We've all seen one when walking along the street, on those rare occasions when we look up from our smartphones and PDAs. That old payphone sitting there in its corner, most likely covered with graffiti, old stickers and wads of chewed gum. Time has not been kind to these once-critical features of urban life. Thanks to time and technological trends, many consider public phones and phone booths to be little more than eyesores. But in truth, public phones still play a crucial role in the lives of our cities.



For instance, in times of crisis and emergency, public phones serve as the primary means of communication. In addition, they provide a means of communication to people who might not otherwise be able to afford personal devices (cell phones, smartphones, tablets, etc). In short, public phones still play an important role, but need some reinventing in order to stay relevant. Hence why Public Utility - a consortium of entrepreneur's, urban designers, policy makers & students - has launched the Innovate PayPhone Challenge.



In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina struck at New Orleans, the city’s communications infrastructure was heavily damaged. According to a report filed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, one of the most glaring aspects of the storm's damage was in terms of communications infrastructure - with up to 2000 cell towers being knocked out. As a result, public phones became the primary means for the city's residents to communicate with emergency services.

Hurricane Sandy also demonstrated the enduring importance of public phones. When the superstorm struck the Eastern Seaboard in 2012, New Yorkers turned to coin-operated phones when the storm and flood waters knocked out cell phone towers and power lines. In both cases, the vulnerability of wireless services and the presence of a landline option was the difference for many between life and death.

.

Residents lining up to use payphones in Brooklyn after Hurricane Sandy. Credit: nytimes.com



In addition to their value as an emergency communications service and their accessibility, public phones also occupy vital pieces of real-estate. Basically, they can be found in any place where there are high concentrations of pedestrian traffic, such as parks, airports, and major commercial areas. Because of this, they still have the potential to offer residents, visitors and business with vital services, and help make cities more accessible, healthier and safer.

With a prize of $25,000, Public Utility is looking for innovative ideas on how smart city technologies, design features and urban planning can be leveraged to reinvent the public phone. The ideas can come from students, architects, technology and design professionals, or anyone who is interested in developing an effective solution to public phones.

Ultimately, they are looking for ideas that can be implemented around the world, and which can help update these vital pieces of the urban landscape so they are once again seen as vital.

Do you have ideas on how infrastructure can be modernized and updated? Then be sure to check out the Innovate PayPhones challenge and register today!

Top Image Credit: time.com