Engineer Offers Complimentary Pay Phones in Rural Vermont Regions Without Cell Service
According to the Pew Research Center, 98% of individuals in the United States possess a mobile phone. However, despite their widespread presence, cellular service can be inconsistent in places such as rural Vermont. Patrick Schlott, an electrical engineer, recognized this challenge after his move and opted to assist the community by setting up free public telephones in carefully chosen spots. “Imagine payphones but without the need to pay,” states Schlott.
Launched in 2023, this initiative is known as the Randolph Public Telephone Operating Company (RandTel), named after a quaint town in Vermont. The project draws inspiration from similar efforts like Futel in Oregon and PhilTel in Philadelphia.
Schlott points out that although payphones may seem antiquated, they serve a crucial role in regions where mobile phones do not suffice. “Not everyone has a phone; sometimes they malfunction on dirt roads, you might forget your charger, or you might just need to make an urgent call. Our goal is to provide this vital service while educating the public about the rich history of the US telephone system,” he shares on RandTel’s site.
In his basement, Schlott restores old payphones, enabling them to connect via the internet. He explained to AP how a compact device transforms the internet telephone line into an analog line that these phones can use.
RandTel has installed three phones in Vermont: one at the North Tunbridge General Store in Tunbridge, another at the Latham Library in Thetford Center, and a solar-powered unit on VT-66 in Randolph. These phones operate like traditional ones, with Schlott offering help by pressing 0.
Andrea Easton from the White River Valley Chamber of Commerce endorses the project, underscoring the relief and necessity these phones offer. “If just one person gains from these phones, all my efforts are worth it,” Schlott asserts. He plans to install additional phones, including at the Brownell Library in Essex, covering the operating expenses himself.
Support RandTel by contributing through their Ko-Fi page and keep up with their activities on their official website.
**RandTel: [Website](https://randtel.co/index.html)**
*Sources: [RandTel’s official website](https://randtel.co/index.html); [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/vermont-pay-phone-free-rural-cellphone-c386f61a094d5fe5b868402bffddfc62); [NBC5](https://www.mynbc5.com/article/randtel-free-payphones-vermont/64828926); [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/)*
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