BT Payphone Consultation

BT is proposing to remove 194 payphones from the network in Highland. BT say the increase in mobile telephone ownership has resulted in the number of calls made from payphones in the last three years being halved and therefore believes that there is a need for them to re-examine payphone provision.

Under Ofcom regulations, the local authority has the responsibility of facilitating the consultation with the local community on these proposals. The Highland Council is therefore encouraging anyone, who wishes to respond to the consultation, to contact the Council with their comments. The timescales for responding have been set down by BT and are governed by Ofcom Regulations and are as follows:-

The Council stresses that the public should be aware that BT requires evidence and justification for any objection to the removal of a call box and encourages anyone who wishes to respond to provide justification for why a particular phone box should be retained -for example no mobile phone coverage within an area.

Convener Councillor Sandy Park said: “In many areas of the rural Highlands, the BT payphone is a lifeline service.  Not everyone carries a mobile phone and not every part of the Highlands has mobile phone coverage.  We are keen to hear from the public and we will reflect their views in the submission to BT.”

All responses to the consultation should be passed in writing to:

Alison Clark, Policy Officer, Chief Executive's Office, The Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX.  Alison.Clark@highland.gov.uk

A full list of the payphones proposed for removal can be found at the home page of the Council's web site /

Alternatively, people can telephone BT's free-phone number to check whether a call box is on the consultation list. The number is: 0800 661 610.