Have you seen one recently? (25 May, 2022)

[aardvark_admin]

This column is archived at: https://aardvark.co.nz/daily/2022/0525.shtml

They used to be a common sight but now the humble public phone box is gone.

How quickly things change in the world of communications technology.

When was the last time you used one?

Do you feel just a little moment of horror when you realise you've left your phone at home?

Just how much has our "permanently-connected" status changed our brains?

[hagfish]

The 1990s are 'so hot right now' partly because you can set your story there, and not have to spend the first third of the novel/movie separating the heroes from their phones. Smartphones are as naff as cigarettes are cool. It's impossible to look suave and insouciant while staring down slack-jawed at your [ridiculous flagship phone courtesy of our partners]. The hero's hands must be free of such lame encumbrances! Plus most movies would be solved with a quick google before they can even drop in the title credit.

Meanwhile we have a payphone around the corner, but mostly it's just a mast for a Spark WiFi node. I think there's a phone in there, but who would know?

[phord]

I remember in the late 80s Telecom upgraded the coin phones to use phonecards.
The old red booths had doors on them to keep out the traffic noise.
The newer booths were a right PITA, hand on one ear, no door, and the hand set too quiet.

[paulw]

The last time I used a payphone was in the mid 1990s. Since then cell phones have taken over and the old phone booth is now a museum piece and the Spark ones that are left are basically Wifi hotspots.

[roygbiv]

I have a memory of waiting for the school bus, when it rained about 6 of us could get in a telephone box for shelter, school bags and all. Very fond memories of them being a lifeline, a last resort to call home when I missed the last bus or train. Those halcyon days.

Since I have lived in NZ I have not been near a telephone box.