Thousands of UK phone boxes to be saved from closure

guest · Nov 9, 2021

Thousands of UK phone boxes to be saved from closure
November 9, 2021
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-59219078

Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, said it will stop BT from closing down 5,000 phone boxes in areas with poor mobile signals or high accident rates, if they are still needed by local communities.

The watchdog said that without such protection, some - which are considered "vital" - would still have been closed.
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"We also want to make sure that people without mobile coverage, often in rural areas, can still make calls. At the same time, we're planning to support the rollout of new phone boxes with free Wi-Fi and charging.
"Under our plans, BT and KCOM - which operates Hull's unique white phone boxes - must also install batteries in some payphones, so they can still be used during a power cut."
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There are currently about 21,000 call boxes across the country. For people without a mobile, or for those in areas with poor mobile coverage, these can be a lifeline for making calls to friends and family, helpline services and accessing emergency services.
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Ofcom: Calling all payphone users: thousands of call boxes set for protection

Plan to protect payphones in areas with poor mobile signal or high accident rates

Also updating rules to support on-street devices with free calls, Wi-Fi and charging

If a payphone is no longer needed, communities can reuse landmark red kiosks

Thousands of vital phone boxes around the UK will be protected from closure, under Ofcom plans announced today.
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