Payphone Tag Wiki - User contributions [en]

Payphone:02954403X2

2026-06-16T12:05:23Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0477875132
| cab = 02954403X2
| id = 3590
| address = 101 GERRALE ST OPP RSL CLUB, CRONULLA
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2230
| lat = -34.056844
| lng = 151.153593
| status = inoperable
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Prestige type [[cabinet]], one of only two in NSW.

== Location ==
This phone is located on Gerrale St in Cronulla, southwest of the intersection with Laycock Ave.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02954416X2

2026-06-16T12:03:37Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0437938403
| cab = 02954416X2
| id = 1582
| address = 57 PRINCES HWY CNR CLARE ST, SYLVANIA
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2224
| lat = -34.007357
| lng = 151.111456
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Prestige type [[cabinet]], one of only two in NSW.

== Location ==
This phone is located on Princes Hwy in Sylvania, northwest of the intersection with Clare St.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02970901X1

2026-06-15T01:56:46Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0297092613
| cab = 02970901X1
| id = 403
| address = 1 NORTH TCE S/C CNTR MGT ENTRY, BANKSTOWN
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2200
| lat = -33.916605
| lng = 151.038751
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a free-standing Modular type cabinet.

== Location ==
The phone is located inside Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, on level 2 opposite the toilets and centre management. Follow the signs to Kmart, then go down the narrow corridor opposite Kmart.

Please note as this phone is located inside the shopping centre, access is not possible outside opening hours. Some sections of the centre close earlier than others according to the opening hours of retailers in that section. This phone is generally only accessible when Kmart is open.

== Gallery ==

Cabinet

2026-06-14T12:15:05Z

CrimsonWolf:

The cabinet is the structure housing the payphone that contains the electrical and telephonic equipment needed for a [[Telstra Smart Payphone]] to be operational. Indoor payphones are typically very simple, whereas outdoor payphones additionally have a limited amount of cover from the weather.

Very rarely, a payphone does not have a visible cabinet of any kind.

== Standard cabinet types ==
This is a summary of the standard cabinet types:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Summary of standard cabinet types
!Internal name
!Photo
!Size
!Locations
!Notes
!Installation dates
|-
|Boulevard
|[[File:Boulevard.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Indoor and outdoor
|Frame colour can come in various colours, such as blue, red, and green.
|?
|-
|FLPC (Full length payphone cabinet)
|[[File:FLPC.jpg|alt=FLPC|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|
|?
|-
|Streetcab
|[[File:Payphone-03983000X2-20260512074917.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|Thicker back than FLPC to hold advertisements
|?
|-
|Prestige
|[[File:Payphone-03841502X2-20260512090513.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|Early version of the Streetcab, mainly found in Melbourne
|?
|-
|Majestic
|[[File:Majestic.jpg|alt=Majestic Payphone Cabinet Type|thumb]]
|Half width
|Indoor and outdoor
|
|?
|-
|Telebox
|[[File:Telebox.jpg|alt=Telebox|thumb]]
|Half width
|Indoor and outdoor
|Table can be fully or partially slanted, or have no slant at all.
|?
|-
|Clearline
|[[File:Payphone-02625104X1-20260515130057.jpg|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|
|?
|-
|Slimline
|[[File:Payphone-02963404X1-20260512033212.jpg|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|May have lit orange hat, grey 4G antenna or no hat at all
|?
|-
|Modular
|[[File:Payphone-02978904X1-20260525074338.jpg|alt=Modular|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|Reportedly less than 50 exist, all inside shopping centres
|?
|-
|Digital
|[[File:Payphone-08829401X2-20260508 222647.jpg|thumb]]
|Double width
|Outdoor
|At least two different versions exist.
Some have had the screen on the phone side replaced with a static poster (as in photo).

Has a USB-A charging port on the right side of the phone.
|?
|-
|Billboard (JCDecaux Booth)
|[[File:Billboard.jpg|alt=Billboard (JCD Booth)|thumb]]
|Double width
|Outdoor
|Exclusive to certain areas of Sydney, these Cabinet types have several different variations.
Some have Digital advertising screens on the back and some have static posters.
These cabinets mostly have a map or an advertising space in place of a second phone.
There are also different variations of the glass on these cabinets, with some having the standard Telstra Majestic glass and branding on them.
|1997
|-
|Red Box/Heritage
|[[File:Payphone-08853622X2-20260511113756.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|
|?
|-
|?
|[[File:Payphone-02628400X2-20260513100000.jpg|thumb]]
|Double Width
|Outdoor
|Rugged all metal anti-vandalism cabinet design
|?
|}

Note that there is some level of variation in the construction of some of these models. There are also a very small number of custom-built cabinets that do not match any of standard designs above. Finally, some payphones are directly mounted onto building walls and do not have a cabinet of any kind.

== ID panel ==
All cabinets have a ID panel that shows:

* the Payphone Identification Number
* the Payphone Telephone Number
* the address where the payphone is located
* how to use the phone
* important phone numbers

The panel consists of a piece of paper behind a perspex window, except for the Digital type cabinet, where it is printed directly onto a piece of black plastic. Depending on the cabinet, the panel can be found on the left, right or above the phone. Phones without a cabinet will have a similar panel attached nearby.

=== Payphone Identification Number ===
As the name suggests, this number is the preferred way to refer to a specific payphone as it does not change, unlike the telephone number. It consists of 10 characters, with the second last always being a letter and the rest being numbers. The first eight digits is all that is needed to uniquely identify a phone, with the first six being an area code for the exchange the phone is connected to. The last two digits identify the type of phone fitted at that location. The vast majority of current payphones are X2. Small numbers of X1, X7, X8, X9 exist, mainly indoors. Y1, Y2, Y7, Y8 and Y9 are even rarer, mainly found in remote communities in WA/NT.

== Attachments ==
Most cabinets have a coloured dome that forms the top. The standard colours are orange for a standard payphone and magenta for payphones with [[Telstra Air|free Wi-Fi]], although a limited run of other colours were also installed as part of Telstra's "Life in Full Colour" rebrand in 2011. The hat typically contains a light to illuminate the logo on the outside, and sometimes a router to provide the free Wi-Fi.

Some payphones also have a magenta cube fitted above the hat. This usually contains the router that provides free Wi-Fi and/or the LTE modem that allows the phone to function. This cube has Wi-Fi symbols on it if the payphone has free Wi-Fi enabled and is blank otherwise.

Some payphones have a dark grey "blade" instead of the cube. This is an enclosure for a LTE antenna.<gallery>
File:Payphone-02434403X2-20260512012023.jpg|A Telebox with a standard orange dome
File:Payphone-02954707X2-20260509113533.jpg|A Steetcab with a pink dome (Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-02957012X2-20260509115902.jpg|A Majestic cabinet with a magenta dome and cube (Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-02422685X2-20260507055309.jpg|A Telebox with an orange dome and magenta cube (non Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-07557320X1-20260506101708.jpg|A Slimline with a grey blade
File:Payphone-07552980X1-20260506104756.jpg|A Telebox with an orange dome and grey blade
</gallery>

Payphone:02941975X2

2026-06-10T10:13:40Z

CrimsonWolf: Fix text inside comment

{{Payphone
| phone = 0294192927
| cab = 02941975X2
| id = 7501
| address = CNCRSE 436 VICTORIA AVE CHATSWOOD INTERCHA, CHATSWOOD
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2067
| lat = -33.797208
| lng = 151.180801
| status = inoperable
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==


== Location ==
Located inside Chatswood Train Station, near a vending machine at the gates.

== Gallery ==

Fault Reporting

2026-06-09T04:55:32Z

CrimsonWolf:

Agents who encounter a problem when capturing a phone should report it in-game and/or to Telstra.

== Quick Reference Table ==
Issues can either be reported to Telstra (to fix a physical issue with the phone) or in-game (to fix an issue with game data). Follow this table to ensure your issue is reported correctly.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Type of issue
!Recommended action
|-
|Access to the phone is blocked due to construction
|Consider returning to the phone in a few days
Otherwise report in-game under not accessible
|-
|Phone is not accessible to the public
|Report in-game under not accessible
|-
|The phone cannot be found
(ensure you check the written address in case it differs from the location on map)
|Report in-game under can't find
|-
|The phone was found in a different location to where it appears on the map in-game
| rowspan="2" |Report in-game under wrong location
|-
|The written address in-game is incorrect
|-
|The phone or [[cabinet]] has been vandalised
| rowspan="3" |Report to Telstra
Do not report in-game unless the phone cannot be captured
|-
|The handset is faulty (ie. no sound), broken or missing
|-
|The screen is broken
|-
|One or more keys on the keypad do not work
|Report to Telstra
Report in-game under phone broken
Note: even if you can capture without that specific key, another agent may not, so please report
|-
|The TTY keyboard fails to open
|Telstra is likely to already be aware of the issue, however there's no harm in reporting it again
Report in-game under phone broken
|-
|The phone does not turn on when the handset is lifted
|Try pushing in the hook with your finger several times
Otherwise, report to Telstra and in-game under phone broken
|-
|The phone displays an error message
(e.g. out of service, please wait, SMS only)
|Try resetting the phone by holding a button while lifting the handset or calling it from another phone
Otherwise, report to Telstra and in-game under out of service
|-
|The operator says "the call cannot be completed as dialled" instead of asking for your PIN
|Report in-game under call won't connect
|-
|The call appears to connect but no sound is heard
Calls to other numbers also fail similarly
|Report to Telstra
Report in-game under out of service
|-
|The call appears to connect but no sound is heard
Calls to other numbers work
|The game is experiencing an outage, try again later
|}

== Troubleshooting ==
In some cases, faults can be resolved by performing a reset procedure on the payphone.

=== Method 1 ===

# Hold down a number key, then lift the handset
# Release the key when the screen shows "OUT OF ORDER HANG UP PLEASE"
# Replace the handset

This method has been observed to work when the payphone displays "OUT OF SERVICE" after a key or the hook gets stuck.

=== Method 2 ===
Call the payphone from your mobile phone. The number should be printed on the ID panel next to the payphone, otherwise try using the number from the game map.

== How to report ==
The easiest way to report a fault to Telstra is via Snap Send Solve (SSS). You can report from your browser [https://me.snapsendsolve.com/snap here] or download the app. You need to submit a picture of the phone, location and a brief description of the problem (ideally write the cabinet ID here). It will then prompt you to pick a category. Either "Payphone Vandalism" or "Pit/Manholes and Equipment" is ok, as long as the solver name is Telstra.

You can also report directly by calling Telstra on '''180 22 44'''.

To report an issue in-game, tap on the phone, then "REPORT ISSUE" at the bottom. Select the issue type and follow the prompts.

== Resolving a report ==
Reports submitted via SSS will be entered into Telstra's own fault management database. This is usually very quick, within 24 hours in most cases. Your report status will change to "viewed" or "in progress" when this is done.

Telstra will then schedule a technician to fix the issue. This can take a while, especially if it is a low priority issue. SSS reports are usually not marked as resolved by Telstra, however you are able to do this yourself if you would like.

Once a report is made in-game, it will be held in a queue for review by an admin. The phone will appear in yellow on the map if there are any open reports on it. Following admin review, for wrong location reports, the game database will be updated and the report will be closed. For other report types, it may or may not be decided to mark the phone as inoperable, removing the phone from considering when calculating edges and triangles. Phones marked inoperable will appear in red on the map.

You can always capture any phone, even if it has open reports or has been marked inoperable. The holder of a phone can close any reports on it by tapping on the phone then "REPORT FIXED". If a phone marked inoperable is captured, it will immediately become operable, with triangles and edges being recalculated soon after.

Phonecard

2026-06-09T04:47:55Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:$5 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|$5 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077653712</ref>]]
A '''Telstra Phonecard''' (also called a '''calling card''') is a pre-paid card that is used to make phone calls at [[Payphone|payphones]] to international numbers and satellite phones. These cards are sold in denominations of $5, $10, and $20 at select Telstra outlets<ref>''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>, and they are the only way to pay for such calls, as cash payments were discontinued at some point after domestic calls were made free in 2021. Phonecards can be programmed to autodial a number, which can be useful for [[Agent|agents]] as it allows making captures on payphones with damaged keypads.[[File:$10 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|279x279px|$10 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077695502</ref>]]

== History ==
Telstra started issuing phonecards in late 1980s. This first generation of cards were made by Japanese company Anritsu and had the value encoded onto a magnetic stripe, which would be decremented by the payphone. The phone would also punch holes into the card to provide a visual indication of the remaining credit.

In 1997, with the introduction of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]], a new generation of phonecards with a chip was introduced. As these could not be used with older payphones, Telstra introduced a simple colour code: chip cards carried a red arrow matching the red arrow on Smart Payphones, and the older magstripe cards carried a green arrow matching the green arrow on older payphones.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> This has since been retired as there are no longer any phones remaining that accept magstripe cards.

Telstra also promoted the Smart Phonecard as a possible stored-value payment system beyond payphones, stating that Smart Phonecards would soon be accepted in vending machines for snacks and drinks.<ref name="smh-smart2">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The extent of any later vending-machine rollout is unclear.

== Technical details ==
The chip used in the Telstra Smart Phonecard has been identified by hobbyist and collector testing as the '''Siemens/Infineon SLE 4436''' family. The SLE 4436/36E was specifically designed for prepaid telephone-card applications. Manufacturer information describes it as containing 221 bits of EEPROM memory, 16 bits of ROM, a control/security unit, and a computing unit for chip authentication.<ref name="sle4436">''SLE 4436/36E Short Product Information'', Infineon Technologies, [https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf](https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The chip stores the card serial number, the remaining value on the card, an autodial number of up to 10 digits and certain other data. For security reasons, the chip is programmed to only allow one way writing. Credit cannot be added, it can only be deducted, hence why it is required to exchange the card for a new one if a refund is required. Similarly once an autodial number has been set, it cannot be edited or removed.

Ranges of serial numbers to invalidate can be sent to payphones in case a batch of phonecards is lost or stolen. This is likely also how cards are invalidated when expired.

It has been observed recently expired phonecards (e.g. 2025) continue to work. It is possible Telstra has stopped invalidating these cards so that unsold stock can continue to be sold, given the extremely low sales volumes now that the vast majority of calls are free. Please note this is not officially documented, so agents should purchase these cards at their own risk.

== Finding a phonecard ==
Telstra Shop staff may not know what a Telstra Phonecard is, especially because they are now rarely requested. When asking for one, avoid only saying ''calling card'', as staff may think of mobile recharge vouchers, international PIN cards or discontinued products. Useful wording:<blockquote>I’m after a '''Telstra Phonecard calling card''' for use in Telstra payphones. Telstra’s website lists it under '''Calling cards''' and says it is available in '''$5, $10 and $20''' denominations at selected Telstra Stores and retail outlets.</blockquote>It may help to show staff Telstra's ''Calling cards'' page, which states that Telstra Phonecards are used for international, mobile satellite and other chargeable calls from Telstra payphones.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page2">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Ask whether the store can check old stock, the accessories drawer, or internal product listings.

=== Recent Observations ===
The following table shows stores where agents on the [[Discord Server|Payphone Tag Discord]] have recently tried to obtain phonecards:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Store
!State
!Notes
!Date
|-
|Burwood
|NSW
|Many cards available
|2/6/2026
|-
|Chatswood Chase
|NSW
|Plenty available
|6/6/2026
|-
|<s>Chatswood</s>
|NSW
|None
|01/06/2026
|-
|<s>Kempsey</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Marrickville Metro
|NSW
|Many $10, $20 cards
One $5 left
|1/6/2026
|-
|<s>Macquarie Centre</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|7/6/2026
|-
|Pitt Street
|NSW
|Plenty of $10, $20 cards
$5 not sold here
|24/5/2026
|-
|<s>Rhodes</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Wollongong
|NSW
|Plenty of $5 cards
|Unknown
|-
|<s>World Square</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|Unknown
|-
|Brunswick
|VIC
|$5 available
|22/5/2026
|-
|<s>Melbourne Icon</s>
|VIC
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|Melbourne Emporium
|VIC
|$5 sold out
|6/5/2026
|-
|Rundle Mall
|SA
|2x$10 and 1x$20 remaining
|8/5/2026
|-
|<s>Claremont</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|<s>Perth</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|}

== Exchange ==
In certain cases, phonecards can be exchanged for a new one by posting it to Telstra with a completed form:

* Exchange magstripe for chip card (ended 3 May 2010)
* Exchange expired card with value remaining for new card (except where marked otherwise on card)
* Exchange faulty card for new card
* Exchange card where value was deducted incorrected due to a payphone fault

Payphone:02971824X2

2026-06-09T04:44:40Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0297187265
| cab = 02971824X2
| id = 6753
| address = 0 SOUTH PDE OPP BEAMISH LANE, CAMPSIE
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2194
| lat = -33.910419
| lng = 151.104294
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = yes
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Boulevard type [[cabinet]] with a scrolling advertisement box on the rear.

== Location ==
This phone is located on South Pde in Campsie, near Campsie Station bus stand D.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02971826X2

2026-06-09T04:42:36Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0297189207
| cab = 02971826X2
| id = 8476
| address = 1 AMY ST NR BEAMISH ST, CAMPSIE
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2194
| lat = -33.912098
| lng = 151.10357652679372
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = yes
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = yes
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Majestic type [[cabinet]], the westernmost in a bank of 2 payphones (formerly three).

