Payphone Removal

Because of lack of use and expense all but the 2 most highly used payphones will be removed from campus.

ITSS will coordinate the removal of payphones starting in April 2018.

Rationale for the Decision

By the late 1990's, the number of payphones at UMD grew to a high-water mark of 30 indoor and outdoor units. Today, we are left with 14 payphones which cost over $10,000 per year to operate. Usage statistics for the past 14 months show that the majority of campus payphones are used less than twice per month, and half of them average less than 1 call per month.

Payphones were the campus solution for public safety and convenience for more than two decades. Today, cell phones are the communications device of choice,. According to a 2014 EDUCAUSE report, 86 percent of undergraduates owned a smartphone in 2013. That number is undoubtedly higher today.

Review and Recommendation

ITSS's proposal to begin removing payphones was reviewed by the:

  • Strategic Planning and Budget Committee
  • Facilities Management Subcommittee

The outcome of those meetings was a recommendation to remove all but the two most highly used pay phones. Those are located at the:

  • Kirby Plaza bus hub
  • Kathryn A. Martin Library

911, Local, or Toll Free from Campus/House Phones

To address the concerns of various student groups and others, ITSS will make changes to allow campus/house phones to dial 911, local, or toll free numbers.