Telebeam: The Fine Print

Even the most intrepid payphone user is unlikely to read the fine print found on most public telephones. The text matter is teeny-tiny and frequently obscured by filth. The text matter is also typically located in such a spot that you would have to get down on your knees to read it. From that indignant position a magnifying glass would still be needed to see and interpret this material.

With a digital camera, OCR software, and a few minutes editing I transcribed a few of these placards. Here is the text which appears at the bottom of (212) 768-3859, a Telebeam payphone in midtown Manhattan:

Building Line
TELEBEAM

Dialing Instructions
Cash Calls:
Dial 1+ area code + number (Local & Long distance)
Local calls – Deposit 25¢ for 3 minutes. (25¢ each additional 3 minutes)
Long distance calls – Deposit 25¢ for 1 minute. (25¢ each additional minute)
All other cash calls – Dial number, listen for required deposit
Note: Over deposits are NOT refunded
No Cash Needed:
Calling card calls – Dial 0 + area code + number, wait for tone, enter calling card number
Collect calls or Person to Person – Dial 0 + area code + number and follow instructions
Operator assistance – Dial 0
Toll Free 800/877/888 – Dial 1 + 800/877/888 + number
Relay Centers for the hearing/speech impaired
(Voice) Dial 1-800-421-1220 (TTY) Dial 1-800-662-1220
Note: Calling card, Collect, Person to Person & Operator calls may be subject to additional charges
Operator Services Provided By
TALK TOO ME-IOS
(800) 499-6761
For The Long Distance Carrier of Your Choice,
Follow Your Carrier ‘s Instructions.
For Rates, Billing and service questions
Write or call the carriers shown above
Directory assistance: (Charges may apply)
Within area code – Dial 411
Outside area code – Dial 1 + area code + 555-1212
Repair, Complaints, refunds, rate Surcharges & other terms – (Telebeam Helpline) – Dial 222 (Note: Refunds are sent via mail).
Telebeam Telecommunications Corp. 36-40 37 St.. L.I.C. NY 11101, 1-718-706-2600
Unresolved Billing problems/Service complaints call,
New York State Public Service commission 1 + 800-342-3377
Unresolved Interstate complaints – Write: Federal Communications Commission,
Consumer Information Bureau, Consumer Complaints – (Telephones)
Washington, DC 20554
This telephone is franchised by the City of New York.
Complaints regarding this payphone Dial 311
NEW YORK CITY PPT ID# 130215
P67041