Note the 7 key on this phone works intermittently, a fault has been lodged with Telstra however it has not been fixed yet.

== Location ==
This payphone is located on Amy St in Campsie, southwest of the intersection with Beamish St.

== Gallery ==

Agent

2026-06-09T02:43:02Z

CrimsonWolf:

An '''agent''' is a registered player of [[Payphone Tag]]. The term is used throughout the game and its community in place of "player" or "user".

== Registration ==
To become an agent, a player visits [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com] and generates an agent [[PIN]] and an associated emoji callsign. These are stored in the player's browser. The PIN is the agent's unique identifier — it must not be shared with other players, as sharing it would allow others to capture payphones on the agent's behalf. To play cooperatively with friends, agents should form a [[Cells|cell]] instead.<ref>''How to play'', Payphone Tag, [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>

== Agent identity ==
Each agent is identified in the game by:
* A unique five-digit [[PIN]].
* A unique emoji randomly assigned at registration.
* A randomly generated agent name (callsign).

==== Emojis ====
Agent emojis are randomly assigned from a pool of approximately 1500 Unicode emojis. They are rendered locally by your device, hence small differences in appearance may be noticed between devices. Some devices, particularly Windows PCs, do not support all the emojis used by the game, so a white square (□) may be seen instead.

Originally, agents were assigned a single emoji. The pool of emojis was exhausted on 25 April 2026, so new agents began receiving a emoji together with a shape (square or pentagon currently in use). Since then, some agents have also received two emojis, or two emojis with a shape.

On the game map, as agent emojis appear within a circle, they are slightly condensed to fit within the circle. Shapes are shown behind the emoji, and only half of each emoji is shown if the agent has two emojis.

== Cells ==
Agents can optionally join or form [[cells]] — teams of up to 12 agents that score territory cooperatively. An agent must have captured at least 3 payphones before they can create a cell<ref>''Cells'', Payphone Tag Wiki, [https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>, but any agent may join an existing cell provided that they have an invite code to that cell.

== Code of Conduct ==
To keep the game fair for all agents and respect the community, agents should follow these rules when playing Payphone Tag:

# '''Do not vandalise Telstra property:''' This includes but is not limited to placing stickers of your agent or cell name, writing on, or damaging any part of the phone or [[cabinet]].
# '''Do not trespass''': Do not enter any area that is not open to the public to capture a phone. This includes patient only areas of hospitals.
# '''Physical presence required:''' Do not attempt to capture any phone without physically being there (e.g. by spoofing caller IDs or sharing your PIN with someone else).
# '''Be truthful''': Ensure any faults [[Fault Reporting|reported]] are accurate and do not report faults are resolved unless they are.
# '''Respect privacy:''' Do not attempt to follow the movements of other agents or call a phone they are about to capture, unless you already know them and know they are ok with it.
Agents who are found to have broken these rules may receive a warning (captures can be made as usual) or suspension (all captures will be blocked). The game also has built-in checks for suspicious activity which will automatically trigger a warning. Agents with a warning or suspended status will see a banner at the top of the map which says their account is under review/suspended, together with the reason and an email to contact for resolution. A similar announcement will also be made by the [[operator]] on every call.

== See also ==
* [[PIN]]
* [[Cells]]
* [[Gameplay]]

== References ==
<references />

Agent

2026-06-09T02:25:24Z

CrimsonWolf:

An '''agent''' is a registered player of [[Payphone Tag]]. The term is used throughout the game and its community in place of "player" or "user".

== Registration ==
To become an agent, a player visits [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com] and generates an agent [[PIN]] and an associated emoji callsign. These are stored in the player's browser. The PIN is the agent's unique identifier — it must not be shared with other players, as sharing it would allow others to capture payphones on the agent's behalf. To play cooperatively with friends, agents should form a [[Cells|cell]] instead.<ref>''How to play'', Payphone Tag, [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>

== Agent identity ==
Each agent is identified in the game by:
* A unique five-digit [[PIN]].
* A unique emoji randomly assigned at registration.
* A randomly generated agent name (callsign).

==== Emojis ====
Agent emojis are randomly assigned from a pool of approximately 1500 Unicode emojis. They are rendered locally by your device, hence small differences in appearance may be noticed between devices. Some devices, particularly Windows PCs, do not support all the emojis used by the game, so a white square (□) may be seen instead.

Originally, agents were assigned a single emoji. The pool of emojis was exhausted on 25 April 2026, so new agents began receiving a emoji together with a shape (square or pentagon currently in use). Since then, some agents have also received two emojis, or two emojis with a shape.

On the game map, as agent emojis appear within a circle, they are slightly condensed to fit within the circle. Shapes are shown behind the emoji, and only half of each emoji is shown if the agent has two emojis.

== Cells ==
Agents can optionally join or form [[cells]] — teams of up to 12 agents that score territory cooperatively. An agent must have captured at least 3 payphones before they can create a cell<ref>''Cells'', Payphone Tag Wiki, [https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>, but any agent may join an existing cell provided that they have an invite code to that cell.

== Code of Conduct ==
To keep the game fair for all agents and respect the community, agents should follow these rules when playing Payphone Tag:

# '''Do not vandalise Telstra property:''' This includes but is not limited to placing stickers of your agent or cell name, writing on, or damaging any part of the phone or [[cabinet]].
# '''Do not trespass''': Do not enter any area that is not open to the public to capture a phone. This includes patient only areas of hospitals.
# '''Physical presence required:''' Do not attempt to capture any phone without physically being there (e.g. by spoofing caller IDs or sharing your PIN with someone else).
# '''Be truthful''': Ensure any faults [[Fault Reporting|reported]] are accurate and do not report faults are resolved unless they are.
# '''Respect privacy:''' Do not attempt to follow the movements of other agents or call a phone they are about to capture, unless you already know them and know they are ok with it.
Agents who are found to have broken these rules may receive a warning. The game also has built-in checks for suspicious activity which will automatically trigger a warning. This warning status, together with instructions to resolve it, is clearly displayed in-game and spoken by the [[operator]] on every call.

Continued non-compliance may result in suspension from the game, with all captures removed.

== See also ==
* [[PIN]]
* [[Cells]]
* [[Gameplay]]

== References ==
<references />

PayphoneTag:Photo guidelines

2026-06-08T02:28:00Z

CrimsonWolf:

This page explains how to upload photos to this wiki.

== Taking the photo ==
Payphone photos should:
* '''Show the payphone clearly.''' A wide shot of the phone in its surroundings beats a tight crop of just the handset.
* '''Daytime, in focus, level horizon.''' We're not pixel-peeping but blurry phone-camera shots in the dark are hard to use.
* '''Multiple angles welcome.''' Front, side, the cabinet ID plate, the surrounding street — it all helps build a visual record.
You may also upload other images (e.g. phonecards) if they are relevant to the article you intend to use them in.

Do not upload:
* '''Photos that aren't yours.''' If you didn't take it, don't upload it. Pulling images off Google or social networks is the fastest way to get an upload rejected.
* '''Identifiable people.''' Try to avoid people's faces in shot. Members of the public have a reasonable expectation of not appearing on a wiki without consent. Crop or wait for a quieter moment.
* '''Anything containing personal info from the phone itself.''' Cabinet ID plates are fine (public info). Don't upload close-ups of any displayed phone numbers, personal notes left on the cabinet, etc.
Note that most phones will embed GPS location data in the EXIF metadata in photos, and this data remains accessible when uploaded to this wiki. This is not a concern for payphone photos (as their location is public), but keep this in mind if uploading photos of other things.

== How to upload ==
There are two ways to upload an image. If you are uploading a photo of a payphone, open the wiki page for the phone first and click the "Add a photo of this payphone" link. This automatically populates some of the fields for you. Alternatively, you can open the wiki menu on the left and click "Upload File".

Click the "Choose File" button to select the file from your device storage.

Destination filename is already populated if you clicked from a wiki page, otherwise use a descriptive and unique name that describes the image you are uploading.

Under summary, you should include the following:

* '''Categories:''' You must include these for the photo to automatically appear on the relevant pages. For each payphone that appears in the photo, add a line in the format <code>[[Category:Photos of payphone <i>cab ID</i>]]</code>, where <i>cab ID</i> is the 10 character cabinet ID of the payphone. Also add <code>[[Category:Payphone photos]]</code> for any photo that includes payphones.

* '''Licence:''' Confirm that the conditions your photo will be published on this wiki under. Unless you want to use a different licence, put <code>{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}</code> to release your photo under the [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0] licence, which allows anyone to reuse your photo with attribution and the same licence.
* '''Caption:''' Describe what's in the photo. If you clicked from a wiki page, some example text is already there. Be sure to remove this entirely, including the <code></code> to ensure the text is visible.
Here's an example of a completed summary:
<pre>[[Category:Photos of payphone 02956418X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view, looking east</pre>

Finally, click "Upload file" to complete the process. As with other page edits, your upload may be held for moderation if you are a new user. This is usually completed within 24 hours.

Please note, if you wish to upload another photo of the same phone, go back to the phone's page and click from there, do not use the back button on your browser to return to the upload page - this will cause an error from duplicate file names.
[[Category:Wiki guidelines]]

PayphoneTag:Photo guidelines

2026-06-08T02:26:13Z

CrimsonWolf:

Phonecard

2026-06-06T11:39:27Z

CrimsonWolf: /* Recent Observations */

[[File:$5 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|$5 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077653712</ref>]]
A '''Telstra Phonecard''' (also called a '''calling card''') is a pre-paid card that is used to make phone calls at [[Payphone|payphones]] to international numbers and satellite phones. These cards are sold in denominations of $5, $10, and $20 at select Telstra outlets<ref>''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>, and they are the only way to pay for such calls, as cash payments were discontinued at some point after domestic calls were made free in 2021. Phonecards can be programmed to autodial a number, which can be useful for [[Agent|agents]] as it allows making captures on payphones with damaged keypads.[[File:$10 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|279x279px|$10 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077695502</ref>]]

== History ==
Telstra started issuing phonecards in late 1980s. This first generation of cards were made by Japanese company Anritsu and had the value encoded onto a magnetic stripe, which would be decremented by the payphone. The phone would also punch holes into the card to provide a visual indication of the remaining credit.

In 1997, with the introduction of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]], a new generation of phonecards with a chip was introduced. As these could not be used with older payphones, Telstra introduced a simple colour code: chip cards carried a red arrow matching the red arrow on Smart Payphones, and the older magstripe cards carried a green arrow matching the green arrow on older payphones.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> This has since been retired as there are no longer any phones remaining that accept magstripe cards.

Telstra also promoted the Smart Phonecard as a possible stored-value payment system beyond payphones, stating that Smart Phonecards would soon be accepted in vending machines for snacks and drinks.<ref name="smh-smart2">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The extent of any later vending-machine rollout is unclear.

== Technical details ==
The chip used in the Telstra Smart Phonecard has been identified by hobbyist and collector testing as the '''Siemens/Infineon SLE 4436''' family. The SLE 4436/36E was specifically designed for prepaid telephone-card applications. Manufacturer information describes it as containing 221 bits of EEPROM memory, 16 bits of ROM, a control/security unit, and a computing unit for chip authentication.<ref name="sle4436">''SLE 4436/36E Short Product Information'', Infineon Technologies, [https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf](https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The chip stores the card serial number, the remaining value on the card, an autodial number of up to 10 digits and certain other data. For security reasons, the chip is programmed to only allow one way writing. Credit cannot be added, it can only be deducted, hence why it is required to exchange the card for a new one if a refund is required. Similarly once an autodial number has been set, it cannot be edited or removed.

Ranges of serial numbers to invalidate can be sent to payphones in case a batch of phonecards is lost or stolen. This is likely also how cards are invalidated when expired.

It has been observed recently expired phonecards (e.g. 2025) continue to work. It is possible Telstra has stopped invalidating these cards so that unsold stock can continue to be sold, given the extremely low sales volumes now that the vast majority of calls are free. Please note this is not officially documented, so agents should purchase these cards at their own risk.

== Finding a phonecard ==
Telstra Shop staff may not know what a Telstra Phonecard is, especially because they are now rarely requested. When asking for one, avoid only saying ''calling card'', as staff may think of mobile recharge vouchers, international PIN cards or discontinued products. Useful wording:<blockquote>I’m after a '''Telstra Phonecard calling card''' for use in Telstra payphones. Telstra’s website lists it under '''Calling cards''' and says it is available in '''$5, $10 and $20''' denominations at selected Telstra Stores and retail outlets.</blockquote>It may help to show staff Telstra's ''Calling cards'' page, which states that Telstra Phonecards are used for international, mobile satellite and other chargeable calls from Telstra payphones.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page2">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Ask whether the store can check old stock, the accessories drawer, or internal product listings.

=== Recent Observations ===
The following table shows stores where agents on the [[Discord Server|Payphone Tag Discord]] have recently tried to obtain phonecards:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Store
!State
!Notes
!Date
|-
|Burwood
|NSW
|Many cards available
|2/6/2026
|-
|Chatswood Chase
|NSW
|Plenty available
|6/6/2026
|-
|<s>Kempsey</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Marrickville Metro
|NSW
|Many $10, $20 cards
One $5 left
|1/6/2026
|-
|<s>Macquarie Centre</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|24/5/2026
|-
|Pitt Street
|NSW
|Plenty of $10, $20 cards
$5 not sold here
|24/5/2026
|-
|<s>Rhodes</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Wollongong
|NSW
|Plenty of $5 cards
|Unknown
|-
|<s>World Square</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|Unknown
|-
|Brunswick
|VIC
|$5 available
|22/5/2026
|-
|<s>Melbourne Icon</s>
|VIC
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|Melbourne Emporium
|VIC
|$5 sold out
|6/5/2026
|-
|Rundle Mall
|SA
|2x$10 and 1x$20 remaining
|8/5/2026
|-
|<s>Claremont</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|<s>Perth</s>
|WA
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|}

== Exchange ==
In certain cases, phonecards can be exchanged for a new one by posting it to Telstra with a completed form:

* Exchange magstripe for chip card (ended 3 May 2010)
* Exchange expired card with value remaining for new card (except where marked otherwise on card)
* Exchange faulty card for new card
* Exchange card where value was deducted incorrected due to a payphone fault

File:IMG 1488.jpeg

2026-06-06T09:11:13Z

CrimsonWolf: Add category

[[Category:Photos of payphone 08852440X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

== Summary ==
Photo

Payphone:02956000X2

2026-06-06T09:07:01Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0295600636
| cab = 02956000X2
| id = 10136
| address = 1 WARDELL RD NR NEW CANTERBURY, DULWICH HILL
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2203
| lat = -33.897043
| lng = 151.149257
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Streetcab type cabinet with a very outdated ID panel (pre 2019, does not show phone number for incoming calls).

== Location ==
This phone is located on Wardell Rd in Petersham, southwest of the intersection with New Canterbury Rd.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02956418X2

2026-06-06T09:04:13Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0295641926
| cab = 02956418X2
| id = 4417
| address = 112 MARION ST NR ELSWICK ST, LEICHHARDT
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2040
| lat = -33.884183
| lng = 151.151766
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Billboard type cabinet, with a map of the local area on the left and the phone on the right. The ID panel on this cabinet is slightly out of date (2019-2021), still showing instructions for coin payment.

== Location ==
This phone is located on Marion St in Leichhardt, southwest of the intersection with Elswick St.

== Gallery ==

File:Payphone-02956418X2-20260606085817.jpg

2026-06-06T09:01:06Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02956418X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front view, looking east

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02956418X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view, looking east

File:Payphone-02955013X2-20260606085727.jpg

2026-06-06T08:57:48Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02955013X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front view, facing south

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02955013X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view, facing south

Payphone:02955013X2

2026-06-06T08:57:27Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0499421172
| cab = 02955013X2
| id = 5352
| address = 0 FLOOD ST CNR MARION ST, LEICHHARDT
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2040
| lat = -33.884088
| lng = 151.149961
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Billboard type cabinet, with a map of the local area on the left side and the phone on the right.

== Location ==
This phone is located on Flood St in Leichhardt, northwest of the intersection with Marion St.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02956437X2

2026-06-06T08:53:22Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0439205761
| cab = 02956437X2
| id = 12874
| address = 161 WARDELL RD , DULWICH HILL
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2203
| lat = -33.90632
| lng = 151.146312
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a Majestic type cabinet with a lit advertising board on the back. Despite the magenta cube and [[Telstra Air]] sticker, it does not have free wifi enabled.

== Location ==
This phone is located on Wardell Rd in Dulwich Hill, northwest of the intersection with Marrickville Rd.

