edg@lll-crg.ARPA@micropro.UUCP (12/19/86)
I remember in my errant youth that pay phones have mercury switches in them
to make them harder to hookswitch. Still possible, though. In most
states, Dial Tone First phones, that can reach 911 and the local 0perator
without a deposit are the rule. It may be that the individual set in question
was broken.
If it was a private pay phone, I say torch the damned thing! Here in Califoo,
we have a $.20 local rate. The private pay phones are $.25. Some of them let
one reach 950-xxxx without a deposit. Those I use for long distance (via
my ALDS.) Others do not. Those I restrain myself from vandalizing.
People should know what they're buying, and who they're paying. If a
restaurant has private pay phones, they're profiteering on their
customers. Same for the corner store or gasoline station. Let the
businessman know that you find his store less hospitable than the
competition.
One last thing I recently saw: A sticker on a restaurant menu that said
"Cordless Public Phone available at your table. Charges added to your
check. Ask your waitress." Am I impressed? Or disgusted.
-edg
Ed Greenberg | {hplabs,glacier}!well!micropro!edg
MicroPro International Corp. | {ucbvax,decwrl}!dual!micropro!edg
San Rafael, California | {lll-crg,ptsfa}!micropro!edg
(415)499-1200 x4096 | micropro!edg@lll-crg.arpa