Cable / Telecom News

Payphones live on, for now, says CRTC


OTTAWA-GATINEAU – Public payphones still have a role in Canadian society, and telcos must follow a new series of measures before removing the last public phone in a community, the CRTC said Thursday.Despite their dwindling usage, payphones are important because of their accessibility, their one-time per-use cost, and unlimited time for local and toll-free calls, the Commission said.  It is calling for public input on a proposal that all incumbent telephone companies be obligated to notify communities affected, including municipalities and First Nations, before removing the last public telephone.  Telcos would also have to notify communities before removing a public...