== Gallery ==

File:Payphone-02956437X2-20260606084919.jpg

2026-06-06T08:49:58Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02956437X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front view, looking south

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02956437X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view, looking south

Phonecard

2026-06-06T01:22:57Z

CrimsonWolf: /* Recent Observations */

[[File:$5 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|$5 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077653712</ref>]]
A '''Telstra Phonecard''' (also called a '''calling card''') is a pre-paid card that is used to make phone calls at [[Payphone|payphones]] to international numbers and satellite phones. These cards are sold in denominations of $5, $10, and $20 at select Telstra outlets<ref>''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>, and they are the only way to pay for such calls, as cash payments were discontinued at some point after domestic calls were made free in 2021. Phonecards can be programmed to autodial a number, which can be useful for [[Agent|agents]] as it allows making captures on payphones with damaged keypads.[[File:$10 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|279x279px|$10 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077695502</ref>]]

== History ==
Telstra started issuing phonecards in late 1980s. This first generation of cards were made by Japanese company Anritsu and had the value encoded onto a magnetic stripe, which would be decremented by the payphone. The phone would also punch holes into the card to provide a visual indication of the remaining credit.

In 1997, with the introduction of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]], a new generation of phonecards with a chip was introduced. As these could not be used with older payphones, Telstra introduced a simple colour code: chip cards carried a red arrow matching the red arrow on Smart Payphones, and the older magstripe cards carried a green arrow matching the green arrow on older payphones.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> This has since been retired as there are no longer any phones remaining that accept magstripe cards.

Telstra also promoted the Smart Phonecard as a possible stored-value payment system beyond payphones, stating that Smart Phonecards would soon be accepted in vending machines for snacks and drinks.<ref name="smh-smart2">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The extent of any later vending-machine rollout is unclear.

== Technical details ==
The chip used in the Telstra Smart Phonecard has been identified by hobbyist and collector testing as the '''Siemens/Infineon SLE 4436''' family. The SLE 4436/36E was specifically designed for prepaid telephone-card applications. Manufacturer information describes it as containing 221 bits of EEPROM memory, 16 bits of ROM, a control/security unit, and a computing unit for chip authentication.<ref name="sle4436">''SLE 4436/36E Short Product Information'', Infineon Technologies, [https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf](https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The chip stores the card serial number, the remaining value on the card, an autodial number of up to 10 digits and certain other data. For security reasons, the chip is programmed to only allow one way writing. Credit cannot be added, it can only be deducted, hence why it is required to exchange the card for a new one if a refund is required. Similarly once an autodial number has been set, it cannot be edited or removed.

Ranges of serial numbers to invalidate can be sent to payphones in case a batch of phonecards is lost or stolen. This is likely also how cards are invalidated when expired.

It has been observed recently expired phonecards (e.g. 2025) continue to work. It is possible Telstra has stopped invalidating these cards so that unsold stock can continue to be sold, given the extremely low sales volumes now that the vast majority of calls are free. Please note this is not officially documented, so agents should purchase these cards at their own risk.

== Finding a phonecard ==
Telstra Shop staff may not know what a Telstra Phonecard is, especially because they are now rarely requested. When asking for one, avoid only saying ''calling card'', as staff may think of mobile recharge vouchers, international PIN cards or discontinued products. Useful wording:<blockquote>I’m after a '''Telstra Phonecard calling card''' for use in Telstra payphones. Telstra’s website lists it under '''Calling cards''' and says it is available in '''$5, $10 and $20''' denominations at selected Telstra Stores and retail outlets.</blockquote>It may help to show staff Telstra's ''Calling cards'' page, which states that Telstra Phonecards are used for international, mobile satellite and other chargeable calls from Telstra payphones.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page2">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Ask whether the store can check old stock, the accessories drawer, or internal product listings.

=== Recent Observations ===
The following table shows stores where agents on the [[Discord Server|Payphone Tag Discord]] have recently tried to obtain phonecards:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Store
!State
!Notes
!Date
|-
|Burwood
|NSW
|Many cards available
|2/6/2026
|-
|Chatswood Chase
|NSW
|Many $5 cards
|Unknown
|-
|<s>Kempsey</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Marrickville Metro
|NSW
|Many $10, $20 cards
One $5 left
|1/6/2026
|-
|<s>Macquarie Centre</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|24/5/2026
|-
|Pitt Street
|NSW
|Plenty of $10, $20 cards
$5 not sold here
|24/5/2026
|-
|<s>Rhodes</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Wollongong
|NSW
|Plenty of $5 cards
|Unknown
|-
|<s>World Square</s>
|NSW
|Out of stock
|Unknown
|-
|Brunswick
|VIC
|$5 available
|22/5/2026
|-
|<s>Melbourne Icon</s>
|VIC
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|Melbourne Emporium
|VIC
|$5 sold out
|6/5/2026
|-
|Rundle Mall
|SA
|2x$10 and 1x$20 remaining
|8/5/2026
|}

== Exchange ==
In certain cases, phonecards can be exchanged for a new one by posting it to Telstra with a completed form:

* Exchange magstripe for chip card (ended 3 May 2010)
* Exchange expired card with value remaining for new card (except where marked otherwise on card)
* Exchange faulty card for new card
* Exchange card where value was deducted incorrected due to a payphone fault

Phonecard

2026-06-06T01:09:20Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:$5 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|$5 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077653712</ref>]]
A '''Telstra Phonecard''' (also called a '''calling card''') is a pre-paid card that is used to make phone calls at [[Payphone|payphones]] to international numbers and satellite phones. These cards are sold in denominations of $5, $10, and $20 at select Telstra outlets<ref>''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>, and they are the only way to pay for such calls, as cash payments were discontinued at some point after domestic calls were made free in 2021. Phonecards can be programmed to autodial a number, which can be useful for [[Agent|agents]] as it allows making captures on payphones with damaged keypads.[[File:$10 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|279x279px|$10 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077695502</ref>]]

== History ==
Telstra started issuing phonecards in late 1980s. This first generation of cards were made by Japanese company Anritsu and had the value encoded onto a magnetic stripe, which would be decremented by the payphone. The phone would also punch holes into the card to provide a visual indication of the remaining credit.

In 1997, with the introduction of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]], a new generation of phonecards with a chip was introduced. As these could not be used with older payphones, Telstra introduced a simple colour code: chip cards carried a red arrow matching the red arrow on Smart Payphones, and the older magstripe cards carried a green arrow matching the green arrow on older payphones.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> This has since been retired as there are no longer any phones remaining that accept magstripe cards.

Telstra also promoted the Smart Phonecard as a possible stored-value payment system beyond payphones, stating that Smart Phonecards would soon be accepted in vending machines for snacks and drinks.<ref name="smh-smart2">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The extent of any later vending-machine rollout is unclear.

== Technical details ==
The chip used in the Telstra Smart Phonecard has been identified by hobbyist and collector testing as the '''Siemens/Infineon SLE 4436''' family. The SLE 4436/36E was specifically designed for prepaid telephone-card applications. Manufacturer information describes it as containing 221 bits of EEPROM memory, 16 bits of ROM, a control/security unit, and a computing unit for chip authentication.<ref name="sle4436">''SLE 4436/36E Short Product Information'', Infineon Technologies, [https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf](https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The chip stores the card serial number, the remaining value on the card, an autodial number of up to 10 digits and certain other data. For security reasons, the chip is programmed to only allow one way writing. Credit cannot be added, it can only be deducted, hence why it is required to exchange the card for a new one if a refund is required. Similarly once an autodial number has been set, it cannot be edited or removed.

Ranges of serial numbers to invalidate can be sent to payphones in case a batch of phonecards is lost or stolen. This is likely also how cards are invalidated when expired.

It has been observed recently expired phonecards (e.g. 2025) continue to work. It is possible Telstra has stopped invalidating these cards so that unsold stock can continue to be sold, given the extremely low sales volumes now that the vast majority of calls are free. Please note this is not officially documented, so agents should purchase these cards at their own risk.

== Finding a phonecard ==
Telstra Shop staff may not know what a Telstra Phonecard is, especially because they are now rarely requested. When asking for one, avoid only saying ''calling card'', as staff may think of mobile recharge vouchers, international PIN cards or discontinued products. Useful wording:<blockquote>I’m after a '''Telstra Phonecard calling card''' for use in Telstra payphones. Telstra’s website lists it under '''Calling cards''' and says it is available in '''$5, $10 and $20''' denominations at selected Telstra Stores and retail outlets.</blockquote>It may help to show staff Telstra's ''Calling cards'' page, which states that Telstra Phonecards are used for international, mobile satellite and other chargeable calls from Telstra payphones.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page2">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Ask whether the store can check old stock, the accessories drawer, or internal product listings.

=== Recent Observations ===
The following table shows stores where agents on the [[Discord Server|Payphone Tag Discord]] have recently tried to obtain phonecards:
{| class="wikitable"
!Store
!Notes
!Date
|-
|Burwood, NSW
|Many cards available
|2/6/2026
|-
|Chatswood Chase, NSW
|Many $5 cards
|Unknown
|-
|<s>Kempsey, NSW</s>
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Marrickville Metro, NSW
|Many $10, $20 cards
One $5 left
|1/6/2026
|-
|<s>Macquarie Centre, NSW</s>
|Out of stock
|24/5/2026
|-
|Pitt Street, NSW
|Plenty of $10, $20 cards
$5 not sold here
|24/5/2026
|-
|<s>Rhodes, NSW</s>
|Out of stock
|25/5/2026
|-
|Wollongong, NSW
|Plenty of $5 cards
|Unknown
|-
|<s>World Square, NSW</s>
|Out of stock
|Unknown
|-
|Brunswick, VIC
|$5 available
|22/5/2026
|-
|<s>Melbourne Icon, VIC</s>
|Out of stock
|6/6/2026
|-
|Melbourne Emporium, VIC
|$5 sold out
|6/5/2026
|-
|Rundle Mall, SA
|2x$10 and 1x$20 remaining
|8/5/2026
|}

== Exchange ==
In certain cases, phonecards can be exchanged for a new one by posting it to Telstra with a completed form:

* Exchange magstripe for chip card (ended 3 May 2010)
* Exchange expired card with value remaining for new card (except where marked otherwise on card)
* Exchange faulty card for new card
* Exchange card where value was deducted incorrected due to a payphone fault

Telstra Smart Payphone

2026-06-04T11:43:01Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:Majestic.jpg|thumb|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
The '''Telstra Smart Payphone''' is the current standard public telephone used by [[Telstra]] in Australia. It has now fully replaced earlier payphone models and as such is the only type encountered while playing Payphone Tag.

Telstra describes the Smart Payphone as its latest public payphone. Published features include SMS sending to Australian mobiles, a large back-lit display showing the number dialled and remaining credit, visual or audible low-credit and end-of-call warnings, a hearing-aid coupler, four-step volume control, and redial.<ref name="telstra-smart">''Telstra Smart Payphone'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Although still generally called a ''payphone'', ordinary domestic use of Telstra public phones is now free. Telstra states that standard national and mobile calls are free from all Telstra payphones, and that from 8 October 2021 payphones stopped accepting coins. Calls to international and other charged destinations require a Telstra Phonecard or other third-party calling card.<ref name="telstra-payphones">''Payphone services'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

== Functionality ==
When not in use, the phone is in the standby state. The screen will display a pre-programmed message, usually "FREE NATIONAL CALLS AUSTRALIA IS WHY".[[File:Payphone boot.jpg|thumb|The boot screen of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]]]]When picking up the handset of the payphone, the phone will show a boot screen.

Shortly after, you will reach the main screen. Payment should be made at this point if required for the call, by inserting a phonecard (coins were also accepted in the past). Here you can enter the phone number to call, or press OK to enter a menu for other functions.

After about 60 seconds of inactivity, the phone will return to the standby state, even if the handset is not replaced.

=== Outbound Calls ===
From the main screen, dial the number to call with the keypad. The phone will immediately show an error message if you dial a prefix that it cannot call, such as 05 (an unallocated range for mobile numbers) or 19 (premium rate numbers).

Once you have finished dialling and making any required payment, the phone will attempt to place the call after a few seconds. The screen will show "FREE CALL" once this has occurred.

While the call is connected, you can still dial as on any other phone to respond to interactive voice prompts or menus. These numbers will show on the screen. For most phones, caller ID is enabled, however there are some sensitive locations where phones are programmed to display as private number.

Once the call is concluded, the screen does not change, although you will hear the disconnect tone as normal. You can now replace the handset to put the phone back to standby or press the FOLLOW ON button under the handset to make another call.

=== Inbound calls ===

Almost all Telstra Smart Payphones can receive incoming calls. The payphone will usually ring and can be answered by lifting the handset. Some phones may not ring but only display '''INCOMING CALL''' on the screen. At more sensitive locations, the call may not be able to be answered at all, the screen will change to '''SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE - HANG UP''' rather than connecting the incoming call.

=== SMS ===
From the OK menu, you can press 1 to write your own message to send or 2 to choose from a list of pre-written messages.

The phone will attempt the send the SMS immediately, however if an error occurs, it will periodically retry for up to 7 days, after which it will be discarded.

Unlike for outgoing calls where the caller ID is the payphone's number, the caller ID TLSPayphone is used for SMS. Instead, the following text is appended to the end of your message: "<phone number> - NO REPLY only call back allowed".

As noted, there is no way to receive SMS at a payphone.

=== Program auto-dial ===
From the OK menu, press 3 then follow the prompts to program an auto-dial number to a [[phonecard]]. An error message is displayed if no phonecard has been inserted, and you will be returned to the main screen.

=== Email ===
Option 4 on the OK menu is email, however this feature was never implemented and it simply displays COMING SOON when selected.

=== Keypad ===
The keypad contains 4 function keys, 2 arrow keys (up/down) and the 12 standard number keys (0-9, * and #).

The 4 function keys are:

* '''Card changeover:''' uses up all remaining credit on the currently inserted phonecard and allows the card to be changed for another
* '''Volume''': toggles between low, medium and high settings
* '''Language:''' allows the language to be changed
* '''OK:''' used to open the additional features menu and for certain functions (e.g. SMS)

== History ==

Public telephones have been part of the Australian telephone network since the 1880s. The Telstra Smart Payphone belongs to the late-1990s generation of electronic public telephones designed around smartcard payment, display-based prompting, programmable tariffs and automatic fault reporting.

Contemporary press coverage in ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' shows Telstra's smart-card public telephone technology was being covered publicly during the late-1990s rollout period.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Collector sources identify the Australian Smart Payphone as part of the Amper-developed '''MPP''' or '''Multi Purpose Payphone''' platform, with early units made in Spain and adapted for Australian weather and vandal-resistance.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10">''Telstra Smart Payphone (MPP X1)'', Pay phone Story, 28 May 2025, [https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/](https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The model is commonly said to have been introduced in 1997 to replace the CT3 series, with early deployments in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" /> The current manufacturer appears to be '''Infopyme Comunicaciones''', a Spanish public-telephony manufacturer that describes itself as designing, manufacturing, assembling and repairing public telephones and spare parts for operators around the world.<ref name="infopyme-company">''Manufacture, assembly and repair of public telephones'', Infopyme Comunicaciones, [https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer](https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The Telstra Smart Payphone appears to be a Telstra-specific variant of Infopyme's '''TMI''' public-payphone platform, or of the same Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme product lineage. This identification is based on manufacturer lineage and visual/collector comparison rather than a Telstra-published model sheet, so it should be treated as probable rather than formally confirmed.

Early units were reportedly modified or retrofitted after problems with durability, weather exposure and vandalism. Later Australian examples have heavier stainless-steel casing and improved coin-security hardware on coin-capable variants.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" />

At some point in the mid-2000s, the Smart Payphone firmware and/or service platform was updated to allow SMS sending. Telstra's current payphone terms state that some public payphones can send SMS messages to compatible Australian mobile and fixed services, although payphones cannot receive SMS replies.<ref name="telstra-terms">''Public Payphones Section: Our Customer Terms'', Telstra, last changed 9 November 2023, [https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf](https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

In 2019 Telstra enabled incoming calls on many public payphones. Telstra later stated that publicly accessible payphones could receive incoming telephone calls, and Telstra's current public-payphone terms state that some payphones allow incoming calls at no charge.<ref name="telstra-2019-media">''Payphones deliver vital community service'', Telstra, 11 October 2019, [https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service](https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref><ref name="telstra-terms" />

In August 2021 Telstra made local calls, national calls to standard fixed-line numbers and calls to standard Australian mobiles free from public payphones.<ref name="telstra-freecalls">''Why we’re making payphones free for calls around Australia'', Telstra Exchange, 29 September 2022, [https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Coin acceptance ended from 8 October 2021.<ref name="telstra-payphones" />

== Connectivity ==
Telstra payphones were initially connected to the network via copper cables (POTS - plain old telephone service). Later on, ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) was added to provide SMS and eventually Wi-Fi services. With the ongoing rollout of the NBN, copper is being phased out and so gradually many phones have been migrated to connect over the LTE (4G) cellular network. In rare cases, phones have instead been connected to the NBN fibre network.

Phones on the LTE network can be identified by their phone number being a mobile number (beginning with 04). Both ADSL and fibre phones have landline numbers.

