TL;DR
Patrick Schlott, an engineer in Vermont, has installed working pay phones in rural areas by converting old phones with VoIP technology. These phones offer free calls and serve communities with limited cell coverage, reviving a classic telecom fixture.
Patrick Schlott, an engineer based in Vermont, has restored and installed working pay phones across rural communities using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, offering free public calls and addressing local connectivity issues.
Schlott, 32, works at Beta Technologies in South Burlington and has converted old Western Electric and GTE pay phones into functional devices by connecting them to VoIP gateways. His first installation was in March 2024 at the North Tunbridge General Store, after securing support from the store owner, Mike Gross, and his wife Lois.
The process involves using analog telephone adapters (ATAs) that connect traditional phones to internet-based VoIP services, allowing calls to be routed nationwide and into Canada. These phones operate on loop-start lines, a type of landline technology that remains compatible with modern VoIP gateways.
Currently, Schlott has installed seven pay phones in locations including libraries, schools, and a town hall, with plans to expand further based on community demand. The initiative aims to provide accessible communication options, especially for children and residents in areas with poor cell coverage.
Why It Matters
This project highlights a practical way to preserve and repurpose vintage telecom infrastructure, offering free and reliable communication options in rural Vermont. It also addresses gaps in emergency and everyday connectivity, especially as Vermont prepares to ban smartphones in schools starting in 2026.
By restoring these pay phones, Schlott’s work demonstrates a sustainable use of old technology, blending historical charm with modern needs, and could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
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Background
Pay phones were once ubiquitous across the United States but have largely disappeared due to the rise of mobile phones. Vermont has seen a decline in landline usage, but rural areas still face connectivity challenges. The state’s 2026 ban on smartphones in schools has increased demand for alternative communication methods, prompting community efforts like Schlott’s project.
Inspired by projects like Futel and PhilTel, which also focus on public phones, Schlott’s initiative combines hobbyist reverse engineering with community service, reviving a classic technology for contemporary use.
“Phones used to operate on two types of lines: ground start and loop start. I work with loop-start phones connected through VoIP gateways, making old phones functional again.”
— Patrick Schlott
“It’s great to have a phone available for people who need it, especially when cars break down or someone needs help.”
— Mike Gross, store owner
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how sustainable or scalable Schlott’s project will be long-term, or how many more locations will adopt the pay phones beyond current plans. The exact costs and maintenance needs are also still being evaluated.
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What’s Next
Schlott plans to install more pay phones in additional community centers, schools, and libraries across Vermont. He is also seeking donations and community support to expand the project and improve infrastructure.
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Key Questions
Why are pay phones being revived now?
They serve as reliable, free communication tools in areas with limited cell coverage and are useful for emergency situations, especially as Vermont prepares to ban smartphones in schools.
How do these pay phones work with modern technology?
They use VoIP gateways and analog telephone adapters to connect traditional phones to internet-based calling services, enabling them to operate as if they were landlines.
Are these pay phones connected to emergency services?
Yes, each installation is registered with the provider to ensure that emergency calls via 911 pass along the correct location data.
Who is funding this project?
Schlott funds it through personal money and donations, while the cost of used pay phones on the secondhand market can range from $400 to $700 each.
Will this project expand beyond Vermont?
It is currently focused on Vermont communities, but the success could inspire similar efforts in other rural areas facing connectivity challenges.
