Pay phones advance into new century with Internet-ready machines

With the advent of wireless communications making conventional pay phones obsolete, Canada Pay-phone Corp of Vancouver has decided to move up to another level. Its Grapevine Network Terminals bring video technology to its new kiosks. "Primarily, it's a pay phone. It has all the bells and whistles and features of a regular pay phone," says Stephen Niven EVP of Canada Payphone "But it also has a full video screen at the top of the screen that allows the capabilities of delivering static advertising." The fluorescent scroll screen display gives step-by-step call instructions. A two line by 20 character scrolling type permits advertisers to present their messages to phone users. Callers will be able to make on-line purchases from promotions offered at the kiosks. "It allows you to deliver what we call web-enabled information distribution," says Niven. "It's where we will distribute information, weather, maps, scores of hockey games and business news." The system is currently undergoing trials in Canada Payphone's hometown. The port of Vancouver, home to cruise ships, is being outfitted with the kiosks, as are the major hotels in the greater Vancouver area. The units, which are made by Elcotel Inc of Sarasota FL, will be tested in the west. Once the bugs are eliminated, Canada Payphone will proceed with a national campaign. "You're looking at 20,000 phones, that's our estimated forecast, to be rolled out over the next five years," he says. Canada Payphone will be the primary supplier in Canada, while Ameritech and SBC will handle distribution south of the border. (Ameritech owns 20 per cent of Canadian telecom giant BCE.) Both suppliers and users should find the booths advantageous. The machines will accept credit cards and phone cards and are also programmed to recognize Canadian and American coins. An electronic coin sensor prevents the use of foreign currency or slugs. Service providers are able to brand the machines by placing logos at the top and centre of the phone. Users will be able to access the Internet through data jacks that will permit laptop computers to be connected to e-mail and other information services. The machines have speed dial keys that are programmed by the service providers to link up with taxis, hotels and other facilities. The Grapevine phone also features a language selection key that permits dialing instructions to be listed in English, French and four other languages.

Pay phones advance into new century with Internet-ready machines

News | April 10, 2000

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