31 replies to this topic

[VicHockeyFan]

You are probably right. The same could be said for airlines. I'd have no problem paying Verizon for my cell phone and flying on Alaska Airlines to Calgary.

This stuff infuriates me. We're supposed to have a "conservative" federal government that is for free markets, but they're actually just as if not more protectionist than the governments before then.

Follow the money, that's the problem. The Shaws and Aspers of this country are big party financiers - either one that's in, Liberals or Conservatives. Look at the Do Not Call list exemptions, just charities, political parties, and newspaper subscriptions, for whatever reason. Oh ya, because newspapers have clout with the parties.

[HB]

Found this old sign in a bushy area next to the TCH a little north of Victoria a few weeks back.

Its old school for sure.

[Holden West]

That's funny. 20th Century archaeology. I don't even think that works anymore. From what I can see "114" is now some sort of access code for cell phones.

[Holden West]

Published by the Cordova Bay Community Club, Cordova Bay, B. C. June, 1952

"That Line Is Busy"

The answer that follows is, "I'll phone later, thank you operator."

[...]

How many of us on the Colquitz Exchange during recent years have had a series of unpleasant experiences with our telephones? Many of us have come to the conclusion that if the average Englishman had to contend daily with a problem equal to a telephone on the Colquitz Exchange, it would double his topic for conversation overnight instead of depending strictly on the traditional subjects of the weather.

[...]

The authorities in the Telephone Office are familiar with every phase and aspect of this situation, and what is more important they are doing something about it for us. It will be equally surprising to many of us to learn that they set up a programme a few years ago which they hoped would mean the installation of automatic phones in our homes by the end of 1952. However, with the development of the Korean situation, their plans were temporarily nullified, but at the moment it is hoped that their objective may be reached late in 1954.

http://www.cbasn.com...T JUNE 1952.pdf

[Mike K.]

So we can blame North Korea for Canada's high telephone rates?

[Rob Randall]

My friend Mark has an amazing telephone collection. This is one of his best--it is a working land line!

 

[Cassidy]

Does Telus still actually support the pulse dialing of a rotary phone? ... or does he have some sort of converter that turns pulse dialing into tone dialing?

[Rob Randall]

I think it's a genuine pulse dialer but I'm not 100%. 

[LJ]

I have a rotary dial phone that still works but it's on Shaw not Telus. 

[Sparky]

^^^^ It would appear that your friend has an original early rotary pulse, especially when looking at the phone number in the centre. I share his affliction.

Here is one manufactured before the rotary. This one has a crank on the side that was used to contact the operator or connect directly to a similar phone using a selection of long and short cranks.



This phone was sold by BC Tel when they upgraded to tone pay phones. They got rid of the old dial payphones by chrome plating them and selling them for $99 in the early 80's.



One of my favourites is this switchboard that came out of the Crystal Court Motel.

[Rob Randall]

Yes, it is a genuine pulse dialer. Mark has also successfully installed digital converters in old rotary phones.

 

It looks similar to yours. Mark's dates from the '20s but that model was made for several decades. 

Edited by Rob Randall, 01 July 2018 - 08:25 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Sooke’s last payphone is hanging up for good.

 

Tucked outside Pharmasave in Cedar Grove Shopping Centre, the payphone will make its last call in April.

 

 

__________________

 

 

There are about 1,800 payphones in service across B.C., including three in Victoria and one each in Port Renfrew and Jordan River.

 

 

 

 

https://www.sookenew...-last-payphone/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 March 2022 - 11:20 AM.