The nation's last VLF Subcarrier ("VLFS") pay phone has finally met the end of its useful life.   The 50 year old ancient tube technology that made such pay phones operate is no longer serviceable, so the hardware has been phased out over the last few years.  This single remaining phone was shut down this week.

An informed source at Pacific Bell noted that they were literally down to their "last tube" and only kept this phone operating as long as they did out of a sense of tradition.  The one thing that users of these pay phones noticed was the sound that vacuum tubes provided on this system; something that audiophiles certainly understand.

Old Timers familiar with this service will recognize the coupling loop that allowed remarkable operational capabilities at a sometimes surprising distance from nearby telco trunks.  The phone shown on the photo is located in Hollywood and will soon be converted to "landline" service.

So, it's farewell to yet another element of American telecom history.  By the way, does anyone know the exact location of this phone?  If so, I'd like to hear from you.  Mail me at: steve@earthsignals.com. 

Mischievously Provided by Earthsignals.com