Nowadays, people tend to rely on their mobile phones for everything – from making calls and sending texts, to surfing the internet and paying bills. Having said that, it's essential to always have a backup plan in case of an emergency.

If you find yourself without a phone and in need of immediate communication, you can always use an ‘old-fashioned’ public phone box. Who remembers collecting coins to make a call?

Public phones may have gone out of style, but many of them have not been removed. In fact, they can still be found in towns and cities across the country.

And if you’re not aware, then here’s something that will surprise you: Public phones are now free to use.

That’s right - every call, text message, and even the old T9 SMS is free to use. How handy is that for when your phone runs out of battery or you’re out of credit?

Everyone can use public phones for free. Credit: Shutterstock.

For those living in rural and remote parts of the country, this is a particularly beneficial discovery - since traditional mobile reception is often spotty or non-existent in these areas.

So why has this become an unexpected reality? Has the Government stepped in? Nope. It turns out that it’s (of all things) a Telstra PR stunt - the company needs to recoup their costs for keeping the infrastructure in place to support public phones, and instead of deleting the whole network, they made it free to use.

Plus, it also serves as 'massive, free billboard advertising that would not be allowed for any other business.'

An argument could be made that the advert revenue makes more money than what they would have collected in coins over the last 10 years. Certainly makes you think twice, right?

And not just that - the data shows that, surprisingly, the most called number is Centrelink, indicating that people who need the service are using them.

Now, while this is a great thing, it does have a downside. Because of human nature, the phones can potentially become dirty and unsanitary. While most local phone booths are kept clean and tidy, those in heavily trafficked areas could be prone to filth - so please keep that in mind.

So, it is advised that those who would like to use these phones to bring some hand sanitiser and wipes to clean the phones before use.

Key Takeaways

• Public phone services are now free to use for everyone.
• It is cheaper for businesses to place public phone services than to pay for advertising spots.
• The phone services are also being utilised by those who cannot afford a mobile phone, such as those receiving support from Centrelink.
• When taking advantage of public phone services, it is important for people to practise good hygiene to minimise their risk of exposure to germs.

So there you have it - a surprising free service, courtesy of Telstra. Who knows, you could save money in a pinch with one of these public phones - just don't forget to take a bottle of sanitiser with you!

What do you think of this recent 'discovery'? Better yet, are you one of those people who knew of this free service long before it was reported? Let us know in the comments - and please, share this article with your friends and family.

 

[Tripper]

There is one near the ocean and library where I live. I see it being used.

 

[Galah46]

Every drug dealer knows about this free service !

 

[JayKay]

There are 2 along my regular routes.
Both are regularly vandalised, so I am constantly ringing Telstra to report the smashed handsets and broken wires, not so they can be vandalised again, but so anyone who needs to use them can.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

I tried ringing a mobile number and it did not work so I thought they were only for ringing land line numbers. Is this the case or am I wrong I really would like to know.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I've known for awhile they are free. I eead awhile back they were making them free so the homeless and less fortunate can have contact with family.
The one thing would be finding one. There definitely isn't one in my area or surrounding suburbs

A few months ago we had gone down south and hubby pointed one out and said you don't see many of those, I went on to tell him they were now free to use...he didn't believe me and of course had to try , so he called me and was shocked

 

[Suzanne rose]

I tried ringing a mobile number and it did not work so I thought they were only for ringing land line numbers. Is this the case or am I wrong I really would like to know.

It does work to call a mobile , my husband tried it

 

[Aussie all the Way]

It does work to call a mobile , my husband tried it

Thanks good to know

 

[JayKay]

I tried ringing a mobile number and it did not work so I thought they were only for ringing land line numbers. Is this the case or am I wrong I really would like to know.

It is for all calls, landline and mobile.

 

[Lake]

Nowadays, people tend to rely on their mobile phones for everything – from making calls and sending texts, to surfing the internet and paying bills. Having said that, it's essential to always have a backup plan in case of an emergency.

If you find yourself without a phone and in need of immediate communication, you can always use an ‘old-fashioned’ public phone box. Who remembers collecting coins to make a call?

Public phones may have gone out of style, but many of them have not been removed. In fact, they can still be found in towns and cities across the country.

And if you’re not aware, then here’s something that will surprise you: Public phones are now free to use.

That’s right - every call, text message, and even the old T9 SMS is free to use. How handy is that for when your phone runs out of battery or you’re out of credit?

View attachment 11556

Everyone can use public phones for free. Credit: Shutterstock.

For those living in rural and remote parts of the country, this is a particularly beneficial discovery - since traditional mobile reception is often spotty or non-existent in these areas.

So why has this become an unexpected reality? Has the Government stepped in? Nope. It turns out that it’s (of all things) a Telstra PR stunt - the company needs to recoup their costs for keeping the infrastructure in place to support public phones, and instead of deleting the whole network, they made it free to use.

Plus, it also serves as 'massive, free billboard advertising that would not be allowed for any other business.'

An argument could be made that the advert revenue makes more money than what they would have collected in coins over the last 10 years. Certainly makes you think twice, right?

