Public telephones, once a vital part of the communication infrastructure, have a long history in Portugal, which reflects the evolution of communication technology over the years. In this article, we will explore how the public telephone works in Portugal and how it has adapted to technological changes. In Portugal, phone numbers are regulated by Anacom, in the National Numbering Plan. The country code is 351, that is, those who call from abroad will have to add +351 to the beginning of the number. On the other hand, to call from Portugal abroad, the international call sign 00 is used. In 1997, Portugal adopted the European emergency number 112, and there is also a separate number for forest fires, 117. With the increasing use of smartphones and the widespread availability of internet access, traditional public telephones have faced challenges. However, they still play an important role in emergency situations and for people who do not have access to mobile devices or landlines.
Public telephones in Portugal are usually placed in strategic locations, such as busy areas of cities, airports, train and bus stations. This ensures that they are available when people need them most.
Index
The Era of Traditional Public Telephones
Modernisation with Multifunctional Public Phones
Use of Phone Cards in Portugal
Future of Public Telephones in Portugal
How to make a call from the public phone?
Is charging calls possible? Communications Museum
The Era of Traditional Public Telephones
In the past, public telephones in Portugal were usually telephone booths located in streets, squares and train stations. They worked with specific coins, phone cards or telephone records. To use a traditional public phone, users had to insert coins or chips into the machine, or slide a magnetic card. They dialled the desired number and, when the call ended, the value was deducted.
The first telephone experiences began on November 24, 1877, connecting Carcavelos to Central do Cabo in Lisbon.
The first public telephone network was inaugurated in Lisbon on April 26, 1882 by Edison Gower Bell Telephone Company of Europe Ltd. which had the concession granted since January 13, 1882. The concession was transferred to The Anglo Portuguese Telephone Company (APT), also popularly referred to as the "Telephone Company", in 1887 which maintained it until 1968.
The first automatic telephone service was inaugurated in Portugal in 1930 and on September 25, 1937 APT inaugurated the first automatic station in Estrela in Lisbon. That year the APT network had 48,000 subscribers.
Modernisation with Multifunctional Public Phones
With the advancement of technology, public telephones in Portugal have evolved. Now, many of them are equipped with additional features. In addition to telephone calls, these multifunctional public telephones offer services such as internet access, document printing, recharging public transport cards and paying bills. Users can pay for these services using currencies, credit cards or prepaid cards.
Use of Phone Cards in Portugal
Telephone cards are still a popular way to use public phones in Portugal. They are available in various denominations and can be purchased at stores, kiosks or gas stations. Users simply scrape the access code on the card and enter it on the public phone. This allows them to make calls until the card amount is used.
Like the Hello Phone Card below, in addition to being available at the points of sale, they can also be purchased in a booth where you receive an SMS with the card code and instructions for use.
To receive a virtual Hello telephone card code by SMS, enter a €2 coin in the telephone booth, in the place indicated to enter coins. Dial 762 201 201 (instructions in Portuguese) or 762 202 202 (instructions in English). Then follow the steps to make a call with your new virtual card:
- Dial your language number to see the instructions:
Portuguese 882 201 882
English 882 202 882
Russian 882 203 882
Spanish 882 206 882
Turkey882 207 882
Chinese 882 208 882
– Dial your Hello card number (eleven digits on the back of the card).
– Dial the phone number you want to call, without forgetting the call sign.
You can find phone cards in several different stores and establishments. Some of the places where you can buy phone cards in Portugal include:
– Convenience stores: Many convenience stores, such as the chains "Pingo Doce," "Continente," "Intermarché" and "Minipreço," usually sell prepaid phone cards.
– Newspaper kiosks and tobacconists: You can also find phone cards in newspaper kiosks and tobacconists.
– Electronics and telecommunications stores: Stores specialised in electronics and telecommunications, such as "Fnac" or "Worten," can offer telephone cards, especially those related to mobile phone services.
– Supermarkets: In addition to convenience stores, larger supermarkets also usually sell phone cards.
– Phone operator stores: If you are looking for a specific carrier phone card, you can visit a physical store of that operator, such as "Vodafone," "MEO" or "NOS," depending on your preference.
Remember that the availability of telephone cards and the options available may vary according to the region and city in Portugal, so it is a good idea to ask at local establishments or check the operators' websites to find up-to-date information on where to buy phone cards in your specific area.
Future of Public Telephones in Portugal
The future of public telephones in Portugal may be linked to technological evolution. As 5G connectivity and internet access become more accessible, public phones can become digital service centres, offering tourist information, device charging and more.
