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.

ajc.com

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

icon to expand image

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:

About the Author

Keep Reading

A vintage Volkswagen Beetle that looks like Herbie, the Love Bug. (Photo courtesy of iStock.)

Credit: Special

Featured

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC