| Name | PF16 Schlumberger |
| Date | 1992 |
| Manufacturer | Schlumberger for France Télécom |
Development of the PF16 Schlumberger
| The second generation of French prepaid card publiphones, introduced in 1992 and homologated by France Télécom, represented a significant improvement in usability, reliability, and international accessibility. Developed following a national consultation launched in 1989, these semi-analog, semi-digital devices standardised key features that addressed the shortcomings of earlier models. All second-generation publiphones were equipped with backlit LCD displays, a major advancement over the non-illuminated screens of first-generation units. These displays not only showed call credit but also provided step-by-step user guidance. Most models—including the PF16, PF16 Mixte, IPT701, and IPT571—offered multilingual instructions in five languages: French, English, German, Spanish, and Italian. The IPT501 model, designed for more limited contexts, provided guidance in French and English only. Amplified listening remained a standard feature, improving accessibility in busy or noisy environments. The flagship model of this generation was the PF16, manufactured by Flonic-Schlumberger. Introduced from June 1992, it replaced the earlier PF32 and featured a lighter design at 11.5 kilograms. It included a “Bis” redial function and was registered under France Télécom nomenclature number 899-109 K. Its improved electronics and simplified power requirements contributed to greater operational reliability and ease of maintenance. A notable precursor to the PF16 was the PF08T prototype, developed in 1989. While not deployed in mainland France or overseas departments, it saw widespread use in overseas territories such as Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. It featured a similar form factor but included different function key configurations. The PF16 Mixte variant expanded functionality by accepting multiple payment methods, including Télécartes, France Télécom cards, chip-based bank cards, and foreign magnetic stripe cards. Designed for high-traffic international locations such as airports and tourist areas, it reflected the growing need for globally compatible public telephony solutions. |
| More info- https://www.publiphonie.fr/ |
Leave a Reply