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Old 2nd Sep 2018, 6:32 pm   #12
Pellseinydd
Heptode
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Flintshire, UK.
Posts: 707
Default Re: GPO exchange codes for charging dockets

The non-coinbox lines which used 'multi-metering' are charged at the rate of 2 and a half pence per unit. However only the calls up to 5 miles could be dialled from a call-box during 'multi-metering' the cost being 4 pennies in 1957. Calls beyond the 5 mile limit were through the operator so were charged at the 'payphone' rate which was more than the 'self dialled' rate because of the extra cost of the operator. 4d for the first 'unit/distance' then 3d per additional 'unit/distance' after that so not much different.

In manual days, the system depended upon the type of exchange.

If it was a central battery exchange, you inserted the cost of the local call first, then picked up the receiver and the operator was called. You could speak to the operator and she would connect you and you pressed button ''A to deposit the money. This system was known as 'Pre-payment' (as was the automatic system for dialling calls).

For Central Battery Signalling manual exchanges and magneto exchanges, you just lifted the handset (and turned the handle on magneto) and the operator answered. You gave the number and she connected you and told you to deposit the correct fee. There was no Button A/B on these coinboxes - known as 'post-payment' .

See attached photos of one. This is the earlier version that is smaller than a 'renters' box. The later version was the same size as the standard kiosk A/B box (Box Coin Collection 14D) but had no buttons, only a refund 'tray' on the from and the 'Don't insert coins was a small label clamped under the standard 'Penny/sixpence/shilling' plate'. Both versions are rarely seen. The mechanism inside was the same (as per photo)
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Last edited by Pellseinydd; 2nd Sep 2018 at 6:56 pm.
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