Engineer restores pay phones for free public use
9 months ago
- #community service
- #technology
- #public utility
- Patrick Schlott, an electrical engineer, restores old pay phones for free public use in Vermont's Orange County.
- The phones, modified to work with just an internet connection, allow free calls to the U.S. and Canada without coins.
- Schlott covers all operating costs himself, seeing it as a fun and valuable community service.
- The phones have been widely used, especially at a public library, helping kids call parents and drivers in need.
- With Vermont banning cell phones in schools starting 2026–2027, demand for public phones is expected to rise.
- Schlott aims to keep calls free despite growing project costs and has received some donations to sustain the initiative.