THE upsurge in the use of mobile phones has resulted in the relocation of Ghana Telecom (GT) payphone boots to areas like hospitals and secondary schools where there is great demand for their use.

This was disclosed by the General Manager, Marketing Communication and Research (Fixed Network Services), Mr Joseph Wireko in an interview with the Spectator.

He said contrary to what people suspect, most of the GT payphone boots that appear dusty and abandoned are in good condition but are not adequately patronised.

Nostalgically, he recalled; "Gone are the days when people queued for up to 30 minutes, waiting their turn to make a call.

With time and lack of use firm low patronage, some of the boots appear dirty and abandoned. For the some reasons, it has become a problem to replace faulty one’s.

He said, GT has permanent contractors recruited on exchange basis at least twice in a week to clean as well as repair unserviceable phone boots adding that people vandalise and tap the phone boots after making calls.

Most users of mobile phones are of the view that the portability and prestige associated with the use of mobile phones is a factor.

Unlike the GT payhone boots, the mobile phone can be used for browsing and texting.

He said, although Ghana Telecom has reduced it’s call charges, the patronage is still not encouraging.

Compounding the problem is the competition among mobile phone companies that have also reduced their charges.