Throwback Thursday – The Payphone

When was the last time you used a payphone?

Seems like a slightly ridiculous question right? Personally, I can't remember the last time I touched a payphone, yet when you walk down the streets of Boston or New York there they are. There are around  500,00 of these public servants in the U.S., each one patiently waiting for a needy passerby to deposit their spare change for a quick call.

For most of us losing a cell phone is among one of our greatest fears, god forbid I can't be reached 24/7. But according to the American Public Communications Council (APCC), there are around 140 million Americans who do not own, or use a cellphone. For these people the payphone is still an extremely useful, convenient and affordable method of communication, which is why payphones still process about 1.7 billion calls a year. Yes 1.7 billion.

Something else that factors into the payphone's service is its overall price. Close your eyes and imagine a phone...with no annual contract, no expensive device and no payment plan. Now open, your dreams have come true and this device has been around for 30 years on every street corner.

Another useful fact, if in an emergency dial 911 on a pay phone and you will instantly be connected with emergency services.

So the next time you are walking down the street and pass by a payphone give a moment of appreciation. Though you may not use it, there are millions of people who rely on these trusty servants of communication every day.

Written By: Sam Watkinson