I have a cellphone subsidized by my employer, but I’ve never become especially enamored of it. I’ve never been a compulsive phone chatter, and I’ve not lost whatever inhibitions make it feel a bit awkward to carry on a one-sided conversation at moderate volume in a public place.
If there’s a train delay when I’m at the station going home, I usually use a pay phone to call home (we have a personal 800 number, so it’s usually free). If it’s inconvenient to go over to the payphone banks, or I’m running late on my own and can’t take time to call before getting on the train, I’ll use the cell to call home once I’m underway. So, short answer, I use a payphone at least every few weeks.
Two weeks ago at the airport in Columbus to let some people know my flight was delayed several hours, and then again at Chicago-O’Hare to call for my ride. My cell phone battery was dead.
Yesterday. I was on my way to diner, and the payphone next to me began to ring. I just had to answer. A girl on the other end of the line seemed completely surprised that someone had answered. After a hesitant hello, she handed it off to a guy she was with, who, after verifying that this was indeed the public payphone in the commons hall, proceeded to make a lame “prank call.” I played along and had a good laugh at his expense.
The common theme here is ‘not very often’. I used to use them frequently, as part of my job I had to call an 800 number for dispatch information. I used to know where all the phone booths were between Columbia and Myrtle Beach (and there weren’t very many). And there was often a big “OH GROSS” factor when the handset was greasy or stinky or both.
I’ve had a cell phone for a long time, and I don’t miss payphones. I started this thread because I realized how long it had been since I used one. I have a feeling that public telephones are going to slowly disappear.
Some time in the summer. I can’t remember exactly when, but probably not more than 3-4 months ago. I needed to call a friend to let him know I’d arrived, but I was in America and my mobile doesn’t have international coverage. Hence payphone.
They’re phasing out payphones here, according to something I read a few months ago in the newspaper.
The last time I used a payphone was Friday, June 21 / 2003. I was outside the local mall, and needed to tell my sister that I’d be attending Fellowship that night. (I wasn’t sure about that earlier in the week, so I had to confirm with her somehow… I have no cell phone)
At the airport, about 2 weeks ago, to call my boyfriend. My cell phone battery had died mid-conversation.
I really need to get one of those little emergency battery doohickies.
Before that? Dang, I can’t remember the last time. I’m terrible about remembering to charge my phone, but I’m usually in my car where I can just plug in the cig-lighter cord.