== Variations ==
There are a number of different variations on the standard Smart Payphone that can spotted in field:

* '''Coin Mechanism:''' A very small number of payphones were built without a coin mechanism at all and do not have a coin slot at all. Slightly more have a coin slot covered with a metal plate that reads "CARDS ONLY". Both variations have a rectangular outline where the change slot should be. It is likely these pre-date domestic calls being free and were only placed in areas where another coin-accepting phone was nearby.
* '''Change slot:''' After call acceptance stopped, some payphones had their change slot removed and replaced with a USB charger. One USB-A and one USB-C port is provided, however only one can be used at a time.[[File:Payphone-02974020X2-20260524105708.jpg|thumb|A vandal resistant payphone]]
* '''Vandal resistant casing:''' Some payphones have a thicker casing for vandal resistance. It can be identified by the keys sticking up less from the casing and the missing decal slot above the screen.
* '''Payphone TTY:''' Around 100 Telstra payphones were retrofitted with a '''[[TTY]]''' (teletypewriter) facility for people who are deaf or have a communication impairment. TTY-equipped payphones can be found through Telstra's Payphone Locator by searching for the ''Teletypewriter (TTY)'' feature.<ref name="telstra-tty">''TTY Payphones'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The TTY keyboard used with Telstra payphones is an '''Ultratec Pay Phone TDD''' keyboard. The keyboard slides out when TTY tones are detected over the phone line. Many units appear to have seen little regular use in recent years, so players should not assume that the TTY attachment is working unless tested. Additionally, due to hardware incompatibilities, TTY currently does not work on payphones connected to the LTE network (ie. any phone with a 04 number). Telstra is aware of the issue and has stated they are working on a solution.

== Charges ==
The following services are free:

* Local and national landline calls
* National mobile calls
* Calls to 13 and 1300 (local rate) numbers
* Calls to 1800 (free call) numbers
* Domestic SMS

These services are not free and charged in 50c increments:

* Calls to satellite numbers
* International calls

Rates for each type of call can be found in Telstra's payphone terms.<ref name="telstra-terms" />

== Related payphones in other countries ==

The Telstra Smart Payphone was not a completely unique Australian concept. Similar or related Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme public telephones appeared in several other countries, sometimes with different housings, tariffing and operator-specific software.

=== Germany ===

Germany had '''TELE-RUF Smart Payphones''', a privately operated late-1990s/early-2000s smart-payphone system. Collector documentation identifies the TELE-RUF units as using hardware based on the Amper-developed MPP platform also used in Australia's Telstra CT-10/Smart Payphone.<ref name="payphonestory-germany">''German Phone Booth – TELE-RUF Smart Payphones'', Pay phone Story, 16 April 2026, [https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/](https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

These German phones advertised cheap calls and mobile-era digital services such as SMS, ringtone downloads and digital content delivery.<ref name="payphonestory-germany" />

=== Croatia ===

Croatia has used public payphones operated by Hrvatski Telekom. Some older Croatian card payphones have been visually identified by collectors as being part of the same or a closely related Siemens/Amper platform family, but this should be treated cautiously unless supported by a manufacturer plate or primary source.

Hrvatski Telekom later modernised some public payphone sites into digital smart-phone booths. In 2017 Hrvatski Telekom and Vendotel installed ten smart payphones in Zadar with free Wi-Fi, ticketing, voucher sales and other services.<ref name="ht-2017">''Hrvatski Telekom with its partner Vendotel installed in Zadar first smart phone booths in Croatia'', Hrvatski Telekom, 2 May 2017, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> In 2018 Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital announced the replacement of existing public payphones with digital payphones offering Wi-Fi, wireless charging, sensors, navigation information, digital advertising and an SOS key.<ref name="ht-2018">''Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital start modernization of public pay phones'', Hrvatski Telekom, 12 June 2018, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Cuba ===

Cuba's ETECSA public telephone network has used several public telephone technologies, including Siemens-Elasa and Amper/Siemens-Elasa equipment. Cuban service-quality material has listed public-telephone technologies including Siemens Elasa and Amper coin and card telephone equipment.

Cuban public phones remained important well into the smartphone era because public-phone calls were much cheaper than mobile calls. A 2017 report stated that Cuba had 59,818 public phones at the end of the previous year, including 8,588 coin-operated phones.<ref name="cuba-public-phones">''Cuba's Public Phones Persist in the Smartphone Era'', Translating Cuba / 14ymedio, 6 September 2017, [https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/](https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Russia ===

Russia, particularly Moscow's MGTS public-payphone network, used Amper and Siemens-Elasa equipment during the transition from token-operated phones to card and coin-card public phones. Russian metrology-register material lists Amper-Siemens-Elasa card-payphone tariff equipment, including TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P models, manufactured in Spain.<ref name="russia-register">''Государственный реестр средств измерений: TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P'', Государственный реестр средств измерений, [https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340](https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

Moscow also trialled Siemens Elasa internet payphones in 2003, with reports stating that MGTS planned to install a small trial batch able to provide voice calls, internet access, email, text messages and multimedia messages.<ref name="newsru-siemens-elasa">''В Москве установлен первый интернет-таксофон'', NEWSru.com, 25 December 2003, [https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html](https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

== References ==

<references />

Telstra Air

2026-06-01T10:27:03Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:Boulevard.jpg|thumb|585x585px|Boulevard payphone equipped with Telstra Air]]
'''Telstra Wi-Fi''' (formerly '''Telstra Air''') is a service available at selected Telstra payphones, providing free internet access to the general public. Wi-Fi enabled payphones are identified with magenta branding, usually a magenta cube or dome (depending on cabinet type), supplemented by decals advertising free Wi-Fi on both the interior and exterior. Currently, approximately 4,500 Telstra payphones<ref>Telstra payphone database with 'has_wifi_hotspot' = TRUE</ref> across the country carry the Telstra Air feature, with Telstra having announced plans to progressively upgrade the remaining fleet in the coming years.<ref name=":0" />

== History ==

=== 2014: Announcement and early trials ===

In April 2014, Telstra announced plans to build one of the world's largest Wi-Fi networks, with the intention of deploying hotspots across payphone sites, retail stores, and opted-in residential modems across Australia.<ref>[https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Telstra-switches-on-one-millionth-Telstra-Air-hotspot-opens-network-for-World-WiFi-Day Telstra switches on one millionth Telstra Air hotspot, opens network for World Wi-Fi Day] - Telstra Media Release, June 2017</ref> The service initially trialled under the name '''Telstra WiFi''' as part of a broader "WiFi Nation" push, covering over 4,000 hotspots across 250 towns before the full branded launch.<ref>[https://b3.au/2015/06/fon-comes-to-australia-with-the-launch-of-telstra-air/ Fon comes to Australia with the launch of Telstra Air] - b3.au, June 2015</ref>

=== 2015: Official launch and Fon partnership ===

The service was officially launched as '''Telstra Air''' on 30 June 2015, available to Telstra home broadband customers with a compatible Gateway Max modem. Participating broadband customers shared a portion of their modem's bandwidth with the network, and in exchange gained access to their home broadband allowance at any hotspot on the network.<ref>[https://b3.au/2015/06/fon-comes-to-australia-with-the-launch-of-telstra-air/ Fon comes to Australia with the launch of Telstra Air] - b3.au, June 2015</ref>

At launch, Telstra also announced an exclusive partnership with '''Fon''', a global Wi-Fi community network. This gave Telstra Air members roaming access to over 15 million Fon hotspots across 18 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, and Brazil, allowing customers to use their home broadband allowance while travelling overseas.<ref>[https://convergedigest.com/telstra-launches-nationwide-wi-fi/ Telstra Launches Nationwide Wi-Fi Service in Partnership with Fon] - Converge Digest</ref> Each hotspot broadcast two SSIDs simultaneously: '''Telstra Air''' and '''Fon Wi-Fi''', both routing to the same captive portal and providing identical speeds.<ref>[https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/telstra_air Telstra Air WiFi Hotspot Network] - Whirlpool Wiki</ref>

Non-Telstra customers could access the network by purchasing short-term passes, priced at $6.60 for 1 hour, $10 for 1 day, and $23 for 5 days.<ref>[https://b3.au/2015/06/fon-comes-to-australia-with-the-launch-of-telstra-air/ Fon comes to Australia with the launch of Telstra Air] - b3.au, June 2015</ref>

=== December 2015: Mobile customers added ===

In December 2015, Telstra extended Telstra Air access to its personal mobile customers, granting them free and unlimited Wi-Fi data on the network alongside existing home broadband members.<ref>[https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Telstra-switches-on-one-millionth-Telstra-Air-hotspot-opens-network-for-World-WiFi-Day Telstra switches on one millionth Telstra Air hotspot, opens network for World Wi-Fi Day] - Telstra Media Release, June 2017</ref>

=== June 2017: One millionth hotspot ===

By June 2017, just two years after the formal launch, the Telstra Air network had grown to over one million hotspots across Australia, the majority of which came from opted-in residential modems rather than payphone or retail sites. Telstra marked the milestone on World Wi-Fi Day 2017.<ref>[https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Telstra-switches-on-one-millionth-Telstra-Air-hotspot-opens-network-for-World-WiFi-Day Telstra switches on one millionth Telstra Air hotspot, opens network for World Wi-Fi Day] - Telstra Media Release, June 2017</ref>

=== 2019-2020: Bushfire emergency access ===

During the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfire season, Telstra temporarily made both payphone calls and Telstra Air Wi-Fi free for all users nationwide, regardless of whether they held a Telstra account. This was extended across the entire country given the scale of the emergency.<ref>[https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-payphones-and-hotspots Making payphones and Telstra Air free for all] - Telstra Exchange</ref>

=== August 2022: Wi-Fi made free for all ===

On 25 August 2022, Telstra extended free Wi-Fi access at payphone hotspots to all users, removing the login and account requirement entirely. Around 3,000 payphones were Wi-Fi enabled at this point, with work announced to upgrade the remaining ~12,000 payphones over the following years.<ref name=":0">[https://www.telstra.com.au/telstra-air Free Wi-Fi is now available to anyone across selected Telstra payphones] - Telstra Exchange, 25 August 2022</ref> The network SSID visible to users changed from '''Telstra Air''' to '''Free Telstra Wi-Fi''' to reflect the open access model.<ref>[https://www.reviews.org/au/internet/what-is-telstra-air/ Telstra Air is free WiFi for all Aussies] - Reviews.org Australia, October 2024</ref>

=== 2024: Continued rollout ===

By 2024, Telstra reported nearly 4,000 Wi-Fi enabled payphone sites active across the country.<ref>[https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wifi-telstra-payphone-usage-2024 Free Wi-Fi on Telstra payphones: tracking a boom in usage] - Telstra Exchange</ref> Monthly data consumed across the free payphone Wi-Fi network was described by Telstra as enough to stream over five years of 4K video without stopping. Priority for the ongoing upgrade rollout has been given to disaster-prone and remote communities.

== Appearance ==

Magenta (pink) is the colour used to identify Wi-Fi enabled payphones.

[[Cabinet|Cabinets]] without a dome have a magenta cube above. Cabinets with a dome can have this cube as well, or alternatively simply a magenta dome. In most cases, there will also be Wi-Fi symbols stickered on the cube or dome. There may also be magenta decals on the interior and exterior saying "Free Telstra Wi-Fi" and "Free calls & wi-fi" respectively.<gallery>
File:Payphone-02979604X2-20260522071522.jpg|Magenta cube
File:Payphone-03983000X2-20260512074917.jpg|Magenta dome
File:Payphone-02955817X2-20260519115412.jpg|Magenta cube (Wi-Fi enabled, but symbols missing)
File:Payphone-02422685X2-20260507055309.jpg|Magenta cube (Not Wi-Fi enabled, note the absence of any other branding)
</gallery>

== Connecting ==

Connecting to a Telstra Air hotspot does not require any app or account. The steps are:

# Enable Wi-Fi on your device.
# Select '''Free Telstra Wi-Fi''' from your device's Wi-Fi list.
# A captive portal page will open automatically. If it does not, open any website in your browser and you will be redirected.
# Read and accept the terms and conditions, then tap '''Agree And Connect'''.
# You are now connected.

Once connected to one hotspot, your device may automatically reconnect to other Telstra Air hotspots in future.

=== Speed and range ===

Real-world speeds vary considerably depending on location, backhaul connection type, and the number of users connected at the time. Payphones provisioned over ADSL2+ connections may deliver speeds well below 1 Mbps under load, while fibre-connected locations and Telstra retail stores can achieve considerably higher speeds. Standing within a few metres of the payphone yields the best results.<ref>[https://www.reviews.org/au/internet/what-is-telstra-air/ Telstra Air is free WiFi for all Aussies] - Reviews.org Australia, October 2024</ref>

=== Security ===

Telstra Air is an open public network. Telstra advises against using it for sensitive activities such as online banking. Using a VPN when connected is recommended to protect personal data, though this may reduce speeds further.

== Community impact ==

Free payphone Wi-Fi has been highlighted by Telstra as an important tool for digital inclusion. Identified user groups include remote and regional communities relying on payphones to access health and government services, people in financial hardship who lack a home internet connection or sufficient mobile data, and communities in disaster-affected areas where fixed-line and mobile infrastructure has been disrupted.<ref>[https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wifi-telstra-payphone-usage-2024 Free Wi-Fi on Telstra payphones: tracking a boom in usage] - Telstra Exchange</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Cabinet]]
* [[Telstra Smart Payphone]]

== References ==

<references />

Cabinet

2026-06-01T06:12:07Z

CrimsonWolf:

The cabinet is the structure housing the payphone that contains the electrical and telephonic equipment needed for a [[Telstra Smart Payphone]] to be operational. Indoor payphones are typically very simple, whereas outdoor payphones additionally have a limited amount of cover from the weather.

Very rarely, a payphone does not have a visible cabinet of any kind.

== Standard cabinet types ==
This is a summary of the standard cabinet types:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Summary of standard cabinet types
!Internal name
!Photo
!Size
!Locations
!Notes
!Installation dates
|-
|Boulevard
|[[File:Boulevard.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Indoor and outdoor
|Frame colour can come in various colours, such as blue, red, and green.
|?
|-
|FLPC (Full length payphone cabinet)
|[[File:FLPC.jpg|alt=FLPC|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|
|?
|-
|Streetcab
|[[File:Payphone-03983000X2-20260512074917.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|Thicker back than FLPC to hold advertisements
|?
|-
|Prestige
|[[File:Payphone-03841502X2-20260512090513.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|Early version of the Streetcab, mainly found in Melbourne
|?
|-
|Majestic
|[[File:Majestic.jpg|alt=Majestic Payphone Cabinet Type|thumb]]
|Half width
|Indoor and outdoor
|
|?
|-
|Telebox
|[[File:Telebox.jpg|alt=Telebox|thumb]]
|Half width
|Indoor and outdoor
|Table can be fully or partially slanted, or have no slant at all.
|?
|-
|Clearline
|[[File:Payphone-02625104X1-20260515130057.jpg|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|
|?
|-
|Slimline
|[[File:Payphone-02963404X1-20260512033212.jpg|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|May have lit orange hat, grey 4G antenna or no hat at all
|?
|-
|Modular
|[[File:Payphone-02978904X1-20260525074338.jpg|alt=Modular|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|Reportedly less than 50 exist, all inside shopping centres
|?
|-
|Digital
|[[File:Payphone-08829401X2-20260508 222647.jpg|thumb]]
|Double width
|Outdoor
|At least two different versions exist.
Some have had the screen on the phone side replaced with a static poster (as in photo).

Has a USB-A charging port on the right side of the phone.
|?
|-
|Billboard (JCDecaux Booth)
|[[File:Billboard.jpg|alt=Billboard (JCD Booth)|thumb]]
|Double width
|Outdoor
|Exclusive to certain areas of Sydney, these Cabinet types have several different variations.
Some have Digital advertising screens on the back and some have static posters.
These cabinets mostly have a map or an advertising space in place of a second phone.
There are also different variations of the glass on these cabinets, with some having the standard Telstra Majestic glass and branding on them.
|1997
|-
|Red Box/Heritage
|[[File:Payphone-08853622X2-20260511113756.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|
|?
|-
|?
|[[File:Payphone-02628400X2-20260513100000.jpg|thumb]]
|Double Width
|Outdoor
|Rugged all metal anti-vandalism cabinet design
|?
|}

Note that there is some level of variation in the construction of some of these models, and some payphones do not have a standard cabinet or any cabinet at all. These are rare.

== Attachments ==
Most cabinets have a coloured dome that forms the top. The standard colours are orange for a standard payphone and magenta for payphones with [[Telstra Air|free Wi-Fi]], although a limited run of other colours were also installed as part of Telstra's "Life in Full Colour" rebrand in 2011. The hat typically contains a light to illuminate the logo on the outside, and sometimes a router to provide the free Wi-Fi.

Some payphones also have a magenta cube fitted above the hat. This usually contains the router that provides free Wi-Fi and/or the LTE modem that allows the phone to function. This cube has Wi-Fi symbols on it if the payphone has free Wi-Fi enabled and is blank otherwise.

Some payphones have a dark grey "blade" instead of the cube. This is an enclosure for a LTE antenna.<gallery>
File:Payphone-02434403X2-20260512012023.jpg|A Telebox with a standard orange dome
File:Payphone-02954707X2-20260509113533.jpg|A Steetcab with a pink dome (Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-02957012X2-20260509115902.jpg|A Majestic cabinet with a magenta dome and cube (Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-02422685X2-20260507055309.jpg|A Telebox with an orange dome and magenta cube (non Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-07557320X1-20260506101708.jpg|A Slimline with a grey blade
File:Payphone-07552980X1-20260506104756.jpg|A Telebox with an orange dome and grey blade
</gallery>

File:Payphone-02928015X2-20260530124626.jpg

2026-05-31T04:35:02Z

CrimsonWolf: Remove accidental comment

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02928015X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view, featuring fungus

Payphone:08828708X1

2026-05-30T11:37:40Z

CrimsonWolf: Move text written inside comment

{{Payphone
| phone = 0455664136
| cab = 08828708X1
| id = 5859
| address = 50 ELIZABETH WAY ADJ WOOLWORTHS, ELIZABETH
| state = SA
| postcode = 5112
| lat = -34.719662
| lng = 138.667474
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
== Location ==
Found next to Woolworths inside the shopping centre.