In summary, public telephones in Portugal have evolved over time, going from simple coin devices to multifunctional machines. Although they have faced challenges with the popularisation of smartphones, they still have an important role to play in the country's communication infrastructure, especially in emergency situations and for those who do not have access to other means of communication. The future of public telephones will probably be linked to technological innovation, adapting to the ever-changing needs of modern society.
How to make a call from the public phone?
Making a call from a public phone in Portugal is a relatively simple process. Here are the basic steps to make a call from a public phone in Portugal:
1. Locate a pay phone:
First, find a public phone nearby. They are commonly located in busy areas, such as streets, train stations, airports and squares.
2. Insert coins or phone card:
Depending on the type of public phone, you will need to enter coins, phone cards or use other accepted payment methods. Many modern public phones accept euro coins and may also have credit card or debit card payment options.
3. Enter the phone number:
Use the numeric keypad on the public phone to dial the recipient's phone number. Be sure to include the area code, if necessary.
4. Make the call:
After typing the full number, press the call button or wait a few seconds for the call to be established.
5. End the call:
When the call is completed, place the receiver on the hook or follow the specific instructions by going to the public phone to end the call.
Remembering that the exact procedures may vary depending on the model and location of the public phone, so it is always good to read the instructions displayed on the phone itself or nearby. In addition, many public phones in Portugal now offer additional options, such as internet access or payment services, which may require additional steps, depending on what you want to do.
Is charging calls possible?
In Portugal, the pay-to-call service, known as "pay call," is not widely used in public telephones as in some other regions. However, you can make a collect call using a public phone by following these steps:
1. Locate a pay phone:
Find a public phone nearby. They are located in busy areas in cities, train stations, airports and other public locations.
2. Identify the phone number for charging call:
You will need to know the phone number to which you want to make the collect call. Make sure that the person who will receive the call is aware that you are calling to collect.
3. Enter the phone number:
Use the public phone keypad to dial the recipient's phone number, including the area code, if necessary.
4. Follow the instructions on the public phone:
Public telephones may have different procedures to make a collect call. Follow the instructions displayed on the public phone to select the pay call option.
5. Wait for the answer:
After following the instructions, wait until the person on the other side of the line accepts the collect call. They will have the option to accept or refuse the call.
6. Talk:
If the person on the other side accepts the collect call, you can talk normally.
7. Finalise the call:
When the call is complete, put the receiver on the hook or follow the specific instructions of the public phone to end the call.
Remembering that the availability and exact procedures may vary depending on the model and location of the public phone in Portugal. Be sure to read the instructions displayed on the phone itself or nearby for specific guidance. In addition, it is noteworthy that the call to collect can generate significant costs for the person who accepts it, so make sure you get permission before making a call to collect.
Example of instruction
In Portugal, the option to make charge calls directly from public phones may not be as common as elsewhere. However, if you find a public phone that offers this option, the instructions may vary depending on the phone model. Here is a general example of how the instructions could be:
1. Locate the public phone and check if it offers the option to make calls to collect. Not all public telephones in Portugal can provide this service.
2. Choose the charge call option on the phone's menu or keyboard, if available.
3. Enter the phone number for which you want to make the charge call, including the area code, if necessary.
4. Wait for the person's response who will receive the call. They will have the option to accept or refuse the collect call.
5. If the person accepts, You can talk normally. Otherwise, the call will be declined.
6. End the call when the conversation is completed, putting the receiver on the hook or following the specific instructions of the public phone.
Remembering that the availability of chargeable calls on public phones may be limited, and not all public phones offer this option. Therefore, it is important to check if the function is available on the specific phone you are using.
Communications Museum
Museum of Communications is the most visible face of the Portuguese Communications Foundation, created on October 6, 1997 and whose founders are ANACOM - National Communications Authority, CTT Correios de Portugal and Altice Portugal. The Museum is an active part in the realisation of the main mission of the Foundation: to promote the study, conservation and dissemination of the historical, scientific and technological heritage of Communications.
At the Communications Museum, a live Science and Technology workshop, kids and kids discover how fun it is to communicate! Thinking about the general public and the school public, the Educational Service develops pedagogical action programs, thematic routes and animations of the exhibitions, which become true trips guided by the History of Communications in a playful and interactive way.
In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Museum organises temporary exhibitions, also welcoming initiatives that, for their public interest, deserve to be framed in a space that is intended to be open and dynamic.
Where is it?
Rua do Instituto Industrial, nº 16
1200-225 Lisbon
Tel: 21 393 5000 | Fax: 21 396 8849
The following lines have routes that pass near the Communications Museum:
– Metre: GREEN LINE;
– Bus: 714,727, 728, 732, 760 And 774;
– Train: U.
+INFO
You can schedule a guided tour of the exhibition.
Just book in advance through the form.
Tickets also available at Blueticket.
Virtual visit to the exhibition here.
Contacts and more information here.
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