| Name | Pointphone PI73 |
| Date | 1985 |
| Manufacturer | Mecelec |
Development of the Pointphone PI73
| The PI73, manufactured by Mecelec, was a first-generation “Pointphone” introduced in October 1985, designed to expand access to simple, low-cost public telephony. Compact and lightweight at just 3 kilograms, it was significantly smaller than traditional publiphones and intended for widespread deployment in shops, cafés, and other semi-public locations. The PI73 operated as a coin-only device, accepting a range of French currency through a single selector, including ½ franc, 1 franc, 2 franc, 5 franc (Semeuse Roty), and 10 franc (Mathieu) coins. It featured a liquid crystal display that showed the remaining call credit in francs, providing users with clear, real-time feedback. Unused coins were automatically returned, improving user trust and convenience. Initially produced in an ivory white finish, the PI73 was later offered in additional colours from 1991, including grey, blue, and black, allowing greater flexibility in different environments. From 1992, it could also be paired with a Minitel terminal via an adaptation kit, extending its functionality beyond voice calls into early digital services. The PI73 saw rapid adoption, with approximately 12,000 units in service by the end of 1986. By 1992, this number had grown dramatically to over 600,000 units, reflecting its success as a simple, robust, and widely accessible public telephone solution. |
| Mecelec was a French industrial company based in Mauves, specialising in plastics processing and composite materials, particularly glass-fibre reinforced polyester. Founded in the mid-20th century, it developed strong expertise in moulding techniques, producing durable, lightweight enclosures for industries such as telecommunications, transport, and energy. During the 1980s, Mecelec became involved in public telephony through the production of “Pointphone” units, notably the PI73. While it did not manufacture the electronic systems, its strength lay in designing robust, weather-resistant housings suited to heavy public use. This made Mecelec an important contributor to the expansion of small-format, decentralised payphones across France, particularly in shops and cafés. Its materials expertise enabled cost-effective mass production without compromising durability. Compared to traditional publiphones, Mecelec’s units were lighter and more compact, supporting flexible installation in a wide variety of locations. |
| More info- https://www.publiphonie.fr/ |
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