And not just that - the data shows that, surprisingly, the most called number is Centrelink, indicating that people who need the service are using them.

Now, while this is a great thing, it does have a downside. Because of human nature, the phones can potentially become dirty and unsanitary. While most local phone booths are kept clean and tidy, those in heavily trafficked areas could be prone to filth - so please keep that in mind.

So, it is advised that those who would like to use these phones to bring some hand sanitiser and wipes to clean the phones before use.

Key Takeaways

• Public phone services are now free to use for everyone.
• It is cheaper for businesses to place public phone services than to pay for advertising spots.
• The phone services are also being utilised by those who cannot afford a mobile phone, such as those receiving support from Centrelink.
• When taking advantage of public phone services, it is important for people to practise good hygiene to minimise their risk of exposure to germs.

So there you have it - a surprising free service, courtesy of Telstra. Who knows, you could save money in a pinch with one of these public phones - just don't forget to take a bottle of sanitiser with you!

What do you think of this recent 'discovery'? Better yet, are you one of those people who knew of this free service long before it was reported? Let us know in the comments - and please, share this article with your friends and family.

I found that info a while ago, good thing

 

[Eveanngra37@gmail]

Nowadays, people tend to rely on their mobile phones for everything – from making calls and sending texts, to surfing the internet and paying bills. Having said that, it's essential to always have a backup plan in case of an emergency.

If you find yourself without a phone and in need of immediate communication, you can always use an ‘old-fashioned’ public phone box. Who remembers collecting coins to make a call?

Public phones may have gone out of style, but many of them have not been removed. In fact, they can still be found in towns and cities across the country.

And if you’re not aware, then here’s something that will surprise you: Public phones are now free to use.

That’s right - every call, text message, and even the old T9 SMS is free to use. How handy is that for when your phone runs out of battery or you’re out of credit?

View attachment 11556

Everyone can use public phones for free. Credit: Shutterstock.

For those living in rural and remote parts of the country, this is a particularly beneficial discovery - since traditional mobile reception is often spotty or non-existent in these areas.

So why has this become an unexpected reality? Has the Government stepped in? Nope. It turns out that it’s (of all things) a Telstra PR stunt - the company needs to recoup their costs for keeping the infrastructure in place to support public phones, and instead of deleting the whole network, they made it free to use.

Plus, it also serves as 'massive, free billboard advertising that would not be allowed for any other business.'

An argument could be made that the advert revenue makes more money than what they would have collected in coins over the last 10 years. Certainly makes you think twice, right?

And not just that - the data shows that, surprisingly, the most called number is Centrelink, indicating that people who need the service are using them.

Now, while this is a great thing, it does have a downside. Because of human nature, the phones can potentially become dirty and unsanitary. While most local phone booths are kept clean and tidy, those in heavily trafficked areas could be prone to filth - so please keep that in mind.

So, it is advised that those who would like to use these phones to bring some hand sanitiser and wipes to clean the phones before use.

Key Takeaways

• Public phone services are now free to use for everyone.
• It is cheaper for businesses to place public phone services than to pay for advertising spots.
• The phone services are also being utilised by those who cannot afford a mobile phone, such as those receiving support from Centrelink.
• When taking advantage of public phone services, it is important for people to practise good hygiene to minimise their risk of exposure to germs.

So there you have it - a surprising free service, courtesy of Telstra. Who knows, you could save money in a pinch with one of these public phones - just don't forget to take a bottle of sanitiser with you!

What do you think of this recent 'discovery'? Better yet, are you one of those people who knew of this free service long before it was reported? Let us know in the comments - and please, share this article with your friends and family.

I was told by someone that as there were now NO coins in these phones it had stopped vandals from wrecking them to access the money. Much cheaper than repairing them .

 

[Les_D]

Off topic a bit but I remember having to get on my postie pushbike and going around to collect the money, clean the phone and remove any rubbish from the phone booths. Funny thing but I never had to clean any graffiti of any booths back then (1975)!

 

[Ricci]

My only problem would be that I no longer remember numbers, why would I, they're all in my phone. If my phone were to die I'd still be helpless as I wouldn't be able to call anyone!!

 

[Tripper]

Off topic a bit but I remember having to get on my postie pushbike and going around to collect the money, clean the phone and remove any rubbish from the phone booths. Funny thing but I never had to clean any graffiti of any booths back then (1975)!

We knew our name and so did all the neighbours...certainly didn't need to write it on walls!

 

["Flash"]

Nowadays, people tend to rely on their mobile phones for everything – from making calls and sending texts, to surfing the internet and paying bills. Having said that, it's essential to always have a backup plan in case of an emergency.

If you find yourself without a phone and in need of immediate communication, you can always use an ‘old-fashioned’ public phone box. Who remembers collecting coins to make a call?

Public phones may have gone out of style, but many of them have not been removed. In fact, they can still be found in towns and cities across the country.

And if you’re not aware, then here’s something that will surprise you: Public phones are now free to use.

That’s right - every call, text message, and even the old T9 SMS is free to use. How handy is that for when your phone runs out of battery or you’re out of credit?

View attachment 11556

Everyone can use public phones for free. Credit: Shutterstock.