== Gallery ==

Cabinet

2026-05-28T01:41:55Z

CrimsonWolf: Add prestige photo

The cabinet is the structure housing the payphone that contains the electrical and telephonic equipment needed for a [[Telstra Smart Payphone]] to be operational. Indoor payphones are typically very simple, whereas outdoor payphones additionally have a limited amount of cover from the weather.

Very rarely, a payphone does not have a visible cabinet of any kind.

== Standard cabinet types ==
This is a summary of the standard cabinet types:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Summary of standard cabinet types
!Internal name
!Photo
!Size
!Locations
!Notes
!Installation dates
|-
|Boulevard
|[[File:Boulevard.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Indoor and outdoor
|Frame colour can come in various colours, such as blue, red, and green.
|?
|-
|FLPC (Full length payphone cabinet)
|[[File:FLPC.jpg|alt=FLPC|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|
|?
|-
|Streetcab
|[[File:Payphone-03983000X2-20260512074917.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|Thicker back than FLPC to hold advertisements
|?
|-
|Prestige
|[[File:Payphone-03841502X2-20260512090513.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|Early version of the Streetcab, mainly found in Melbourne
|?
|-
|Majestic
|[[File:Majestic.jpg|alt=Majestic Payphone Cabinet Type|thumb]]
|Half width
|Indoor and outdoor
|
|?
|-
|Telebox
|[[File:Telebox.jpg|alt=Telebox|thumb]]
|Half width
|Indoor and outdoor
|Table can be fully or partially slanted, or have no slant at all.
|?
|-
|Clearline
|[[File:Payphone-02625104X1-20260515130057.jpg|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|
|?
|-
|Slimline
|[[File:Payphone-02963404X1-20260512033212.jpg|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|May have lit orange hat, grey 4G antenna or no hat at all
|?
|-
|Modular
|[[File:Payphone-02978904X1-20260525074338.jpg|alt=Modular|thumb]]
|Slim
|Indoor
|Reportedly less than 50 exist, all inside shopping centres
|?
|-
|Digital
|[[File:Payphone-08829401X2-20260508 222647.jpg|thumb]]
|Double width
|Outdoor
|At least two different versions exist.
Some have had the screen on the phone side replaced with a static poster (as in photo).

Has a USB-A charging port on the right side of the phone.
|?
|-
|Billboard (JCDecaux Booth)
|[[File:Billboard.jpg|alt=Billboard (JCD Booth)|thumb]]
|Double width
|Outdoor
|Exclusive to certain areas of Sydney, these Cabinet types have several different variations.
Some have Digital advertising screens on the back and some have static posters.
These cabinets mostly have a map or an advertising space in place of a second phone.
There are also different variations of the glass on these cabinets, with some having the standard Telstra Majestic glass and branding on them.
|1997
|-
|Red Box/Heritage
|[[File:Payphone-08853622X2-20260511113756.jpg|thumb]]
|Full width
|Outdoor
|
|?
|-
|?
|Example Needed
|Double Width
|Outdoor
|Rugged all metal anti-vandalism cabinet design
|?
|}

Note that there is some level of variation in the construction of some of these models, and some payphones do not have a standard cabinet or any cabinet at all. These are rare.

== Attachments ==
Most cabinets have a coloured dome that forms the top. The standard colours are orange for a standard payphone and magenta for payphones with [[Telstra Air|free Wi-Fi]], although a limited run of other colours were also installed as part of Telstra's "Life in Full Colour" rebrand in 2011. The hat typically contains a light to illuminate the logo on the outside, and sometimes a router to provide the free Wi-Fi.

Some payphones also have a magenta cube fitted above the hat. This usually contains the router that provides free Wi-Fi and/or the LTE modem that allows the phone to function. This cube has Wi-Fi symbols on it if the payphone has free Wi-Fi enabled and is blank otherwise.

Some payphones have a dark grey "blade" instead of the cube. This is an enclosure for a LTE antenna.<gallery>
File:Payphone-02434403X2-20260512012023.jpg|A Telebox with a standard orange dome
File:Payphone-02954707X2-20260509113533.jpg|A Steetcab with a pink dome (Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-02957012X2-20260509115902.jpg|A Majestic cabinet with a magenta dome and cube (Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-02422685X2-20260507055309.jpg|A Telebox with an orange dome and magenta cube (non Wi-Fi enabled)
File:Payphone-07557320X1-20260506101708.jpg|A Slimline with a grey blade
File:Payphone-07552980X1-20260506104756.jpg|A Telebox with an orange dome and grey blade
</gallery>

Payphone:02955929X2

2026-05-28T01:25:40Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0448772893
| cab = 02955929X2
| id = 12254
| address = 1 GRIFFITHS ST TEMPE RLWY STN, TEMPE TEMPE
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2044
| lat = -33.92407
| lng = 151.15677
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This payphone has a wall-mounted 'Telebox' style [[cabinet]] with a grey LTE antenna.

== Location ==
This phone is located on the footbridge at Tempe Railway Station, near the ticket window over platform 2.

== Gallery ==

File:Payphone-02955929X2-20260528012021.jpg

2026-05-28T01:21:25Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02955929X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front view, facing northwest

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02955929X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view, facing northwest

Agent

2026-05-26T05:36:18Z

CrimsonWolf: /* Code of Conduct (Draft) */

An '''agent''' is a registered player of [[Payphone Tag]]. The term is used throughout the game and its community in place of "player" or "user".

== Registration ==
To become an agent, a player visits [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com] and generates an agent [[PIN]] and an associated emoji callsign. These are stored in the player's browser. The PIN is the agent's unique identifier — it must not be shared with other players, as sharing it would allow others to capture payphones on the agent's behalf. To play cooperatively with friends, agents should form a [[Cells|cell]] instead.<ref>''How to play'', Payphone Tag, [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>

== Agent identity ==
Each agent is identified in the game by:
* A unique five-digit [[PIN]].
* A unique emoji randomly assigned at registration.
* A randomly generated agent name (callsign).

==== Agent generations ====
As there are fewer available emoji than agents, emoji are reused. To maintain the uniqueness of the emoji as icons, a new generation of agents begins after all available emoji have been exhausted. These agents have their emoji combined with another symbol. The current generation for registrations is generation 2, agents from this generation have their emoji combined with a square.
{| class="wikitable"
!Generation
!Additional symbol
|-
|1
|None
|-
|2
|Square
|}

== Cells ==
Agents can optionally join or form [[cells]] — teams of up to 12 agents that score territory cooperatively. An agent must have captured at least 3 payphones before they can create a cell<ref>''Cells'', Payphone Tag Wiki, [https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>, but any agent may join an existing cell provided that they have an invite code to that cell.

== Code of Conduct (Draft) ==
To keep the game fair for all agents and respect the community, agents should follow these rules when playing Payphone Tag:

# '''Do not vandalise Telstra property:''' This includes but is not limited to placing stickers of your agent or cell name, writing on, or damaging any part of the phone or [[cabinet]].
# '''Do not trespass''': Do not enter any area that is not open to the public to capture a phone. This includes patient only areas of hospitals.
# '''Physical presence required:''' Do not attempt to capture any phone without physically being there (e.g. by spoofing caller IDs or sharing your PIN with someone else).
# '''Be truthful''': Ensure any faults [[Fault Reporting|reported]] are accurate and do not report faults are resolved unless they are.
# '''Respect privacy:''' Do not attempt to follow the movements of other agents or call a phone they are about to capture, unless you already know them and know they are ok with it.
Agents who do not comply with these rules may receive a warning in-game. Continued non-compliance may result in suspension from the game.

== See also ==
* [[PIN]]
* [[Cells]]
* [[Gameplay]]

== References ==
<references />

Agent

2026-05-26T05:30:35Z

CrimsonWolf: Code of conduct

An '''agent''' is a registered player of [[Payphone Tag]]. The term is used throughout the game and its community in place of "player" or "user".

== Registration ==
To become an agent, a player visits [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com] and generates an agent [[PIN]] and an associated emoji callsign. These are stored in the player's browser. The PIN is the agent's unique identifier — it must not be shared with other players, as sharing it would allow others to capture payphones on the agent's behalf. To play cooperatively with friends, agents should form a [[Cells|cell]] instead.<ref>''How to play'', Payphone Tag, [https://payphonetag.com payphonetag.com]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>

== Agent identity ==
Each agent is identified in the game by:
* A unique five-digit [[PIN]].
* A unique emoji randomly assigned at registration.
* A randomly generated agent name (callsign).

==== Agent generations ====
As there are fewer available emoji than agents, emoji are reused. To maintain the uniqueness of the emoji as icons, a new generation of agents begins after all available emoji have been exhausted. These agents have their emoji combined with another symbol. The current generation for registrations is generation 2, agents from this generation have their emoji combined with a square.
{| class="wikitable"
!Generation
!Additional symbol
|-
|1
|None
|-
|2
|Square
|}

== Cells ==
Agents can optionally join or form [[cells]] — teams of up to 12 agents that score territory cooperatively. An agent must have captured at least 3 payphones before they can create a cell<ref>''Cells'', Payphone Tag Wiki, [https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells https://wiki.payphonetag.com/wiki/Cells]. Accessed 4 May 2026.</ref>, but any agent may join an existing cell provided that they have an invite code to that cell.

== Code of Conduct (Draft) ==
To keep the game fair for all agents and respect the community, agents should follow these rules when playing Payphone Tag:

# '''Do not vandalise Telstra property:''' This includes but is not limited to placing stickers of your agent or cell name, writing on, or damaging any part of the phone or [[cabinet]].
# '''Do not trespass''': Do not enter any area that is not open to the public to capture a phone. This includes patient only areas of hospitals.
# '''Physical presence required:''' Do not attempt to capture any phone without physically being there (e.g. by spoofing caller IDs or sharing your PIN with someone else).
# '''Be truthful''': Ensure any faults [[Fault Reporting|reported]] are accurate and do not report faults are resolved unless they are.
# '''Respect privacy:''' Do not attempt to follow the movements of other agents or call a phone they are about to capture, unless you already know them and know they are ok with it.

== See also ==
* [[PIN]]
* [[Cells]]
* [[Gameplay]]

== References ==
<references />

Cabinet

2026-05-25T07:54:39Z

CrimsonWolf:

Payphone:02978903X1

2026-05-25T07:50:36Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0297891267
| cab = 02978903X1
| id = 9232
| address = GRND FLR 14 AMY ST CAMPSIE SHOP CNTRE, CAMPSIE
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2194
| lat = -33.913066
| lng = 151.102756
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This phone has a wall-mounted 'Modular' type cabinet with a shelf.

== Location ==
This phone is located on the lower ground level of Campsie Centre. It is at the bottom of the escalators up to the ground level, near the toilets and carpark entrance.

== Gallery ==

File:Payphone-02978904X1-20260525074338.jpg

2026-05-25T07:44:08Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02978904X1 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front view

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02978904X1]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view

File:Payphone-02978903X1-20260525074235.jpg

2026-05-25T07:43:22Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02978903X1 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front view

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02978903X1]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view

Phonecard

2026-05-25T02:41:04Z

CrimsonWolf:

Telstra Smart Payphone

2026-05-24T11:10:25Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:Majestic.jpg|thumb|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
The '''Telstra Smart Payphone''' is the current standard public telephone used by [[Telstra]] in Australia. It replaced earlier Telecom Australia and Telstra public payphone types and is the model most commonly encountered by Payphonetag players.

Telstra describes the Smart Payphone as its latest public payphone. Published features include SMS sending to Australian mobiles, a large back-lit display showing the number dialled and remaining credit, visual or audible low-credit and end-of-call warnings, a hearing-aid coupler, four-step volume control, and redial.<ref name="telstra-smart">''Telstra Smart Payphone'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Although still generally called a ''payphone'', ordinary domestic use of Telstra public phones is now free. Telstra states that standard national and mobile calls are free from all Telstra payphones, and that from 8 October 2021 payphones stopped accepting coins. Calls to international and other charged destinations require a Telstra Phonecard or other third-party calling card.<ref name="telstra-payphones">''Payphone services'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

== Functionality ==
When not in use, the phone is in the standby state. The screen will display a pre-programmed message, usually "FREE NATIONAL CALLS AUSTRALIA IS WHY".[[File:Payphone boot.jpg|thumb|The boot screen of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]]]]When picking up the handset of the payphone, the phone will show a boot screen.

Shortly after, you will reach the main screen. Here you can enter the phone number to call, or press OK to enter a menu for other functions.

After about 60 seconds of inactivity, the phone will return to the standby state, even if the handset is not replaced.

=== Outbound Calls ===
From the main screen, dial the number to call with the keypad. The phone will immediately show an error message if you dial a prefix that it cannot call, such as 05 (an unallocated range for mobile numbers) or 19 (premium rate numbers).

If payment is required, a phonecard can be inserted at any time before or after dialling. In the past coins could also be inserted.

Once you have finished dialling and making any required payment, the phone will attempt to place the call after a few seconds. The screen will show "FREE CALL" once this has occurred.

While the call is connected, you can still dial as on any other phone to respond to interactive voice prompts or menus. These numbers will show on the screen. For most phones, caller ID is enabled, however there are some sensitive locations where phones are programmed to display as private number.

Once the call is concluded, the screen does not change, although you will hear the disconnect tone as normal. You can now replace the handset to put the phone back to standby or press the FOLLOW ON button under the handset to make another call.

=== Inbound calls ===

Almost all Telstra Smart Payphones can receive incoming calls. The payphone will usually ring and can be answered by lifting the handset. However at sensitive locations, the phone may display '''SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE - HANG UP''' rather than connecting the incoming call.

=== SMS ===
From the OK menu, you can press 1 to write your own message to send or 2 to choose from a list of pre-written messages.

The phone will attempt the send the SMS immediately, however if an error occurs, it will periodically retry for up to 7 days, after which it will be discarded.

Unlike for outgoing calls where the caller ID is the payphone's number, the caller ID TLSPayphone is used for SMS. Instead, the following text is appended to the end of your message: "<phone number> - NO REPLY only call back allowed".

As noted, there is no way to receive SMS at a payphone.

=== Program auto-dial ===
From the OK menu, press 3 then follow the prompts to program an auto-dial number to a [[phonecard]]. An error message is displayed if no phonecard has been inserted, and you will be returned to the main screen.

=== Email ===
Option 4 on the OK menu is email, however this feature was never implemented and it simply displays COMING SOON when selected.

=== Keypad ===
The keypad contains 4 function keys, 2 arrow keys (up/down) and the 12 standard number keys (0-9, * and #).

The 4 function keys are:

* '''Card changeover:''' uses up all remaining credit on the currently inserted phonecard and allows the card to be changed for another
* '''Volume''': toggles between low, medium and high settings
* '''Language:''' allows the language to be changed
* '''OK:''' used to open the additional features menu and for certain functions (e.g. SMS)

== History ==

Public telephones have been part of the Australian telephone network since the 1880s. The Telstra Smart Payphone belongs to the late-1990s generation of electronic public telephones designed around smartcard payment, display-based prompting, programmable tariffs and automatic fault reporting.

Contemporary press coverage in ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' shows Telstra's smart-card public telephone technology was being covered publicly during the late-1990s rollout period.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Collector sources identify the Australian Smart Payphone as part of the Amper-developed '''MPP''' or '''Multi Purpose Payphone''' platform, with early units made in Spain and adapted for Australian weather and vandal-resistance.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10">''Telstra Smart Payphone (MPP X1)'', Pay phone Story, 28 May 2025, [https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/](https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The model is commonly said to have been introduced in 1997 to replace the CT3 series, with early deployments in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" /> The current manufacturer appears to be '''Infopyme Comunicaciones''', a Spanish public-telephony manufacturer that describes itself as designing, manufacturing, assembling and repairing public telephones and spare parts for operators around the world.<ref name="infopyme-company">''Manufacture, assembly and repair of public telephones'', Infopyme Comunicaciones, [https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer](https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The Telstra Smart Payphone appears to be a Telstra-specific variant of Infopyme's '''TMI''' public-payphone platform, or of the same Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme product lineage. This identification is based on manufacturer lineage and visual/collector comparison rather than a Telstra-published model sheet, so it should be treated as probable rather than formally confirmed.

