Telstra cuts charges for payphones

Telstra has slashed charges for street payphones, and also made it possible for them to receive calls.

While in Geraldton recently Telstra general manager Boyd Brown said payphones played a crucial role in helping to keep vulnerable people in the community connected despite the mobile phone phenomenon.

“While most people stay in contact using a mobile device there are others that simply cannot afford to have a mobile service,” he said.

“Staying connected with family and friends is necessary for a healthy life. For some people in our community the payphone provides a lifeline for maintaining that contact.”

Mr Brown said Telstra had reduced charges for payphones.

He said distanced-based pricing for national calls had been changed to a simple flat rate of 50 cents per call (untimed) from payphones to standard fixed lines in Australia.

Call rates to 11 selected international destinations were also changed to 50 cents per 10 minutes; with reduced pricing and longer calls planned to be introduced to a further 60 countries.

As well as a drop in landline rates, calls made from payphones to mobiles in Australia have also been changed from 50 cents per 35 seconds to 50 cents for 10 minutes.

On top of these pricing changes, for the first time nationwide, publicly accessible payphones now have their own number and could receive incoming telephone calls.