Pay phone

Location: Logan and Gerrard

Date photo taken: 14 August 2019

When's the last time you used a pay phone? Or even noticed one? While their numbers have declined steeply over the last two decades, they are still out there. Many of the survivors have taken a beating. This one, though rough looking, still functions, and it's still 50 cents to make a call. That rate (or maximum tariff) is one of the few regulations that applies to pay phones. The other is the need to notify a community before the removal of its last pay phone. Other than that stipulation, there are no regulations relating to provision or placement of phones. While usage has declined with the advent of cell phones, many argue that pay phones do still provide a valuable service, especially for more vulnerable communities and income sensitive groups. Some things I hadn't considered: 

• Each call is pay-per-use so you only pay when you use it and there is no time limit, so being kept on hold or put in a queue doesn't eat up your minutes. 
• Pay phones provide free access to 1-800 numbers and toll-free calls, so again, you're not using up your minutes when you make this type of call.
• All you need is 50 cents or a prepaid phone card - no credit check or subscription required. Also no roaming plan if you happen to be a tourist. 
• Pay phones are anonymous which can be important, such in cases of domestic abuse where the abusing party may have access to service history.
• Pay phones are reliable. They aren't affected by poor cell service, which can be a factor especially in rural areas, and basic calling features work even during power outages.