Early units were reportedly modified or retrofitted after problems with durability, weather exposure and vandalism. Later Australian examples have heavier stainless-steel casing and improved coin-security hardware on coin-capable variants.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" />

At some point in the mid-2000s, the Smart Payphone firmware and/or service platform was updated to allow SMS sending. Telstra's current payphone terms state that some public payphones can send SMS messages to compatible Australian mobile and fixed services, although payphones cannot receive SMS replies.<ref name="telstra-terms">''Public Payphones Section: Our Customer Terms'', Telstra, last changed 9 November 2023, [https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf](https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

In 2019 Telstra enabled incoming calls on many public payphones. Telstra later stated that publicly accessible payphones could receive incoming telephone calls, and Telstra's current public-payphone terms state that some payphones allow incoming calls at no charge.<ref name="telstra-2019-media">''Payphones deliver vital community service'', Telstra, 11 October 2019, [https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service](https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref><ref name="telstra-terms" />

In August 2021 Telstra made local calls, national calls to standard fixed-line numbers and calls to standard Australian mobiles free from public payphones.<ref name="telstra-freecalls">''Why we’re making payphones free for calls around Australia'', Telstra Exchange, 29 September 2022, [https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Coin acceptance ended from 8 October 2021.<ref name="telstra-payphones" />

With the rollout of the NBN and the progressive decommissioning of copper-based POTS services, many Smart Payphones in metropolitan areas have been converted to use Telstra's cellular network rather than a traditional copper telephone line. In the field, these can often be identified by the telephone number shown on the payphone's <nowiki>[[cabinet]]</nowiki> label: cellular-connected payphones commonly have numbers beginning with '''04''' rather than a fixed-line area code.

From 2022, Telstra began converting enabled payphones into [[Telstra Air|free Wi-Fi hotspots]]. Telstra stated that free Wi-Fi became available at selected enabled payphones from 25 August 2022, and that around 3,000 Wi-Fi-enabled payphones had been upgraded by 2023.<ref name="telstra-wifi">''Free Wi-Fi is now available to anyone across selected Telstra payphones'', Telstra Exchange, 7 November 2023, [https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wi-fi-is-now-available-to-anyone-across-selected-telstra-pa](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wi-fi-is-now-available-to-anyone-across-selected-telstra-pa). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

== Variants ==

=== Phonecard-only Smart Payphone ===

A less common version is the '''Phonecard-only''' or card-only Smart Payphone. These units do not have a usable coin mechanism and rely on the Telstra Phonecard or a compatible calling card for charged destinations.

=== Coin and Phonecard Smart Payphone ===

The most common Smart Payphone variant still encountered in the field is the '''coin and phonecard''' model. These units were originally fitted with both a coin mechanism and a Telstra Phonecard slot. Collector sources state that coin-capable units accepted Australian 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" />

Most of these phones retain their coin mechanisms, and only have coin acceptance disabled via a software update. A small number have had the coin slot covered with a plate that read CARD ONLY. Some have also had the change slot replaced with a USB charger.
[[File:Payphone-02974020X2-20260524105708.jpg|thumb|A vandal resistant payphone]]

=== Vandal-resistant Payphone ===
There is a vandal-resistant version of the smart payphone that features a thicker casing for vandal resistance. It can be identified by the keys sticking up less from the casing and the missing decal slot above the screen.

=== TTY Smart Payphone ===

Some Telstra payphones were modified with a '''[[TTY]]''' (teletypewriter) facility for people who are deaf or have a communication impairment. Telstra states that around 100 payphones have been modified to include a TTY facility. TTY-equipped payphones can be found through Telstra's Payphone Locator by searching for the ''Teletypewriter (TTY)'' feature.<ref name="telstra-tty">''TTY Payphones'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

TTY units are visually distinct and are of particular interest to Payphonetag players. The TTY keyboard used with Telstra payphones is an '''Ultratec Pay Phone TDD''' keyboard. The keyboard slides out when TTY tones are detected over the phone line. Many units appear to have seen little regular use in recent years, so players should not assume that the TTY attachment is working unless tested.

TTY payphones that have been converted to use Telstra's 4G/cellular network, usually identifiable by an '''04''' number on the <nowiki>[[cabinet]]</nowiki> label, are currently reported not to work correctly with TTY. Telstra is aware of the issue and has stated that it is working on a solution.

=== Wi-Fi-enabled cabinets ===

Some Smart Payphones are installed in [[Cabinet|cabinets]] or surrounds that also provide free Telstra Wi-Fi. Telstra says users can connect by selecting the ''Free Telstra Wi-Fi'' network and accepting the portal terms.<ref name="telstra-wifi" /> Wi-Fi-enabled sites may have additional branding, antennas or cabinet modifications.

Field observations suggest that Telstra Air / Free Telstra Wi-Fi-enabled payphones often use conventional domestic-style Telstra Smart Modems installed within the booth's roof ''hat'' or inside a Telstra Air cube enclosure mounted above the booth roof.

== Charges ==
The following services are free:

* Local and national landline calls
* National mobile calls
* Calls to 13 and 1300 (local rate) numbers
* Calls to 1800 (free call) numbers
* Domestic SMS

These services are not free and charged in 50c increments:

* Calls to satellite numbers
* International calls

Rates for each type of call can be found in Telstra's payphone terms.<ref name="telstra-terms" />

== Related payphones in other countries ==

The Telstra Smart Payphone was not a completely unique Australian concept. Similar or related Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme public telephones appeared in several other countries, sometimes with different housings, tariffing and operator-specific software.

=== Germany ===

Germany had '''TELE-RUF Smart Payphones''', a privately operated late-1990s/early-2000s smart-payphone system. Collector documentation identifies the TELE-RUF units as using hardware based on the Amper-developed MPP platform also used in Australia's Telstra CT-10/Smart Payphone.<ref name="payphonestory-germany">''German Phone Booth – TELE-RUF Smart Payphones'', Pay phone Story, 16 April 2026, [https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/](https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

These German phones advertised cheap calls and mobile-era digital services such as SMS, ringtone downloads and digital content delivery.<ref name="payphonestory-germany" />

=== Croatia ===

Croatia has used public payphones operated by Hrvatski Telekom. Some older Croatian card payphones have been visually identified by collectors as being part of the same or a closely related Siemens/Amper platform family, but this should be treated cautiously unless supported by a manufacturer plate or primary source.

Hrvatski Telekom later modernised some public payphone sites into digital smart-phone booths. In 2017 Hrvatski Telekom and Vendotel installed ten smart payphones in Zadar with free Wi-Fi, ticketing, voucher sales and other services.<ref name="ht-2017">''Hrvatski Telekom with its partner Vendotel installed in Zadar first smart phone booths in Croatia'', Hrvatski Telekom, 2 May 2017, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> In 2018 Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital announced the replacement of existing public payphones with digital payphones offering Wi-Fi, wireless charging, sensors, navigation information, digital advertising and an SOS key.<ref name="ht-2018">''Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital start modernization of public pay phones'', Hrvatski Telekom, 12 June 2018, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Cuba ===

Cuba's ETECSA public telephone network has used several public telephone technologies, including Siemens-Elasa and Amper/Siemens-Elasa equipment. Cuban service-quality material has listed public-telephone technologies including Siemens Elasa and Amper coin and card telephone equipment.

Cuban public phones remained important well into the smartphone era because public-phone calls were much cheaper than mobile calls. A 2017 report stated that Cuba had 59,818 public phones at the end of the previous year, including 8,588 coin-operated phones.<ref name="cuba-public-phones">''Cuba's Public Phones Persist in the Smartphone Era'', Translating Cuba / 14ymedio, 6 September 2017, [https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/](https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Russia ===

Russia, particularly Moscow's MGTS public-payphone network, used Amper and Siemens-Elasa equipment during the transition from token-operated phones to card and coin-card public phones. Russian metrology-register material lists Amper-Siemens-Elasa card-payphone tariff equipment, including TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P models, manufactured in Spain.<ref name="russia-register">''Государственный реестр средств измерений: TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P'', Государственный реестр средств измерений, [https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340](https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

Moscow also trialled Siemens Elasa internet payphones in 2003, with reports stating that MGTS planned to install a small trial batch able to provide voice calls, internet access, email, text messages and multimedia messages.<ref name="newsru-siemens-elasa">''В Москве установлен первый интернет-таксофон'', NEWSru.com, 25 December 2003, [https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html](https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

== References ==

<references />

File:Payphone-02974020X2-20260524105708.jpg

2026-05-24T11:00:20Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02974020X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Closeup of phone

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02974020X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Closeup of phone

File:Payphone-02974020X2-20260524105707.jpg

2026-05-24T10:59:21Z

CrimsonWolf: Category:Photos of payphone 02974020X2 Category:Payphone photos {{cc-by-sa-4.0}} Front view, looking southeast.

== Summary ==
[[Category:Photos of payphone 02974020X2]]
[[Category:Payphone photos]]

{{cc-by-sa-4.0}}

Front view, looking southeast.

Telstra Smart Payphone

2026-05-24T10:54:16Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:Majestic.jpg|thumb|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
The '''Telstra Smart Payphone''' is the current standard public telephone used by [[Telstra]] in Australia. It replaced earlier Telecom Australia and Telstra public payphone types and is the model most commonly encountered by Payphonetag players.

Telstra describes the Smart Payphone as its latest public payphone. Published features include SMS sending to Australian mobiles, a large back-lit display showing the number dialled and remaining credit, visual or audible low-credit and end-of-call warnings, a hearing-aid coupler, four-step volume control, and redial.<ref name="telstra-smart">''Telstra Smart Payphone'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Although still generally called a ''payphone'', ordinary domestic use of Telstra public phones is now free. Telstra states that standard national and mobile calls are free from all Telstra payphones, and that from 8 October 2021 payphones stopped accepting coins. Calls to international and other charged destinations require a Telstra Phonecard or other third-party calling card.<ref name="telstra-payphones">''Payphone services'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

== Functionality ==
When not in use, the phone is in the standby state. The screen will display a pre-programmed message, usually "FREE NATIONAL CALLS AUSTRALIA IS WHY".[[File:Payphone boot.jpg|thumb|The boot screen of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]]]]When picking up the handset of the payphone, the phone will show a boot screen.

Shortly after, you will reach the main screen. Here you can enter the phone number to call, or press OK to enter a menu for other functions.

After about 60 seconds of inactivity, the phone will return to the standby state, even if the handset is not replaced.

=== Outbound Calls ===
From the main screen, dial the number to call with the keypad. The phone will immediately show an error message if you dial a prefix that it cannot call, such as 05 (an unallocated range for mobile numbers) or 19 (premium rate numbers).

If payment is required, a phonecard can be inserted at any time before or after dialling. In the past coins could also be inserted.

Once you have finished dialling and making any required payment, the phone will attempt to place the call after a few seconds. The screen will show "FREE CALL" once this has occurred.

While the call is connected, you can still dial as on any other phone to respond to interactive voice prompts or menus. These numbers will show on the screen. For most phones, caller ID is enabled, however there are some sensitive locations where phones are programmed to display as private number.

Once the call is concluded, the screen does not change, although you will hear the disconnect tone as normal. You can now replace the handset to put the phone back to standby or press the FOLLOW ON button under the handset to make another call.

=== Inbound calls ===

Almost all Telstra Smart Payphones can receive incoming calls. The payphone will usually ring and can be answered by lifting the handset. However at sensitive locations, the phone may display '''SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE - HANG UP''' rather than connecting the incoming call.

=== SMS ===
From the OK menu, you can press 1 to write your own message to send or 2 to choose from a list of pre-written messages.

The phone will attempt the send the SMS immediately, however if an error occurs, it will periodically retry for up to 7 days, after which it will be discarded.

Unlike for outgoing calls where the caller ID is the payphone's number, the caller ID TLSPayphone is used for SMS. Instead, the following text is appended to the end of your message: "<phone number> - NO REPLY only call back allowed".

As noted, there is no way to receive SMS at a payphone.

=== Program auto-dial ===
From the OK menu, press 3 then follow the prompts to program an auto-dial number to a [[phonecard]]. An error message is displayed if no phonecard has been inserted, and you will be returned to the main screen.

=== Email ===
Option 4 on the OK menu is email, however this feature was never implemented and it simply displays COMING SOON when selected.

=== Keypad ===
The keypad contains 4 function keys, 2 arrow keys (up/down) and the 12 standard number keys (0-9, * and #).

The 4 function keys are:

* '''Card changeover:''' uses up all remaining credit on the currently inserted phonecard and allows the card to be changed for another
* '''Volume''': toggles between low, medium and high settings
* '''Language:''' allows the language to be changed
* '''OK:''' used to open the additional features menu and for certain functions (e.g. SMS)

== History ==

Public telephones have been part of the Australian telephone network since the 1880s. The Telstra Smart Payphone belongs to the late-1990s generation of electronic public telephones designed around smartcard payment, display-based prompting, programmable tariffs and automatic fault reporting.

Contemporary press coverage in ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' shows Telstra's smart-card public telephone technology was being covered publicly during the late-1990s rollout period.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Collector sources identify the Australian Smart Payphone as part of the Amper-developed '''MPP''' or '''Multi Purpose Payphone''' platform, with early units made in Spain and adapted for Australian weather and vandal-resistance.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10">''Telstra Smart Payphone (MPP X1)'', Pay phone Story, 28 May 2025, [https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/](https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The model is commonly said to have been introduced in 1997 to replace the CT3 series, with early deployments in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" /> The current manufacturer appears to be '''Infopyme Comunicaciones''', a Spanish public-telephony manufacturer that describes itself as designing, manufacturing, assembling and repairing public telephones and spare parts for operators around the world.<ref name="infopyme-company">''Manufacture, assembly and repair of public telephones'', Infopyme Comunicaciones, [https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer](https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The Telstra Smart Payphone appears to be a Telstra-specific variant of Infopyme's '''TMI''' public-payphone platform, or of the same Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme product lineage. This identification is based on manufacturer lineage and visual/collector comparison rather than a Telstra-published model sheet, so it should be treated as probable rather than formally confirmed.

Early units were reportedly modified or retrofitted after problems with durability, weather exposure and vandalism. Later Australian examples have heavier stainless-steel casing and improved coin-security hardware on coin-capable variants.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" />

At some point in the mid-2000s, the Smart Payphone firmware and/or service platform was updated to allow SMS sending. Telstra's current payphone terms state that some public payphones can send SMS messages to compatible Australian mobile and fixed services, although payphones cannot receive SMS replies.<ref name="telstra-terms">''Public Payphones Section: Our Customer Terms'', Telstra, last changed 9 November 2023, [https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf](https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

In 2019 Telstra enabled incoming calls on many public payphones. Telstra later stated that publicly accessible payphones could receive incoming telephone calls, and Telstra's current public-payphone terms state that some payphones allow incoming calls at no charge.<ref name="telstra-2019-media">''Payphones deliver vital community service'', Telstra, 11 October 2019, [https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service](https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref><ref name="telstra-terms" />

In August 2021 Telstra made local calls, national calls to standard fixed-line numbers and calls to standard Australian mobiles free from public payphones.<ref name="telstra-freecalls">''Why we’re making payphones free for calls around Australia'', Telstra Exchange, 29 September 2022, [https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Coin acceptance ended from 8 October 2021.<ref name="telstra-payphones" />

With the rollout of the NBN and the progressive decommissioning of copper-based POTS services, many Smart Payphones in metropolitan areas have been converted to use Telstra's cellular network rather than a traditional copper telephone line. In the field, these can often be identified by the telephone number shown on the payphone's <nowiki>[[cabinet]]</nowiki> label: cellular-connected payphones commonly have numbers beginning with '''04''' rather than a fixed-line area code.

From 2022, Telstra began converting enabled payphones into [[Telstra Air|free Wi-Fi hotspots]]. Telstra stated that free Wi-Fi became available at selected enabled payphones from 25 August 2022, and that around 3,000 Wi-Fi-enabled payphones had been upgraded by 2023.<ref name="telstra-wifi">''Free Wi-Fi is now available to anyone across selected Telstra payphones'', Telstra Exchange, 7 November 2023, [https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wi-fi-is-now-available-to-anyone-across-selected-telstra-pa](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wi-fi-is-now-available-to-anyone-across-selected-telstra-pa). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

== Variants ==

=== Phonecard-only Smart Payphone ===

A less common version is the '''Phonecard-only''' or card-only Smart Payphone. These units do not have a usable coin mechanism and rely on the Telstra Phonecard or a compatible calling card for charged destinations.<ref name="telstra-payphones" />

=== Coin and Phonecard Smart Payphone ===

The most common Smart Payphone variant still encountered in the field is the '''coin and Phonecard''' model. These units were originally fitted with both a coin mechanism and a Telstra Phonecard slot. Collector sources state that coin-capable units accepted Australian 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" />

After Telstra made standard Australian national and mobile calls free in 2021, coin acceptance was later disabled across Telstra public payphones. Telstra states that payphones stopped accepting coins from 8 October 2021.<ref name="telstra-payphones" /> As a result, many coin/Phonecard Smart Payphones still physically have a coin slot, coin return and related hardware, but the coin mechanism should be treated as disabled rather than usable. The Phonecard slot may still be usable for charged destinations and Phonecard-specific functions.

=== TTY Smart Payphone ===

Some Telstra payphones were modified with a '''[[TTY]]''' (teletypewriter) facility for people who are deaf or have a communication impairment. Telstra states that around 100 payphones have been modified to include a TTY facility. TTY-equipped payphones can be found through Telstra's Payphone Locator by searching for the ''Teletypewriter (TTY)'' feature.<ref name="telstra-tty">''TTY Payphones'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

TTY units are visually distinct and are of particular interest to Payphonetag players. The TTY keyboard used with Telstra payphones is an '''Ultratec Pay Phone TDD''' keyboard. The keyboard slides out when TTY tones are detected over the phone line. Many units appear to have seen little regular use in recent years, so players should not assume that the TTY attachment is working unless tested.

