Pay Phones Scarce

There are only 1 million pay telephones left in the country, about one-half of the number available 10 years ago, according to an AP story. Interestingly, the reporter found, the number of households without any telephone has increased over time, perhaps–but not always–the result of cellular phone use. Phone company officials say pay phones are taken out if they aren’t profitable, meaning most are not in areas where passersby might need the phones during an emergency. Read the story here.