For those living in rural and remote parts of the country, this is a particularly beneficial discovery - since traditional mobile reception is often spotty or non-existent in these areas.

So why has this become an unexpected reality? Has the Government stepped in? Nope. It turns out that it’s (of all things) a Telstra PR stunt - the company needs to recoup their costs for keeping the infrastructure in place to support public phones, and instead of deleting the whole network, they made it free to use.

Plus, it also serves as 'massive, free billboard advertising that would not be allowed for any other business.'

An argument could be made that the advert revenue makes more money than what they would have collected in coins over the last 10 years. Certainly makes you think twice, right?

And not just that - the data shows that, surprisingly, the most called number is Centrelink, indicating that people who need the service are using them.

Now, while this is a great thing, it does have a downside. Because of human nature, the phones can potentially become dirty and unsanitary. While most local phone booths are kept clean and tidy, those in heavily trafficked areas could be prone to filth - so please keep that in mind.

So, it is advised that those who would like to use these phones to bring some hand sanitiser and wipes to clean the phones before use.

Key Takeaways

• Public phone services are now free to use for everyone.
• It is cheaper for businesses to place public phone services than to pay for advertising spots.
• The phone services are also being utilised by those who cannot afford a mobile phone, such as those receiving support from Centrelink.
• When taking advantage of public phone services, it is important for people to practise good hygiene to minimise their risk of exposure to germs.

So there you have it - a surprising free service, courtesy of Telstra. Who knows, you could save money in a pinch with one of these public phones - just don't forget to take a bottle of sanitiser with you!

What do you think of this recent 'discovery'? Better yet, are you one of those people who knew of this free service long before it was reported? Let us know in the comments - and please, share this article with your friends and family.

Yep, knew about it months ago as it was a news item on TV at the time

 

[Suzanne rose]

My only problem would be that I no longer remember numbers, why would I, they're all in my phone. If my phone were to die I'd still be helpless as I wouldn't be able to call anyone!!

me too

 

[Old Choock]

I find these a lifesaver I have a relative who lives interstate who refuses to use mobile's. He uses these phone boxes to keep in touch can use for landlines or mobile

 

[mylittletibbies]

My only problem would be that I no longer remember numbers, why would I, they're all in my phone. If my phone were to die I'd still be helpless as I wouldn't be able to call anyone!!

My only problem would be that I no longer remember numbers, why would I, they're all in my phone. If my phone were to die I'd still be helpless as I wouldn't be able to call anyone!!

I had this problem a couple of years ago when I had my bag snatched in Bali. We had just arrived, getting out of transport at our accommodation when someone went past on a motor bike and grabbed my bag. Lost everything, passports, cash, phone, car keys, etc.
Didn't know anyone's number back home to to ring for help. Thank goodness I had booked the accommodation thru bookings.com and used my debitcard. The accommodation were able to advance us cash to see us thru our holiday, which was then spent organising new passports. etc.

My only problem would be that I no longer remember numbers, why would I, they're all in my phone. If my phone were to die I'd still be helpless as I wouldn't be able to call anyone!!

 

[Singomate]

Unfortunately the only phone box near us is always out of order vandalism seems rampant in our neck of the woods .

 

[debjane]

Future generations may never know the thrill of making a reverse-charges call to their parents after Telstra made its 15,000 payphones free.

Key points:​

• Telstra says 11 million calls are made from its payphones each year
• Calls to local and national numbers, and mobile phones will no longer require money
• The Salvation Army says the move will be a "game changer" for vulnerable people

The telco announced today local or national calls to a fixed line or Australian mobile from a Telstra payphone would no longer incur a charge.

The move means the days of scrambling for 50 cents in change, or devising a code involving a predetermined number of rings were effectively over.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.

Telstra CEO Andy Penn speaks with Fran Kelly on RN Breakfast.
The company said around 11 million calls were made from its payphones last year, including 230,000 calls to critical services such as 000 and Lifeline.
Telstra CEO Andy Penn said the move to make every payphone free would cost the company around $5 million a year.
"Just watching over the last 18 months how they've played a role in emergency situations through the bushfires in keeping people connected and particularly those that are vulnerable and disadvantaged, I just thought we've got to a point where we can make this free," he said
"It's not not a big deal for Telstra."
"It just means people don't have to worry about having a pocketful of coins if they need to make a phone call in an emergency."
Mr Penn said Telstra had no plans to remove any of the payphones, and the number of phones the company maintained was determined by the federal government.
The phones have previously been made free to communities affected by natural disasters, or in remote indigenous communities.
Telstra has also offered free Christmas and New Year calls from its payphones for the past five years.
Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle said it was a "game changer" for people who couldn't afford a mobile phone, or have had to leave dangerous domestic situations.
"Many vulnerable Australians don't have access to a mobile phone so it's really important for them to break down that sense of social poverty, social isolation to connect with a friend, or to connect with a service," he said.
"During COVID we've seen the spotlight shone on isolation and the reality is there is a proportion of Australians that suffer from social isolation every day of their lives."
Posted 3 Aug 20213 Aug 2021, updated 3 Aug 20213 Aug 2021