TTY payphones that have been converted to use Telstra's 4G/cellular network, usually identifiable by an '''04''' number on the <nowiki>[[cabinet]]</nowiki> label, are currently reported not to work correctly with TTY. Telstra is aware of the issue and has stated that it is working on a solution.

=== Wi-Fi-enabled cabinets ===

Some Smart Payphones are installed in [[Cabinet|cabinets]] or surrounds that also provide free Telstra Wi-Fi. Telstra says users can connect by selecting the ''Free Telstra Wi-Fi'' network and accepting the portal terms.<ref name="telstra-wifi" /> Wi-Fi-enabled sites may have additional branding, antennas or cabinet modifications.

Field observations suggest that Telstra Air / Free Telstra Wi-Fi-enabled payphones often use conventional domestic-style Telstra Smart Modems installed within the booth's roof ''hat'' or inside a Telstra Air cube enclosure mounted above the booth roof.

== Charges ==
The following services are free:

* Local and national landline calls
* National mobile calls
* Calls to 13 and 1300 (local rate) numbers
* Calls to 1800 (free call) numbers
* Domestic SMS

These services are not free and charged in 50c increments:

* Calls to satellite numbers
* International calls

Rates for each type of call can be found in Telstra's payphone terms.<ref name="telstra-terms" />

== Related payphones in other countries ==

The Telstra Smart Payphone was not a completely unique Australian concept. Similar or related Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme public telephones appeared in several other countries, sometimes with different housings, tariffing and operator-specific software.

=== Germany ===

Germany had '''TELE-RUF Smart Payphones''', a privately operated late-1990s/early-2000s smart-payphone system. Collector documentation identifies the TELE-RUF units as using hardware based on the Amper-developed MPP platform also used in Australia's Telstra CT-10/Smart Payphone.<ref name="payphonestory-germany">''German Phone Booth – TELE-RUF Smart Payphones'', Pay phone Story, 16 April 2026, [https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/](https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

These German phones advertised cheap calls and mobile-era digital services such as SMS, ringtone downloads and digital content delivery.<ref name="payphonestory-germany" />

=== Croatia ===

Croatia has used public payphones operated by Hrvatski Telekom. Some older Croatian card payphones have been visually identified by collectors as being part of the same or a closely related Siemens/Amper platform family, but this should be treated cautiously unless supported by a manufacturer plate or primary source.

Hrvatski Telekom later modernised some public payphone sites into digital smart-phone booths. In 2017 Hrvatski Telekom and Vendotel installed ten smart payphones in Zadar with free Wi-Fi, ticketing, voucher sales and other services.<ref name="ht-2017">''Hrvatski Telekom with its partner Vendotel installed in Zadar first smart phone booths in Croatia'', Hrvatski Telekom, 2 May 2017, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> In 2018 Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital announced the replacement of existing public payphones with digital payphones offering Wi-Fi, wireless charging, sensors, navigation information, digital advertising and an SOS key.<ref name="ht-2018">''Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital start modernization of public pay phones'', Hrvatski Telekom, 12 June 2018, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Cuba ===

Cuba's ETECSA public telephone network has used several public telephone technologies, including Siemens-Elasa and Amper/Siemens-Elasa equipment. Cuban service-quality material has listed public-telephone technologies including Siemens Elasa and Amper coin and card telephone equipment.

Cuban public phones remained important well into the smartphone era because public-phone calls were much cheaper than mobile calls. A 2017 report stated that Cuba had 59,818 public phones at the end of the previous year, including 8,588 coin-operated phones.<ref name="cuba-public-phones">''Cuba's Public Phones Persist in the Smartphone Era'', Translating Cuba / 14ymedio, 6 September 2017, [https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/](https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Russia ===

Russia, particularly Moscow's MGTS public-payphone network, used Amper and Siemens-Elasa equipment during the transition from token-operated phones to card and coin-card public phones. Russian metrology-register material lists Amper-Siemens-Elasa card-payphone tariff equipment, including TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P models, manufactured in Spain.<ref name="russia-register">''Государственный реестр средств измерений: TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P'', Государственный реестр средств измерений, [https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340](https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

Moscow also trialled Siemens Elasa internet payphones in 2003, with reports stating that MGTS planned to install a small trial batch able to provide voice calls, internet access, email, text messages and multimedia messages.<ref name="newsru-siemens-elasa">''В Москве установлен первый интернет-таксофон'', NEWSru.com, 25 December 2003, [https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html](https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

== References ==

<references />

Phonecard

2026-05-24T06:55:17Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:$5 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|$5 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077653712</ref>]]
A '''Telstra Phonecard''' (also called a '''calling card''') is a pre-paid card that is used to make phone calls at [[Payphone|payphones]] to international numbers and satellite phones. These cards are sold in denominations of $5, $10, and $20 at select Telstra outlets<ref>''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>, and they are the only way to pay for such calls, as cash payments were discontinued at some point after domestic calls were made free in 2021. Phonecards can be programmed to autodial a number, which can be useful for [[Agent|agents]] as it allows making captures on payphones with damaged keypads.[[File:$10 telstra phonecard.jpg|thumb|279x279px|$10 Telstra Phonecard<ref>https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/396077695502</ref>]]

== History ==
At launch, Telstra distinguished the new Smart Phonecard from the older Telstra Phonecard. A contemporary Telstra newspaper advertisement said the new card used ''Smart chip technology'' and was identified by a red arrow. The advertisement stated that Smart Phonecards would only operate in new Telstra Public Payphones displaying the same red arrow, while older green-arrow Phonecards would only operate in older Telstra payphones.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Telstra also promoted the Smart Phonecard as a possible stored-value payment system beyond payphones, stating that Smart Phonecards would soon be accepted in vending machines for snacks and drinks.<ref name="smh-smart2">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The extent of any later vending-machine rollout is unclear.

== Technical details ==
The Telstra Smart Phonecard is not a PIN card and is not a general-purpose processor smartcard in the same sense as a SIM card or banking card. It is a synchronous contact memory/counter card. Telstra's current Phonecard information states that no PIN or access number is required, and that the card is used simply by inserting it into a Telstra payphone and dialling.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The chip used in the Telstra Smart Phonecard has been identified by hobbyist and collector testing as the '''Siemens/Infineon SLE 4436''' family. The SLE 4436/36E was specifically designed for prepaid telephone-card applications. Manufacturer information describes it as containing 221 bits of EEPROM memory, 16 bits of ROM, a control/security unit, and a computing unit for chip authentication.<ref name="sle4436">''SLE 4436/36E Short Product Information'', Infineon Technologies, [https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf](https://cardplus.ru/wp-content/themes/new_templete/files/sle4436.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The SLE 4436 memory layout includes a counter, identification data such as serial number and expiry date, and data areas.<ref name="sle4436" /> This fits the practical behaviour of a Telstra Smart Phonecard: the payphone can read the card identity and remaining value, decrement the stored credit during chargeable calls, and also store small user-programmed data such as an autodial number.

This one-way memory behaviour also explains why the Telstra Smart Payphone warns that an autodial number can only be programmed into a Phonecard once. Programming the autodial field consumes the relevant writable bits on the card. Because the card cannot erase those bits back to their original state, the payphone cannot safely offer repeated attempts or later edits in the way a normal rewritable memory card could.

The card's value storage should be understood as a one-way electronic counter rather than a rewritable balance field. In normal card operation, memory is not erased before writing, so bits can only be programmed from binary '''1''' to binary '''0'''.<ref name="acr38-sle4436">''ACR38x Smart Card Reader Reference Manual'', ACS, section on SLE 4406/SLE 4436/SLE 5536/SLE 6636 memory cards, [https://www.cardlogix.com/wp-content/uploads/ACS-ACR38x-Smart-Card-Reader-Reference-Sheet_6.03.pdf](https://www.cardlogix.com/wp-content/uploads/ACS-ACR38x-Smart-Card-Reader-Reference-Sheet_6.03.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> In practical terms, once a counter bit or value stage has been consumed, ordinary payphone operations cannot turn it back into unused credit. This is more technically accurate than saying the chip is literally ''blown like a fuse'', but the effect is similar: the card is designed for controlled devaluation, not recharging or reuse.

The SLE 4436 also supports write modes intended for telephone-card counter operation, including ''write with carry'' and backup-protected write modes.<ref name="acr38-sle4436" /> The backup mechanism is intended to reduce value corruption if the card is removed during a counter update. Manufacturer information also describes a challenge-response authentication unit, used so the terminal can verify that the card is genuine rather than a simple unprotected memory device.<ref name="sle4436" />

Telstra's Phonecard terms state that the card's stored value cannot be increased and that the card ends when the stored value reaches zero or when the end date shown on the card is reached.<ref name="phonecard-terms">''Telstra Phonecard: Things you need to know'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/home-phone/pdf/phonecard-terms.pdf](https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/home-phone/pdf/phonecard-terms.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> This matches the one-way counter design: a spent Smart Phonecard is not normally reset or topped up.

== Finding a phonecard ==
Telstra Shop staff may not know what a Telstra Phonecard is, especially because they are now rarely requested. When asking for one, avoid only saying ''calling card'', as staff may think of mobile recharge vouchers, international PIN cards or discontinued products. Useful wording:<blockquote>I’m after a '''Telstra Phonecard calling card''' for use in Telstra payphones. Telstra’s website lists it under '''Calling cards''' and says it is available in '''$5, $10 and $20''' denominations at selected Telstra Stores and retail outlets.</blockquote>It may help to show staff Telstra's ''Calling cards'' page, which states that Telstra Phonecards are used for international, mobile satellite and other chargeable calls from Telstra payphones.<ref name="telstra-phonecard-page2">''Calling cards'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards](https://www.telstra.com.au/phone-line/calling-cards). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Ask whether the store can check old stock, the accessories drawer, or internal product listings.

== Expiry ==
Telstra's Phonecard terms state that Phonecards end on the date shown on the back of the card or when the stored value reaches zero, and that Telstra does not promise that a card will work after its end date.<ref name="phonecard-terms2">''Telstra Phonecard: Things you need to know'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/home-phone/pdf/phonecard-terms.pdf](https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/home-phone/pdf/phonecard-terms.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Payphonetag players have observed that some recently issued Phonecards with a 2025 expiry date continue to function after the printed expiry date. Telstra Shop staff at Telstra's flagship Sydney store in Pitt Street Mall have also reportedly advised purchasers that these cards will continue to work after expiry. This should be treated as staff advice and field observation only, not a formal Telstra guarantee.

Anyone buying an expired or near-expired Phonecard should ask for a receipt and test the card as soon as practical after purchase. If the card does not work, the receipt will be useful when returning to the store or seeking assistance.

Telstra Smart Payphone

2026-05-24T06:52:30Z

CrimsonWolf:

[[File:Majestic.jpg|thumb|Telstra Smart Payphone]]
The '''Telstra Smart Payphone''' is the current standard public telephone used by [[Telstra]] in Australia. It replaced earlier Telecom Australia and Telstra public payphone types and is the model most commonly encountered by Payphonetag players.

Telstra describes the Smart Payphone as its latest public payphone. Published features include SMS sending to Australian mobiles, a large back-lit display showing the number dialled and remaining credit, visual or audible low-credit and end-of-call warnings, a hearing-aid coupler, four-step volume control, and redial.<ref name="telstra-smart">''Telstra Smart Payphone'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/smart-payphone). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Although still generally called a ''payphone'', ordinary domestic use of Telstra public phones is now free. Telstra states that standard national and mobile calls are free from all Telstra payphones, and that from 8 October 2021 payphones stopped accepting coins. Calls to international and other charged destinations require a Telstra Phonecard or other third-party calling card.<ref name="telstra-payphones">''Payphone services'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

== Functionality ==
[[File:Payphone boot.jpg|thumb|The boot screen of the [[Telstra Smart Payphone]]]]When picking up the handset of the payphone, the phone will show a boot screen.

Shortly after, you will reach the main screen. Here you can enter the phone number to call, or press OK to enter a menu for other functions.

=== Calling ===
From the main screen, dial the number to call with the keypad. The phone will immediately show an error message if you dial a prefix that it cannot call, such as 05 (an unallocated range for mobile numbers) or 19 (premium rate numbers).

Once you have finished dialling, the phone will attempt to place the call after a few seconds. The screen will show "FREE CALL" once this has occurred.

While the call is connected, you can still dial as on any other phone to respond to interactive voice prompts or menus. These numbers will show on the screen.

Once the call is concluded, the screen does not change, although you will hear the disconnect tone as normal. You can now replace the handset to put the phone back to standby or press the FOLLOW ON button under the handset to make another call.

=== SMS ===
From the OK menu, you can press 1 to write your own message to send or 2 to choose from a list of pre-written messages.

== History ==

Public telephones have been part of the Australian telephone network since the 1880s. The Telstra Smart Payphone belongs to the late-1990s generation of electronic public telephones designed around smartcard payment, display-based prompting, programmable tariffs and automatic fault reporting.

Contemporary press coverage in ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' shows Telstra's smart-card public telephone technology was being covered publicly during the late-1990s rollout period.<ref name="smh-smart">''Using our new Smart Payphones and Smart Phonecards is easy'', Telstra advertisement, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', Fairfax Media clipping via Newspapers.com, [https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/](https://fairfaxmedia.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-telstra-smart/196788410/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

Collector sources identify the Australian Smart Payphone as part of the Amper-developed '''MPP''' or '''Multi Purpose Payphone''' platform, with early units made in Spain and adapted for Australian weather and vandal-resistance.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10">''Telstra Smart Payphone (MPP X1)'', Pay phone Story, 28 May 2025, [https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/](https://payphonestory.com/2025/05/28/ct-10-telstra-smart-payphone/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> The model is commonly said to have been introduced in 1997 to replace the CT3 series, with early deployments in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" /> The current manufacturer appears to be '''Infopyme Comunicaciones''', a Spanish public-telephony manufacturer that describes itself as designing, manufacturing, assembling and repairing public telephones and spare parts for operators around the world.<ref name="infopyme-company">''Manufacture, assembly and repair of public telephones'', Infopyme Comunicaciones, [https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer](https://www.infopyme.com/en/company/public-payphones-manufacturer). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

The Telstra Smart Payphone appears to be a Telstra-specific variant of Infopyme's '''TMI''' public-payphone platform, or of the same Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme product lineage. This identification is based on manufacturer lineage and visual/collector comparison rather than a Telstra-published model sheet, so it should be treated as probable rather than formally confirmed.

Early units were reportedly modified or retrofitted after problems with durability, weather exposure and vandalism. Later Australian examples have heavier stainless-steel casing and improved coin-security hardware on coin-capable variants.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" />

At some point in the mid-2000s, the Smart Payphone firmware and/or service platform was updated to allow SMS sending. Telstra's current payphone terms state that some public payphones can send SMS messages to compatible Australian mobile and fixed services, although payphones cannot receive SMS replies.<ref name="telstra-terms">''Public Payphones Section: Our Customer Terms'', Telstra, last changed 9 November 2023, [https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf](https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/consumer-advice/pdf/pubpayphones.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

In 2019 Telstra enabled incoming calls on many public payphones. Telstra later stated that publicly accessible payphones could receive incoming telephone calls, and Telstra's current public-payphone terms state that some payphones allow incoming calls at no charge.<ref name="telstra-2019-media">''Payphones deliver vital community service'', Telstra, 11 October 2019, [https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service](https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/Payphones-deliver-vital-community-service). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref><ref name="telstra-terms" />

In August 2021 Telstra made local calls, national calls to standard fixed-line numbers and calls to standard Australian mobiles free from public payphones.<ref name="telstra-freecalls">''Why we’re making payphones free for calls around Australia'', Telstra Exchange, 29 September 2022, [https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/payphones-free-for-calls-australia). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> Coin acceptance ended from 8 October 2021.<ref name="telstra-payphones" />

With the rollout of the NBN and the progressive decommissioning of copper-based POTS services, many Smart Payphones in metropolitan areas have been converted to use Telstra's cellular network rather than a traditional copper telephone line. In the field, these can often be identified by the telephone number shown on the payphone's <nowiki>[[cabinet]]</nowiki> label: cellular-connected payphones commonly have numbers beginning with '''04''' rather than a fixed-line area code.

From 2022, Telstra began converting enabled payphones into free Wi-Fi hotspots. Telstra stated that free Wi-Fi became available at selected enabled payphones from 25 August 2022, and that around 3,000 Wi-Fi-enabled payphones had been upgraded by 2023.<ref name="telstra-wifi">''Free Wi-Fi is now available to anyone across selected Telstra payphones'', Telstra Exchange, 7 November 2023, [https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wi-fi-is-now-available-to-anyone-across-selected-telstra-pa](https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/free-wi-fi-is-now-available-to-anyone-across-selected-telstra-pa). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

== Variants ==

=== Phonecard-only Smart Payphone ===

A less common version is the '''Phonecard-only''' or card-only Smart Payphone. These units do not have a usable coin mechanism and rely on the Telstra Phonecard or a compatible calling card for charged destinations.<ref name="telstra-payphones" />

=== Coin and Phonecard Smart Payphone ===

The most common Smart Payphone variant still encountered in the field is the '''coin and Phonecard''' model. These units were originally fitted with both a coin mechanism and a Telstra Phonecard slot. Collector sources state that coin-capable units accepted Australian 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins.<ref name="payphonestory-ct10" />

After Telstra made standard Australian national and mobile calls free in 2021, coin acceptance was later disabled across Telstra public payphones. Telstra states that payphones stopped accepting coins from 8 October 2021.<ref name="telstra-payphones" /> As a result, many coin/Phonecard Smart Payphones still physically have a coin slot, coin return and related hardware, but the coin mechanism should be treated as disabled rather than usable. The Phonecard slot may still be usable for charged destinations and Phonecard-specific functions.

