This memo from Sprint’s corporate intranet was sent to the Payphone Project by a Sprint employee. While the death knells continue to sound, Sprint sees a distinct and profitable future for the payphone. With this memo Sprint calls on employees to scout out locations for modest cash rewards.

Sprint is giving employees a chance to make some extra money. Our National Public Access (NPA) organization, which oversees Sprint pay phones, is offering a $25 gift certificate for every lead that results in the installation of a pay station.
“Sometimes the general consensus is that pay phones are dinosaurs,” said Darlene House, interim public access sales manager. “But the truth is, pay phone services remain in demand, and public access contributes to Sprint’s revenue streams.”
The company is looking for good pay phone locations. Good locations may include coin laundries, apartment complexes, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, schools and hotels, just to name a few. As other public access competitors have backed out of the pay phone business, many local business owners have found themselves without pay phone service. NPA wants to find these locations, as well.
That’s where employees can get involved – and win cash! (Actually it’s gift certificates that spend like cash.)
“Employees are the eyes and ears in our communities,” House said. “Many years ago, large sales teams made cold calls to secure pay phone locations. In today’s market, NPA, like all other Sprint organizations, is working to maximize revenues while containing costs. Employee referrals can help us do that.”
Employees who make a pay station referral that results in a successful installation at that location will receive a $25 gift certificate. Make two successful referrals, get two certificates – or $50. There’s no limit.
While locations in which Sprint is the primary local service provider are optimal, National Public Access will consider locations outside franchised Sprint territory.
“The NPA Employee Referral Program is a money-maker for Sprint and for employees,” House said. “It’s a win-win situation.”