical telephone copper cable plant to the home is within 4kms of a telephone switch and it's done using anywhere from 26 to 22awg cable.

Just make sure, as previously mentioned, it's lighting/surge protected.

Fred is correct with his answers, as he always is. He is a real asset to this website and to this industry.

Just giving credit where credit is due.

Okay Fred, now give me the $5.00 you promissed me for the endorsement.