Development of Australian Payphones and Booths
Australian payphones and booths began with the first public telephones installed in Sydney in 1893, part of early efforts to bring telephone access to the public. Over the 20th century, dedicated payphone designs evolved from basic cubicles to robust, coin-operated units like the green CT3 and later the distinctive 1980s Gold Phone, addressing vandalism and payment needs. Public telephone cabinets also developed through the 1950s and 1960s toward aluminium-framed street installations. At their 1990s peak, Australia had more than 80,000 payphones nationwide. Deregulation in 1989 opened the market, and today Telstra maintains phones under a Universal Service Obligation, with modern adaptations including free calls and Wi-Fi at some sites.
Click here for Australian 1900-1940 early development and models
Click here for Australian 1960-2000 Mid-century payphones
Click here for Australian PHONE BOXES
Click here for Australian PRIVATE PAYPHONES
Click here for Australian FULL LIST
