Mandurah Salvation Army Captain Scott Ellery sees the value of payphones daily.
Camera IconMandurah Salvation Army Captain Scott Ellery sees the value of payphones daily. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Cheaper payphones help vulnerable people

Prestige PublishingMandurah Coastal Times

PAYPHONES are not a thing of the past and are still used daily by many people to stay connected, according to the Salvation Army.

Mandurah’s Salvation Army Captain Scott Ellery said payphones were vital because not everyone could afford a mobile phone.

“Staying connected with family and friends is necessary for a healthy life,” he said.

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“For some people in our community, the payphone provides a lifeline for maintaining that contact.”

Payphone rates were changed back in June to a 50c flat fee for any standard fixed line calls in Australia and 50c per 10 minutes for calls to mobiles within Australia.

Mr Ellery welcomed the changes and said they would make a big difference.

“The Salvation Army is pleased Telstra has considered our most vulnerable people in the Peel region by easing pricing costs and providing an option for people to receive calls at a unique number at each location,” he said.

Telstra is also looking into revamping future payphones.

“Next-generation payphones could contain a range of features including digital screens, Wi-Fi, 5G enabled technology and mobile device charging,” a Telstra spokesperson said.

There are still 60 payphones located across the Mandurah and Peel region.