Hartsfield-Jackson plans to bring back public phones in terminal

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport plans to put public telephones in the terminal again, seeking a company to operate phones on a five-year contract.

The Atlanta airport previously had free public phones that were paid for with advertising displayed on screens on the phones. That contract expired and the devices were removed.

Before that, Hartsfield-Jackson had hundreds of payphones.

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Now, Hartsfield-Jackson is looking for a company to install and operate at least 28 public phones, telecommunication devices for the deaf or video access phones with technology for hearing-impaired customers. The phones would be installed in the concourses, domestic terminal, international terminal.

The contractor will be able to charge a fee for use of the phones, according to airport documents.

Hartsfield-Jackson wants to offer the convenience for the few passengers who don't have cell phones, according to airport spokesman Reese McCranie. But there will be far fewer public phones than when rows of payphones were spread throughout the terminal and concourses.

FROM THE AJC ARCHIVES:

ExplorePAYPHONES FADING FROM LANDSCAPE: Many are wondering what role payphones should play in today's wireless world.

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