=== TTY Smart Payphone ===

Some Telstra payphones were modified with a '''[[TTY]]''' (teletypewriter) facility for people who are deaf or have a communication impairment. Telstra states that around 100 payphones have been modified to include a TTY facility. TTY-equipped payphones can be found through Telstra's Payphone Locator by searching for the ''Teletypewriter (TTY)'' feature.<ref name="telstra-tty">''TTY Payphones'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/tty-payphones). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

TTY units are visually distinct and are of particular interest to Payphonetag players. The TTY keyboard used with Telstra payphones is an '''Ultratec Pay Phone TDD''' keyboard. The keyboard slides out when TTY tones are detected over the phone line. Many units appear to have seen little regular use in recent years, so players should not assume that the TTY attachment is working unless tested.

TTY payphones that have been converted to use Telstra's 4G/cellular network, usually identifiable by an '''04''' number on the <nowiki>[[cabinet]]</nowiki> label, are currently reported not to work correctly with TTY. Telstra is aware of the issue and has stated that it is working on a solution.

=== Wi-Fi-enabled cabinets ===

Some Smart Payphones are installed in [[Cabinet|cabinets]] or surrounds that also provide free Telstra Wi-Fi. Telstra says users can connect by selecting the ''Free Telstra Wi-Fi'' network and accepting the portal terms.<ref name="telstra-wifi" /> Wi-Fi-enabled sites may have additional branding, antennas or cabinet modifications.

Field observations suggest that Telstra Air / Free Telstra Wi-Fi-enabled payphones often use conventional domestic-style Telstra Smart Modems installed within the booth's roof ''hat'' or inside a Telstra Air cube enclosure mounted above the booth roof.

-- Under construction --

=== Contact oxidation ===

Because Phonecard slots have seen little use for many years, the contacts in the reader may be dirty or oxidised. If a known-good Phonecard is not read immediately, gently insert and remove the card several times. Do not force the card, insert foreign objects, spray cleaners into the slot, or damage the phone.

== Call charges and tariffs ==

For ordinary Payphonetag use, standard Australian fixed-line and mobile calls should be treated as free, consistent with Telstra's current consumer advice.<ref name="telstra-payphones" /> Since Telstra stopped accepting coins in 2021, remaining chargeable calls require a Telstra Phonecard or other supported calling card.<ref name="telstra-payphones" />

The current practical charging position is:

<table class="wikitable">
<tr>
<th>Call type</th>
<th>Current status</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Australian fixed-line calls, including local and national landline calls</td>
<td>Free</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Australian mobile calls</td>
<td>Free</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domestic satellite and special mobile satellite services</td>
<td>Chargeable; Phonecard or supported calling card required</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>International calls</td>
<td>Chargeable; Phonecard or supported calling card required</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Domestic SMS from a public payphone, where supported</td>
<td>Free</td>
</tr>
</table>

Telstra's public-payphone customer terms still publish tariff details for chargeable services, including domestic satellite calls and international calls.<ref name="telstra-terms" /> International calls are charged by destination in seconds per 50c. Examples from Telstra's current table include 600 seconds per 50c to the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Bangladesh and South Korea; 120 seconds per 50c to the United Kingdom, France, Greece, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines; and 60 seconds per 50c to New Zealand, Germany, Italy and Ireland.<ref name="telstra-terms" />

Telstra's terms also state that some public payphones can send an SMS of up to 136 characters to a compatible Australian mobile or fixed service, but that payphones cannot receive or reply to SMS, cannot send SMS to 13x, 13xx, 180x or international services, and that SMS from a payphone is not suitable for emergencies.<ref name="telstra-terms" />

== Payphonetag tips ==

=== Reporting faults ===

The official Telstra payphone fault line is '''180 22 44'''. Telstra states that this is a free call from Telstra payphones and operates 24/7. Useful details include the location, the payphone number or [[cabinet]] ID, a description of the fault, and details of any physical damage.<ref name="telstra-faults">''Reporting faults'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/reporting-faults](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/payphones/reporting-faults). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

In practice, Payphonetag players have found that the quickest way to submit ordinary non-urgent fault reports is usually '''Snap Send Solve'''. Telstra's damaged-equipment page directs non-urgent damage reports through Snap Send Solve, and Snap Send Solve says it can send Telstra equipment reports directly to Telstra.<ref name="telstra-damage">''Report damages to Telstra equipment'', Telstra Consumer Advice, [https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/digging-construction/report-damages](https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/digging-construction/report-damages). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref><ref name="snap-telstra">''Report Damaged Telstra Equipment'', Snap Send Solve, 15 April 2026, [https://www.snapsendsolve.com/report/damaged-telstra-equipment](https://www.snapsendsolve.com/report/damaged-telstra-equipment). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

As of current Payphonetag field reports, the best Snap Send Solve category to use is usually '''Telstra – Phonebox Graffiti''', even if the problem is not graffiti. This appears to route the report to a Telstra staff member or Telstra workflow where the appropriate payphone fault can be logged. Include a clear description such as ''handset missing'', ''no dial tone'', ''screen blank'', ''keypad not responding'', ''card reader not reading cards'', ''TTY not working'', or ''line noisy''.

For faults that create an immediate safety risk, such as exposed wiring, overhead cable damage, injury or damage to property, follow Telstra's urgent-damage advice instead: call '''13 22 03''' and say ''report damages''.<ref name="telstra-damage" />

=== Incoming calls and caller ID ===

Almost all Telstra Smart Payphones can receive incoming calls. The payphone will usually ring and can be answered by lifting the handset. Payphones also normally display outgoing caller ID when making a call, which is useful for confirming the number assigned to a payphone and matching it to its cabinet label.

There are exceptions at sensitive locations, such as mental health crisis wards, prisons, rehabilitation facilities and similar controlled environments. At these sites, outgoing caller ID may be blocked and appear as a private number. Incoming calls may still wake the phone, but the display may not show an incoming-call message. If the handset is lifted, the phone may display '''SERVICE NOT AVAILABLE - HANG UP''' rather than connecting the incoming call.

A notable exception is outgoing SMS. Even where outgoing voice caller ID appears to be blocked, outgoing SMS messages may still display the payphone's caller ID.

=== Follow On button ===

The '''Follow On''' button was originally used to allow remaining coin credit to be used for an additional call without the user having to insert more coins. Since coins are no longer accepted and standard Australian calls are free, the button has little practical purpose for payment. It can still be useful for quickly starting another call without waiting for the payphone to go through its full reset cycle.

=== Using a TTY payphone with Payphonetag ===

A TTY-equipped Telstra Smart Payphone can be triggered by calling the Payphonetag number. After entering the required PIN, Payphonetag sends the modem/TTY tones needed to activate the Ultratec Pay Phone TDD keyboard. Once the keyboard slides out, type a message using the TTY keyboard. The message will be decoded and displayed in the '''#tty''' channel of the Payphonetag Discord.

This is useful for testing whether the TTY attachment is still functional. If the keyboard does not slide out, the TTY unit, phone line, handset path, detection circuit or Payphonetag-side call path may be faulty. If the payphone has an '''04''' number on its <nowiki>[[cabinet]]</nowiki> label, it may be one of the 4G-converted TTY payphones currently affected by Telstra's known TTY issue.

=== Dialling when the keypad is not working properly ===

If the numeric keypad is damaged but the card key and card reader still work, a Telstra Phonecard can sometimes be used to autodial a stored number.

<ol>
<li>Find another Smart Payphone with a working keypad and working Phonecard reader.</li>
<li>Insert the Telstra Phonecard.</li>
<li>Press '''OK''' to enter the menu.</li>
<li>Select '''Option 3''' for the Phonecard autodial/programming function.</li>
<li>Program the target number into the Phonecard.</li>
<li>At the payphone with the damaged keypad, insert the programmed Phonecard.</li>
<li>Press the '''card''' key to autodial the stored number. The card key is the first key from the top on the left-most row of the keypad.</li>
</ol>

This is useful where the keypad has failed or certain digits do not register. It will not help if the hookswitch, handset, line, display, card reader or card key is faulty.

=== Entering a Payphonetag PIN with a tone dialling app ===

If the payphone keypad is partly or completely broken, it may still be possible to call Payphonetag and enter a PIN using DTMF tones generated by a mobile phone.

First, place the call to '''07 LOADTALK''' — '''07 5623 8255''' — using a Phonecard autodial entry, or by dialling normally if the broken key is not needed for the Payphonetag number. Once the call is connected, use a tone dialling app on a mobile phone to play the PIN digits into the payphone handset microphone.

The mobile phone volume must be adjusted carefully. If it is too loud, the tones may distort and fail to decode; if it is too quiet, the payphone microphone may not pick them up reliably. Hold the mobile phone speaker near the payphone mouthpiece and listen through the payphone earpiece while adjusting the volume to find the cleanest level.

=== Testing the Phonecard slot ===

A working Phonecard should cause the payphone to display the remaining stored value when inserted.<ref name="phonecard-terms">''Telstra Phonecard: Things you need to know'', Telstra, [https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/home-phone/pdf/phonecard-terms.pdf](https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/home-phone/pdf/phonecard-terms.pdf). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> If it does not:

* check that the card is inserted the correct way around;
* try several gentle insertion/removal cycles;
* try the same card in another payphone;
* try another known-good Phonecard if available;
* remember that the card slot, card reader or payphone line may be faulty.

== Related payphones in other countries ==

The Telstra Smart Payphone was not a completely unique Australian concept. Similar or related Amper/Siemens-Elasa/Infopyme public telephones appeared in several other countries, sometimes with different housings, tariffing and operator-specific software.

=== Germany ===

Germany had '''TELE-RUF Smart Payphones''', a privately operated late-1990s/early-2000s smart-payphone system. Collector documentation identifies the TELE-RUF units as using hardware based on the Amper-developed MPP platform also used in Australia's Telstra CT-10/Smart Payphone.<ref name="payphonestory-germany">''German Phone Booth – TELE-RUF Smart Payphones'', Pay phone Story, 16 April 2026, [https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/](https://payphonestory.com/2026/04/16/german-phone-booth-tele-ruf-smart-payphones/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

These German phones advertised cheap calls and mobile-era digital services such as SMS, ringtone downloads and digital content delivery.<ref name="payphonestory-germany" />

=== Croatia ===

Croatia has used public payphones operated by Hrvatski Telekom. Some older Croatian card payphones have been visually identified by collectors as being part of the same or a closely related Siemens/Amper platform family, but this should be treated cautiously unless supported by a manufacturer plate or primary source.

Hrvatski Telekom later modernised some public payphone sites into digital smart-phone booths. In 2017 Hrvatski Telekom and Vendotel installed ten smart payphones in Zadar with free Wi-Fi, ticketing, voucher sales and other services.<ref name="ht-2017">''Hrvatski Telekom with its partner Vendotel installed in Zadar first smart phone booths in Croatia'', Hrvatski Telekom, 2 May 2017, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/3626/Hrvatski-Telekom-with-its-partner-Vendotel-installed-in-Zadar-first-smart-phone-booths-in-Croatia.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref> In 2018 Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital announced the replacement of existing public payphones with digital payphones offering Wi-Fi, wireless charging, sensors, navigation information, digital advertising and an SOS key.<ref name="ht-2018">''Hrvatski Telekom and Go2Digital start modernization of public pay phones'', Hrvatski Telekom, 12 June 2018, [https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html](https://www.t.ht.hr/en/Press/press-releases/4186/Hrvatski-Telekom-and-Go2Digital-start-modernization-of-public-pay-phones.html). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Cuba ===

Cuba's ETECSA public telephone network has used several public telephone technologies, including Siemens-Elasa and Amper/Siemens-Elasa equipment. Cuban service-quality material has listed public-telephone technologies including Siemens Elasa and Amper coin and card telephone equipment.

Cuban public phones remained important well into the smartphone era because public-phone calls were much cheaper than mobile calls. A 2017 report stated that Cuba had 59,818 public phones at the end of the previous year, including 8,588 coin-operated phones.<ref name="cuba-public-phones">''Cuba's Public Phones Persist in the Smartphone Era'', Translating Cuba / 14ymedio, 6 September 2017, [https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/](https://translatingcuba.com/cubas-public-phones-persist-in-the-smartphone-era/). Accessed 3 May 2026.</ref>

=== Russia ===

Russia, particularly Moscow's MGTS public-payphone network, used Amper and Siemens-Elasa equipment during the transition from token-operated phones to card and coin-card public phones. Russian metrology-register material lists Amper-Siemens-Elasa card-payphone tariff equipment, including TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P models, manufactured in Spain.<ref name="russia-register">''Государственный реестр средств измерений: TPM-PC/S and TPM-MM/P'', Государственный реестр средств измерений, [https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340](https://info.metrologu.ru/grsi/grsi.html?curPos=15340). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

Moscow also trialled Siemens Elasa internet payphones in 2003, with reports stating that MGTS planned to install a small trial batch able to provide voice calls, internet access, email, text messages and multimedia messages.<ref name="newsru-siemens-elasa">''В Москве установлен первый интернет-таксофон'', NEWSru.com, 25 December 2003, [https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html](https://www.newsru.com/russia/25dec2003/internet.html). Accessed 3 May 2026. Russian-language source.</ref>

== References ==

<references />

Payphone:02974020X2

2026-05-24T06:28:48Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0475892198
| cab = 02974020X2
| id = 4715
| address = 60 WANGEE RD NR CNR YANGOORA ST, LAKEMBA
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2195
| lat = -33.91411
| lng = 151.07438
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This is a vandal resistant phone with an extra thick casing, inside a Streetcab [[cabinet]].

== Location ==
This phone is located on Wangee Road, northwest of the intersection with Yangoora Rd, in Lakemba.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02970901X1

2026-05-24T05:47:58Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0297092613
| cab = 02970901X1
| id = 403
| address = 1 NORTH TCE S/C CNTR MGT ENTRY, BANKSTOWN
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2200
| lat = -33.916605
| lng = 151.038751
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==


== Location ==
The phone is located inside Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, on level 2 outside centre management. Follow the signs to Kmart, then go down the narrow corridor opposite the entrance.

Please note as this phone is located inside the shopping centre, access is not possible outside opening hours. Some sections of the centre close earlier than others according to the opening hours of retailers in that section. This phone is generally only accessible when Kmart is open.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02979609X2

2026-05-24T05:22:23Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0297962531
| cab = 02979609X2
| id = 11816
| address = 117 NORTH TCE OLD TOWN PLAZA, BANKSTOWN
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2200
| lat = -33.917406
| lng = 151.033841
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = yes
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = yes
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This phone has a Majestic type [[cabinet]].

There was formerly another Majestic attached to the back of this one, however all in this configuration in Bankstown were removed in 2019.

== Location ==
This phone is located on the northern approach to the bus only bridge in Bankstown, on the north side of the road.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02979605X2

2026-05-24T05:19:12Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0297961227
| cab = 02979605X2
| id = 8517
| address = 80 NORTH TCE BUS INT, BANKSTOWN
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2200
| lat = -33.917613
| lng = 151.034375
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This phone has a Majestic type [[cabinet]].

Historically there were two back-to-back Majestics in this location. Following demolition of the bus interchange in 2012, these were moved, with a further single Majestic added. Around 2019, all back-to-back phones in Bankstown had one removed, leaving two phones facing each other. One more was removed in 2021, leaving this phone standing alone.

== Location ==
This phone is located on the North Terrace side of Bankstown station, near bus stand H. The written address refers to the former bus interchange, which was demolished around 2012 after opening of the new interchange on the other side of the railway.

== Gallery ==

Payphone:02978718X2

2026-05-24T04:57:24Z

CrimsonWolf:

{{Payphone
| phone = 0448065616
| cab = 02978718X2
| id = 12270
| address = 67 FIFTH AVE NR SEVENTH AVE, CAMPSIE
| state = NSW
| postcode = 2194
| lat = -33.90913
| lng = 151.099722
| status = active
| tty_messaging_enabled = no
| wifi_hotspot = no
| card_payment = yes
| incoming_calls = yes
| tty_hardware = no
| adsl = no
| fibre = no
| lte = no
}}

== Description ==
This phone is a Streetcab, angled 45° to the road to have the advertisement on the rear facing southbound traffic.

== Location ==
This phone is located on Fifth Avenue, northeast of the intersection with Seventh Avenue, in Campsie. Note this phone incorrectly appears on the map next to phone [[Payphone:02978720X2|02978720X2]] on Ninth Avenue, which is actually about 600m away.

== Gallery ==