In Vermont, one man is bringing pay phones back to life
13 days ago
- #connectivity
- #payphone-revival
- #rural-tech
- Electrical engineer Patrick Schlott revives unused payphones in Vermont to improve connectivity in dead zones.
- Schlott retrofits payphones with VoIP technology, making calls free and accessible without coins.
- The first payphone was installed at North Tunbridge General Store after a woman's emergency highlighted the need.
- Schlott's project, RandTel, has expanded to three locations, facilitating over 300 calls in recent months.
- Payphones are also being used in schools as an alternative communication method amid smartphone bans.
- Schlott funds the project himself, sourcing used payphones from flea markets and online listings.
- The project addresses rural connectivity gaps and the digital divide in the U.S.
- Other similar initiatives, like PhilTel and FuTel, are also reviving payphones in different cities.
- Schlott may need volunteers to help manage the growing demand for his payphone network.